Why Did God Almost Kill Moses In Exodus 4:24-26?

Summary

In this analysis of Exodus 4:19-26, the speaker delves into the confusing passage where God seeks to kill Moses. The key reason for God's anger is Moses’ failure to circumcise his son, despite being commanded to do so. The speaker explains that God’s discipline toward Moses is tied to his neglect of the covenant and emphasizes the importance of obedience to divine commands. Through commentary by John Gill, the speaker clarifies that Zipporah’s act of circumcising their son, despite Moses' inability to do so, results in God's mercy. The broader message highlights the necessity of living in accordance with God's will and the importance of holiness in ministry.

Takeaways

• 😀 God’s call to Moses included both a mission to deliver Israel and the requirement of obedience to His laws, including circumcision.
• 😀 The passage in Exodus 4:24-26 raises questions about why God sought to kill Moses, which some commentators have found difficult to explain.
• 😀 One interpretation, supported by theologian John Gill, is that God sought to kill Moses because he had neglected to circumcise his son, not because of other potential reasons like bringing his family with him on his journey.
• 😀 The text mentions the threat of death to Moses, which may have been either a supernatural consequence of an angel's presence or a physical ailment caused by God's displeasure.
• 😀 Zipporah performed the circumcision on Moses’ son, which was seen as a necessary act to resolve God's displeasure and restore Moses' life.
• 😀 Zipporah’s statement that Moses is a ‘bridegroom of blood’ refers to the idea that Moses’ life was spared because of the atoning blood from the circumcision.
• 😀 Some theologians interpret Zipporah’s phrase ‘bridegroom of blood’ as a recognition that Moses was delivered from death by the atonement of blood, which parallels biblical themes of sacrifice and redemption.
• 😀 The episode illustrates the importance of living in obedience to God, even when called for a grand mission, highlighting that personal holiness is required for effective ministry.
• 😀 Moses’ potential disobedience in circumcising his son emphasizes that obedience to God's commands cannot be compromised, even in light of significant ministry assignments.
• 😀 The episode also reflects the broader gospel message: that forgiveness of sin requires blood atonement, symbolized by the circumcision in this story, pointing forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

Q & A

Why did God seek to kill Moses in Exodus 4:24?

God sought to kill Moses because he neglected to circumcise his son, which was a command given to Abraham and his descendants as part of God's covenant. This neglect of the covenant's sign led to divine displeasure, as Moses had not fulfilled his duty as the head of his household.

Who is the 'him' referred to in Exodus 4:24, and why is this important?

The 'him' in Exodus 4:24 refers to Moses, not his son, as some have mistakenly believed. This clarification is important because it helps to focus on Moses’ sin of neglecting to circumcise his son, which was the cause of God's anger, rather than any perceived failure related to his family accompanying him on his journey.

What does John Gill's commentary say about why God was displeased with Moses?

John Gill's commentary suggests that God was displeased with Moses because he neglected to circumcise his son, an act that was central to the covenant. This failure indicated disobedience to God’s law, and God sought to kill Moses as a result of this neglect.

How does John Gill explain the relationship between Moses’ disobedience and the divine threat?

John Gill argues that Moses' disobedience in neglecting circumcision led to the divine threat. God called Moses to lead Israel and serve as His mouthpiece, but Moses had to live in accordance with God's law, demonstrating that even those called by God must adhere to His commands.

What role did Zipporah play in Moses' life being spared?

Zipporah played a crucial role by circumcising their son after Moses' disobedience. Her act of obedience to God's command, despite the fact that Moses was physically unable to do it due to illness or fear, resulted in Moses being spared from death.

Why couldn't Moses perform the circumcision himself?

It is suggested that Moses couldn’t perform the circumcision himself because he was either physically incapacitated by illness or overwhelmed by fear from a supernatural encounter. This allowed Zipporah to take action in his place, fulfilling the command of God.

What does the term 'bridegroom of blood' mean in this context?

The term 'bridegroom of blood' refers to Zipporah's recognition that Moses' life was spared through the act of circumcision. It symbolizes Moses being 'restored' or 'revived' due to the atoning act of blood, which is a parallel to the idea of atonement through blood in the broader biblical narrative.

How does the incident with Moses and Zipporah foreshadow the gospel?

The incident foreshadows the gospel in that it highlights the need for blood to atone for sin. Just as Moses' life was spared through the blood of circumcision, the New Testament teaches that Jesus’ blood atones for sin and brings salvation. This parallel emphasizes the importance of blood in atonement.

What theological point does the incident in Exodus 4 make about obedience to God's commands?

The incident emphasizes that God expects full obedience to His commands, even in seemingly small matters like circumcision. Moses, despite being chosen by God, needed to align his actions with God's will. This demonstrates that God's chosen ones must live according to His standards, and disobedience can result in severe consequences.

Why is the connection between blood and atonement emphasized in the explanation of Moses' near-death experience?

The connection between blood and atonement is emphasized to highlight that sin leads to death, but blood can atone for sin. In this case, Moses' life was spared through the blood of circumcision, which parallels the ultimate atonement through the blood of Jesus Christ, signifying the necessity of blood for redemption.