Topical Encyclopedia Wife: ZipporahMoses' wife, Zipporah, is introduced in the Book of Exodus. She is the daughter of Jethro, also known as Reuel, the priest of Midian. Moses encounters Zipporah after fleeing Egypt and arriving in Midian, where he assists her and her sisters in watering their father's flock (Exodus 2:16-17). Impressed by Moses' actions, Jethro invites him to stay with them, and subsequently, Moses marries Zipporah (Exodus 2:21). Zipporah plays a significant role in a critical event during Moses' journey back to Egypt. In Exodus 4:24-26, the LORD confronts Moses, intending to kill him. Zipporah quickly circumcises their son and touches Moses' feet with the foreskin, saying, "Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me." This act appeases the LORD, and He lets Moses go. This incident highlights Zipporah's quick thinking and her understanding of the covenantal sign of circumcision. Sons: Gershom and Eliezer Moses and Zipporah have two sons, Gershom and Eliezer. The birth of Gershom is recorded in Exodus 2:22, where Moses names him, saying, "I have become a foreigner in a foreign land." This name reflects Moses' experience of living in exile from Egypt and his identity as a sojourner in Midian. Eliezer, the second son, is mentioned in Exodus 18:4. His name means "My God is help," and Moses explains, "The God of my father was my helper; He delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh." This name signifies Moses' acknowledgment of God's providence and protection throughout his life, especially during his escape from Egypt. Family Dynamics and Later Life The family dynamics of Moses, Zipporah, and their sons are further explored in Exodus 18. After the Exodus from Egypt, Jethro brings Zipporah and her sons to meet Moses at Mount Sinai. It is implied that Zipporah and the children had returned to Midian during the events of the Exodus, possibly for safety reasons. Jethro's visit is marked by a significant moment where he advises Moses on the delegation of judicial responsibilities, which Moses implements (Exodus 18:13-24). The Bible does not provide extensive details about the later lives of Zipporah, Gershom, and Eliezer. However, their early interactions with Moses highlight the importance of family and the influence of Midianite culture and religion on Moses' life. The presence of Zipporah and their sons during key moments in Moses' journey underscores the personal and familial challenges he faced while leading the Israelites. Subtopics Iconoclasm: Destroyed by Moses Moses is a Herdsman for Jethro in the Desert of Horeb Moses with Aaron Assembles the Leaders of Israel Moses with his Wife and Sons, he Leaves Jethro to Perform his Mission in Egypt Moses: A Levite and Son of Amram Moses: Appoints Joshua As his Successor Moses: Benedictions of Last Benediction Upon the Twelve Tribes Moses: Benedictions of Upon the People Moses: Character of Called the Man of God Moses: Character of Complainings of Moses: Character of God Spoke To, As a Man to his Friend Moses: Character of Impatience of Moses: Character of Magnanimity of, Toward Eldad and Medad Moses: Character of Magnified of God Moses: Character of Meekness of Moses: Character of Obedience of Moses: Character of Respected and Feared Moses: Character of Unaspiring Moses: Commissioned As Leader of the Israelites Moses: Composes a Song for the People of Israel on Their Deliverance from Pharaoh Moses: Crosses the Red Sea; Pharaoh and his Army are Destroyed Moses: Discovered and Adopted by the Daughter of Pharaoh Moses: Has the Vision of the Burning Bush Moses: Hidden in a Small Basket Moses: His Controversy With his Wife on Account of Circumcision Moses: His Loyalty to his Race Moses: His Rod Miraculously Turned Into a Serpent, and his Hand Was Made Leprous, and Then Restored Moses: Institutes a System of Government Moses: Jealousy of Aaron and Miriam Toward Moses: Joined by his Family in the Wilderness Moses: Joins Himself to Jethro, Priest of Midian Moses: Learned in all the Wisdom of Egypt Moses: Meets Aaron in the Wilderness Moses: Mourning For, Thirty Days in the Plains of Moab Moses: Not Permitted to Enter Canaan, But Views the Land from Atop Mount Pisgah Moses: People Complain Against Moses and Aaron Moses: Present With Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration Moses: Rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Against Moses: Receives Comfort and Assurance from the Lord Moses: Rejected by Pharaoh; Hardships of the Israelites Increased Moses: Renews his Appeal to Pharaoh Moses: Reproves Aaron For: Irregularity in the offerings Moses: Reproves Aaron For: Making the Golden Calf Moses: Secures the Deliverance of the People and Leads Them out of Egypt Moses: Takes the Life of an Egyptian Taskmaster Moses: Under Divine Direction Brings Plagues Upon the Land of Egypt Mutiny: Israelites Against Moses Related Terms |
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