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The Lord, Moses, and Circumcision |
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Bible Study -
Devotional
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Contributed by Phil Spadaro
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Monday, 12 February 2007 |
 Isolation from God's People
On the trip, at an overnight campsite, it happened that the LORD
confronted him and sought to put him to death. So Zipporah took a
flint, cut off her son's foreskin, and threw it at Moses' feet. Then
she said, "You are a bridegroom of blood to me!" So He let him alone.
At that time she said, "You are a bridegroom of blood," referring to
the circumcision.
Moses has been chosen to lead God's people out of bondage after several decades in the dessert. Yahweh has told him his responsibilities and given him clear directions on how to proceed. Despite Moses' reticence, God does not waver in making him His prophet. Directly following the account of Moses' appointment is Exodus 4:24-26. Although the details of this passage are enigmatic, there are some clear principles to be gleaned from it.
When reading Exodus 4:24-26, there are several questions which come to mind. Why the sudden (apparent) change in God from lifting up Moses to a death threat? Why hadn't Moses previously circumcised his son? Why did Zipporah (by action) answer God's challenge? Perhaps we will never know the exact answers from scriptures, but we can possibly surmise some of the values at work.
Moses had been given over to Pharaoh's daughter (Exodus 2:8-10) at early age, but had been circumcised beforehand (Exodus 2:2). He was raised in an Egyptian culture after which he lived with Midianites (Exodus 2:11-22). Neither the Egyptians nor the Midianites were familiar with circumcision. Moses had been separated from his people, religion and culture for 80 years, a lifetime. Perhaps he neglected his covenant responsibility because he was not tied well into the family of God.
This principle still stands. If we wander away from God's church and decide to be a “lone ranger” Christian, the consequences can be devastating. Without accountability or input, we develop our own deviations from the Lord's intent, even with a Bible. The church is an integral part of our relationship with God. Participation in the (God ordained) beliefs and practices of the Hebrews was essential for Moses' relationship with Yahweh as well. Moses recognized his separation from his people in Exodus 2:22.
Secondly, Moses took a Midianite wife. The Midianites would be a thorn in the side of the Israelites for generations to come. Whatever their religious beliefs, they were not the same as God's covenant people. Zipporah would not press Moses, under normal circumstances, to have their son, Gershom, circumcised. Under duress but also demonstrating loyalty to her husband, she removed the foreskin from her son.
God commands us in 2 Corinthians 6:14 to choose our spouse carefully; they are not to be an unbeliever. Too often single men and women date and marry outside of the faith, and the consequences can be devastating. However, it is interesting to note that Zipporah did restore circumcision in the household. Wives and mothers can have a tremendous impact, both positive and negative, on the spirituality of their families.
Moses should have lead his family by performing the circumcision, but did not. He shirked his duty as leader of his wife and son. Men must take the lead of their families with love, respect, spiritual diligence, humility, service and faithful boldness. The results of a family not lead at all are tragic.
As the leader of the Hebrews, God also had an expectation that Moses would lead by example – including circumcision. Leaders who give marching orders but do not follow the Lord's commands will find themselves not leading and in disgrace. There are no exemptions from covenant responsibilities, even if God personally designated you leader of His movement.
The account of Exodus 4:24-26 gives us much instruction on family life, choosing a spouse carefully and the need for fellowship. We can chose to ignore these lessons, or we can apply them. Had Zipporah not circumcised Gershom, would God have chosen a new leader? I believe so. Let us not be so conceited that we believe were are exempt from God's commands.
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Midianites
Written by Alan on 2007-02-12 06:14:37
After Sarah died, Abraham took a second wife. Midian was one of their children. (Gen 25:1-2) So Midianites were descendents of Abraham, and should have known to keep the covenant of circumcision. And so Zipporah was also descended from Abraham, and should have known about circumcision. Apparently she was not fond of the ritual but knew about it, and knew her uncircumcised son was the cause of the Lord's preparing to kill Moses.
Note that her father was Jethro, priest of Midian, who sacrificed to the Lord in the desert (Ex 18:12) and delivered a message from the Lord to Moses about delegation.
Your point about wandering away is valid. But in the case of Moses, that was caused by God for his purposes. | Midian under covenant?
Written by pspadaro on 2007-02-12 09:47:37
Alan, were the Midianites part of the circumcision covenant? Abrams 1st child was not and it seems as if only Isaac would be in the line for the promise and responsibility of circumcision. That Zipporah knew about the ritual and its significance is enlightening. I had read of Jethro being a priest. Another (Melchizidek) example of someone outside of the Hebrews worshiping God.
Thanks for pointing out the errors in my assumptions. I really respect your knowledge and application of the Bible.
Phil | Re: Midianites
Written by Alan on 2007-02-12 20:51:55
See Genesis 17:
"Gen 17:12-13 For the generations to come every male among you who is eight days old must be circumcised, including those born in your household or bought with money from a foreigner--those who are not your offspring. Whether born in your household or bought with your money, they must be circumcised. My covenant in your flesh is to be an everlasting covenant."
So Abraham did circumcise Ishmael and all the other males in his house:
"Gen 17:23-27 On that very day Abraham took his son Ishmael and all those born in his household or bought with his money, every male in his household, and circumcised them, as God told him. Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised, and his son Ishmael was thirteen; Abraham and his son Ishmael were both circumcised on that same day. And every male in Abraham's household, including those born in his household or bought from a foreigner, was circumcised with him."
Of course this was while Sarah was alive, prior to the birth of Isaac. She died in Gen 23:1. Then we see in Gen 25:1-2
"Gen 25:1-4 Abraham took another wife, whose name was Keturah. She bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak and Shuah. Jokshan was the father of Sheba and Dedan; the descendants of Dedan were the Asshurites, the Letushites and the Leummites. The sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida and Eldaah. All these were descendants of Keturah. "
So, although the promise was to be delivered through Isaac, circumcision applied to all of Abraham's male descendents.
You and I both have heard this taught incorrectly. It was a consequence of young preachers with no formal education in the Bible. There are a lot of these weeds that need to be pulled out of the garden. | Good insight!
Written by pspadaro on 2007-02-13 03:46:09
Alan,
Great insights into the covenant of circumcision. I love this kind of Bible study and discussion, it reveals in more detail who God is. Thanks again - your wisdom and knowledge of the Word are greatly admired and appreciated. |
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Last Updated ( Monday, 12 February 2007 )
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