Zipporah in the Bible: 10 Facts About Moses’ Wife

In the bible, there are people whose stories, though not always in the forefront, leave a significant imprint on the unfolding drama of God’s people.

Among them is Zipporah, the wife of Moses. While her presence may not dominate the pages of Scripture, her role as a pivotal figure in the life of Moses and the Israelite community bears exploration and appreciation.

In this blog post, you will uncover the layers of Zipporah’s story, tracing her journey from the land of Midian to the heart of Israel’s wilderness wanderings, and examining the legacy she leaves behind in the annals of biblical history.

Zipporah In The Bible

Zipporah is a significant figure in the Old Testament of the Bible, primarily mentioned in the book of Exodus. She is known as the wife of Moses, one of the most prominent figures in biblical history.

Zipporah’s story is intertwined with Moses’ journey and his role as the leader of the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt.

Zipporah was the daughter of Jethro, also known as Reuel, a Midianite priest. According to Exodus 2:16-21, Moses fled Egypt after killing an Egyptian overseer who was mistreating an Israelite slave. He arrived in the land of Midian, where he encountered Zipporah and her sisters at a well.

Moses assisted them in watering their flock, and Zipporah returned home to inform her father of the stranger’s kindness. Jethro invited Moses to his home, where Moses eventually married Zipporah.

One significant event involving Zipporah occurs in Exodus 4:24-26. As Moses was journeying with his family toward Egypt to fulfill his mission from God to deliver the Israelites, the Bible recounts that God sought to kill Moses.

Zipporah took quick action and circumcised their son, Gershom, as a sign of their obedience to God’s covenant. This act averted the threat of God’s judgment upon Moses.

Zipporah’s role in this event highlights her quick thinking and her commitment to supporting Moses in his divine calling.

Though details about Zipporah’s life beyond these incidents are not extensively recorded in the Bible, her presence alongside Moses during his pivotal moments underscores her importance as a supportive and faithful partner in his journey.

While Zipporah’s narrative is relatively brief compared to other biblical figures, her actions demonstrate her significance in the unfolding of God’s plan for the Israelites and the pivotal role she played in supporting Moses during his leadership of the Exodus.

Facts to Learn from Zipporah

Zipporah is a figure mentioned in the Bible, primarily in the book of Exodus. She is best known as the wife of Moses, one of the most prominent figures in the Old Testament. Let’s dig into 11 facts about Zipporah, drawing from relevant scriptures:

Zipporah’s identity is deeply intertwined with her familial and cultural background. She is introduced in the Bible as the daughter of Jethro, also known as Reuel, the priest of Midian (Exodus 2:16-21). This familial connection places Zipporah within the context of the Midianite culture and suggests her upbringing within a religious and social framework influenced by her father’s role as a priest.

Zipporah Encounter with Moses

Zipporah’s  encounter with Moses occurs in Exodus 2 when Moses flees from Egypt after killing an Egyptian taskmaster and settles in Midian.

At a well in Midian, Moses defends Zipporah and her sisters from shepherds who were harassing them. Moses’ act of kindness and protection leads to a relationship between him and Zipporah, culminating in their marriage (Exodus 2:15-21).

This encounter not only marks the beginning of their marital union but also symbolizes the crossing of cultural and geographical boundaries as Moses becomes integrated into Midianite society.

Zipporah, Mother of Moses’ Sons

During her marriage to Moses, Zipporah bears him two sons: Gershom and Eliezer (Exodus 18:3-4).

The names of their sons carry significant meaning. Gershom’s name, which means “stranger there,” reflects Moses’ status as a foreigner in Midian, highlighting his displacement from his native Egypt and his adaptation to a new life in Midian.

Eliezer’s name, meaning “God is my helper,” underscores Moses’ acknowledgment of God’s assistance and provision throughout his journey and reflects his deepening faith in God.

Zipporah Suppport in the Circumcision of Their Son

One of the most enigmatic episodes involving Zipporah occurs in Exodus 4:24-26, where she performs a circumcision on their son in response to God’s impending judgment against Moses. The exact reason for this action is subject to interpretation and debate among scholars.

Some suggest that it was a symbolic act to avert God’s anger, while others propose that it was a fulfillment of the covenant of circumcision established by God with Abraham.

Regardless of the interpretation, this incident highlights Zipporah’s quick thinking and her understanding of the importance of obeying God’s commands, even in the face of uncertainty and adversity.

Through these significant events in her life, Zipporah emerges as a figure of strength, resilience, and faithfulness. Her identity, encounters, maternal role, and decisive actions contribute to her portrayal as a central figure in the narrative of Moses’ journey and the unfolding of God’s plan for the Israelites.

Zipporah’s  support for Moses is evident in her decisive action to save his life by performing the circumcision on their son.

In Exodus 4:24-26, when God sought to kill Moses on the journey to Egypt, Zipporah intervened and performed the circumcision herself, thus averting the threat of God’s judgment.

This courageous act underscores Zipporah’s commitment to Moses and his divine mission as the chosen leader of the Israelites.

Her willingness to take immediate action to protect Moses demonstrates her loyalty, faith, and dedication to her husband’s calling.

Zipporah Reunion with Moses

Following Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush and his commission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, he returns to Midian with his family. Zipporah and their sons accompany him on his journey back to Egypt, as recounted in Exodus 4:18-20.

This reunion marks a significant moment in their shared journey, as Zipporah stands by Moses’ side as he embarks on the monumental task of leading the Israelites to freedom.

Her presence underscores her steadfast support for Moses and her willingness to stand by him in the face of adversity and uncertainty.

Zipporah Meeting with Jethro

Upon their return to Egypt, Zipporah has a joyous reunion with her father, Jethro, who expresses delight at seeing Moses and his family.

In Exodus 18:1-12, Jethro offers sacrifices to God in celebration of their reunion and blesses Moses for his leadership role among the Israelites.

This meeting highlights the close familial ties between Zipporah, Moses, and Jethro, as well as the mutual respect and support they share for each other’s endeavors.

Zipporah’s reunion with her father reaffirms the importance of family and community in her life and ministry alongside Moses.

Zipporah Residence in Midian

Throughout much of her married life, Zipporah likely resided in Midian, where her father served as a priest. As a Midianite woman, she would have been familiar with the customs, traditions, and religious practices of her people.

Zipporah’s presence in Midian played a significant role in her husband’s life and ministry, as she provided support, companionship, and encouragement to Moses during their time there.

Her intimate knowledge of the land and its people would have been invaluable to Moses as he navigated the challenges of his leadership role among the Israelites.

Zipporah Participation in Israelite Community

Although Zipporah was not an Israelite by birth, she became an integral part of the Israelite community through her marriage to Moses.

As the daughter of Jethro, the priest of Midian, Zipporah’s inclusion into Israelite life symbolizes the merging of diverse backgrounds into God’s chosen people.

Her presence alongside Moses during pivotal moments of Israel’s journey from Egypt to the Promised Land underscores her importance within the community.

Notably, in Exodus 18:5, Jethro, Zipporah’s father, brings her and their sons to Moses in the wilderness, highlighting her enduring connection and contribution to Israel’s formative years.

Zipporah Hospitality and Kindness

Zipporah likely demonstrated hospitality and kindness to the Israelites during their stay in Midian. Her upbringing as the daughter of a priest may have significantly influenced her generous spirit and willingness to welcome strangers into her home.

The culture of hospitality in Midian, coupled with her own family’s priestly role, would have fostered a strong sense of service and care for others.

This hospitality not only strengthened ties between Moses and the Midianites but also set a precedent for the kind of community spirit that would be essential as the Israelites formed their own identity in the wilderness.

Originally posted 2024-07-10 13:11:12.