Topical Encyclopedia Zipporah, a Midianite woman, is introduced in the Bible as the wife of Moses. She is the daughter of Jethro, also known as Reuel, the priest of Midian. Her account is primarily found in the book of Exodus, where she plays a significant role in the life of Moses during a critical period of his mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.Marriage to Moses Zipporah's first encounter with Moses occurs when he flees from Egypt to Midian after killing an Egyptian. At a well, Moses defends Zipporah and her sisters from shepherds who were harassing them. In gratitude, Jethro invites Moses to stay with them, and eventually, Moses marries Zipporah. They have two sons, Gershom and Eliezer. The name Gershom reflects Moses' status as a foreigner in a strange land, as it means "a foreigner there" (Exodus 2:22). The Journey to Egypt As Moses is called by God to return to Egypt and lead the Israelites out of bondage, Zipporah accompanies him on this journey. A mysterious and critical event occurs during their travel, as recorded in Exodus 4:24-26. The Lord confronts Moses, seeking to kill him, but Zipporah intervenes by circumcising their son and touching 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 decisive action, which saves Moses' life and allows him to continue his God-given mission. Separation from Moses The Bible does not provide explicit details about the separation of Zipporah from Moses, but it is implied that she and their sons return to her father's house at some point. This separation may have been for practical reasons, as Moses faced the daunting task of confronting Pharaoh and leading the Israelites out of Egypt. The absence of Zipporah during the initial plagues and the Exodus suggests that she was not present during these events. Reunion with Moses Zipporah is brought back to Moses by her father, Jethro, after the Israelites have left Egypt and are encamped at Mount Sinai. Exodus 18:2-5 states, "After Moses had sent back his wife Zipporah, his father-in-law Jethro had received her, along with her two sons. One son was named Gershom, for Moses had said, 'I have become a foreigner in a foreign land.' The other son was named Eliezer, for he had said, 'My father’s God was my helper; He saved me from the sword of Pharaoh.' Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, together with Moses’ sons and wife, came to him in the wilderness, where he was camped at the mountain of God." Jethro's visit to Moses is marked by a joyful reunion and a significant exchange of wisdom. Jethro observes Moses' leadership and offers advice on how to manage the people's needs more effectively by appointing capable men to serve as judges, thus easing Moses' burden. Moses heeds his father-in-law's counsel, demonstrating the respect and influence Jethro holds in his life. Legacy Zipporah's account, though brief, is significant in the narrative of Moses and the Exodus. Her actions during the circumcision incident reveal her as a woman of courage and faith, willing to act decisively in a moment of crisis. Her return to Moses with their sons signifies the restoration of family unity and support during a pivotal time in Israel's history. Zipporah's presence in the biblical account underscores the importance of family and the role of women in God's unfolding plan for His people. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 18:2-6Then Jethro, Moses' father in law, took Zipporah, Moses' wife, after he had sent her back, Nave's Topical Index Library Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... Resources Who was Jethro in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Eliezer in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who were the Cushites? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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