Why Did God Try To Kill Moses On The Way To Egypt

Many readers of the Bible are curious about the intriguing and somewhat perplexing story in Exodus 4:24-26, where God attempts to kill Moses on his journey to Egypt. This incident raises questions about divine justice, human obedience, and God's plans for His chosen leaders. In this article, we will explore the biblical account, its context, and possible interpretations to understand why God would try to kill Moses and what lessons can be derived from this story.

The Biblical Account of God’s Attempt to Kill Moses

The story appears in Exodus 4:24-26 and is a brief but significant episode. It occurs after Moses has been called by God at the burning bush and is preparing to confront Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of Egypt. As Moses sets out on his journey, the text states:

“At a lodging place on the way, the Lord met Moses and was about to kill him. But Zipporah took a flint knife, cut off her son’s foreskin, and touched Moses’ feet with it. ‘Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me,’ she said. So the Lord let him alone. (At that time she said ‘bridegroom of blood,’ because of the circumcision.)” - Exodus 4:24-26 (NIV)

This brief episode seems abrupt and somewhat obscure, leading many to wonder about its significance and what it reveals about God's character and intentions.

Context and Background of the Incident

To understand why God tried to kill Moses, it’s essential to consider the broader biblical context:

• Moses and Circumcision: Moses was born to Hebrew parents but was raised in Pharaoh's household. According to biblical tradition, circumcision was a covenant sign between God and the Israelites (Genesis 17:10-14). Moses himself was to be a leader and deliverer of God's people, and his own participation in the covenant was crucial.
• Zipporah’s Role and the Son: Moses' wife, Zipporah, was Midianite, and her son was likely Gershom, Moses’ firstborn. The text indicates she performed the circumcision on her son, which was a divine requirement for Moses’ mission.
• The Significance of Circumcision: The act of circumcision was a sign of the covenant and obedience to God's commandments. Omitting it could symbolize disobedience or neglect of divine law.

Possible Explanations for God's Attempt to Kill Moses

Several interpretations attempt to explain this episode. Here are some of the most prominent views:

1. Moses’ Neglect of the Covenant

The most common understanding is that Moses had neglected the sign of the covenant—circumcision—for his son. This omission was a serious breach of God's commandments, and God's attempt to kill Moses was a divine measure to uphold the covenant obligations.

In this view, Moses’ failure to circumcise his son represented disobedience or neglect, and God's intervention was to correct this breach before Moses could proceed with His divine mission.

Supporting this interpretation, the act of Zipporah performing the circumcision and touching Moses with the foreskin symbolized restoring the covenant and securing God's favor.

2. A Test of Obedience and Faith

Some theologians see this event as a divine test of Moses' obedience. The incident underscores that even a leader chosen by God must adhere strictly to God's commands, and that divine purposes require faithfulness in obedience.

It also emphasizes that God's plans are contingent upon human obedience and that neglecting divine instructions can have serious consequences.

3. A Spiritual Battle or Symbolic Event

Another perspective views this story as a spiritual or symbolic event, representing the ongoing battle between divine authority and human obedience. The attempt to kill Moses could symbolize spiritual warfare or the importance of sanctity and purity in God's service.

From this angle, the episode illustrates that God's work involves divine standards that must be upheld, and neglecting them can hinder God's plans.

Exploring the Bible

This story connects with several biblical themes and verses:

• Covenant and Obedience: Genesis 17:10-14 emphasizes the importance of circumcision as a covenant sign. Moses’ neglect of this command would have been a breach of this divine covenant.
• God’s Holiness and Justice: Leviticus 19:2 calls God's people to be holy because God is holy. The episode highlights that obedience to God's commandments is vital for those serving Him.
• Leadership and Responsibility: Deuteronomy 18:15 speaks of God raising a prophet like Moses. Moses' leadership required strict adherence to divine law, illustrating that leaders are held accountable for their obedience.

These verses reinforce the idea that God's relationship with His leaders involves obedience, covenant fidelity, and holiness.

Lessons from the Incident

This story offers several important lessons:

• The importance of obedience to divine commandments: Neglecting God's commands can hinder His plans and lead to serious consequences.
• The significance of covenant faithfulness: Participating in God's covenant requires adherence to His signs and instructions.
• God’s holiness and justice: God's actions reflect His commitment to righteousness and purity in His service.
• Humility and correction: Even great leaders like Moses need correction and must prioritize obedience to fulfill God's purpose.

Conclusion

The episode where God attempts to kill Moses on his way to Egypt may initially seem confusing or harsh. However, understanding it in context reveals its profound significance. It underscores the importance of covenant obedience, holiness, and faithfulness in God's service. Moses' story reminds believers that divine calling comes with responsibilities, and obedience to God's commandments is essential to fulfill His plans. Through this episode, we learn that God's justice and holiness are balanced by His grace and purpose, guiding His leaders and His people toward righteousness.

Recommended Products

These products may be useful:

• The Bible Promise Book for Men
• NIV Holy Bible, Large Print
• Moses: In the Footsteps of the Reluctant Prophet

Heaven Awaits Brothers & Sisters - Stay Steadfast, Shalom

1 Corinthians 2:9 - No eyes have seen and no ears have heard the things that God has prepared for those who love him💙

💛 Your voice matters. Your opinion might be exactly what someone else needs today — share it in the comments 👇