Why did God want to kill Moses?

The episode where God sought to kill Moses due to his failure to circumcise his son is one of the more enigmatic passages in the Bible. It occurs in Exodus 4:24-26 (NKJV) and has puzzled scholars and readers alike due to its abruptness and apparent severity. To understand this passage, we need to explore its context, significance, and implications within the broader narrative of Moses’ life and mission.

The Passage in Question

Exodus 4:24-26 (NKJV) provides the account:

“And it came to pass on the way, at the encampment, that the Lord met him and sought to kill him. Then Zipporah took a sharp stone and cut off the foreskin of her son and cast it at Moses’ feet, and said, ‘Surely you are a husband of blood to me!’ So He let him go. Then she said, ‘You are a husband of blood!’-because of the circumcision.”

Context of the Passage

The context of this event is crucial for understanding why God sought to kill Moses. God had just called Moses to return to Egypt and lead the Israelites out of slavery. In Exodus 3:10 (NKJV), God tells Moses:

“Come now, therefore, and I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.”

This call involved significant responsibilities and dangers, making the episode with the circumcision even more perplexing.

The Covenant of Circumcision

Circumcision was a critical sign of the covenant between God and Abraham’s descendants. Genesis 17:10-14 (NKJV) details the covenantal significance of circumcision:

“This is My covenant which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every male child among you shall be circumcised; and you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you. He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised, every male child in your generations, he who is born in your house or bought with money from any foreigner who is not your descendant. He who is born in your house and he who is bought with your money must be circumcised; and My covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. And the uncircumcised male child who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that person shall be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant.”

Circumcision was not only a physical act but also a spiritual sign of obedience and identity within God’s covenant community.

Analysis of the Event

Disobedience to Covenant Command

The primary reason for God’s anger seems to be Moses’ failure to adhere to the covenantal sign of circumcision. As a leader chosen by God to deliver His people, Moses was expected to uphold all aspects of the covenant, including circumcision. This act of disobedience was a serious breach of God’s command and could not be overlooked, particularly as Moses was about to take on a pivotal role in the liberation of Israel.

Significance of the Circumcision

Zipporah’s intervention was critical. The use of a sharp stone to perform the circumcision indicates the urgency and gravity of the situation. Her action was not merely a ritual but a necessary step to avert divine judgment. This dramatic episode underscores the importance of covenantal obedience in God’s eyes.

Theological Implications

This episode highlights several theological implications:

1. Obedience to God’s Commands: The passage emphasizes the necessity of obedience to God’s commands, especially for those in leadership roles. Moses’ failure to circumcise his son could be seen as compromising his suitability for leading God’s people.
2. Holiness and Covenant Faithfulness: The incident underscores the holiness of God and the need for covenant faithfulness. Even a leader chosen for a significant mission is not exempt from the requirements of God’s covenant.
3. Family Responsibility: The event also illustrates the importance of family responsibility in the spiritual life. Moses’ failure to circumcise his son reflects a lapse in fulfilling his familial and covenantal obligations.

The Broader Narrative

Moses’ Mission and Challenges

Moses’ mission to free the Israelites was fraught with challenges, including opposition from Pharaoh and the task of leading a rebellious people through the desert. The severity of God’s initial response can be seen as a reminder of the seriousness of the mission and the importance of adhering to all aspects of God’s law.

The Necessity of Preparation

God’s demand for Moses to be in complete alignment with His commands before undertaking the mission reflects the necessity of spiritual and moral preparation for leadership. The seriousness of God’s call and the task ahead required Moses to be fully obedient and committed to God’s covenant.

Lessons from the Passage

The Importance of Covenant Faithfulness

This passage teaches the importance of remaining faithful to the covenant and upholding its commands. The covenant of circumcision was central to Israel’s identity and relationship with God, and adherence to this sign was essential for those leading God’s people.

The Seriousness of Leadership

Leadership in God’s plan requires a high level of responsibility and adherence to His commands. Moses’ failure to circumcise his son serves as a cautionary tale about the need for leaders to be fully committed to God’s standards and commands.

The Role of Family in Spiritual Life

The episode also highlights the role of family in spiritual life and responsibilities. Spiritual obligations extend beyond the individual to the family, and failing to uphold these responsibilities can have serious consequences.

The incident where God sought to kill Moses due to the failure to circumcise his son is a powerful reminder of the seriousness of covenantal obedience and the responsibilities of leadership. The immediate context of Moses’ mission to deliver Israel from Egypt makes this episode particularly striking, emphasizing the high standards required of those who lead God’s people.

God’s response underscores the importance of adhering to His commands, particularly those that signify a deeper covenant relationship. Zipporah’s decisive action to circumcise their son averted immediate judgment and restored Moses’ readiness for his mission.

This event offers important lessons about the necessity of faithfulness to God’s covenant, the weight of leadership responsibilities, and the role of family in spiritual obligations. Through this passage, readers are reminded of the need for complete obedience to God and the seriousness with which He regards His commands.