Zipporah Wife of Moses

Q: Why did God seek to kill Moses?

Moses was about to lead Israel in covenant with God, but he hadn't applied the covenant sign (circumcision) to his own son. He couldn't lead others into covenant while neglecting it himself. Zipporah's intervention showed Moses had failed in this basic duty, and she corrected it.

Old Testament

About Zipporah

Zipporah was one of the seven daughters of Jethro, priest of Midian. Moses married her after defending her and her sisters at a well. She saved Moses' life by circumcising their son when God was about to kill Moses for neglecting this covenant sign.

Zipporah's Character Traits

DecisiveProtectiveWife of Moses

Zipporah's Life Timeline

View journey on map

Meeting Mosesc. 1486 BC

Zipporah meets Moses at a well; he defends her and her sisters.

EXO 2:16-17

Marriagec. 1486 BC

Jethro gives Zipporah to Moses in marriage.

EXO 2:21

Sonsc. 1485-1446 BC

Zipporah bears two sons: Gershom and Eliezer.

EXO 2:22, 18:3-4

Circumcisionc. 1446 BC

Zipporah circumcises her son to save Moses' life.

EXO 4:24-26

Reunionc. 1446 BC

Jethro brings Zipporah and the sons to Moses in the wilderness.

EXO 18:1-6

Zipporah's Key Relationships

MosesFamily

Husband - Zipporah was Moses' wife.

JethroFamily

Father - Jethro gave Zipporah to Moses.

Zipporah's Key Locations

Midian

Where Zipporah lived before meeting Moses.

Spiritual Lessons from Zipporah

Decisive Action

When God was about to kill Moses for neglecting circumcision, Zipporah acted quickly. She did what Moses had failed to do. Sometimes others must step in when leaders fail. Her quick action saved her husband's life and preserved God's plan.