Who Was Zipporah in the Bible?
A Woman of Courage and Faith During the Time of Egypt and the Wilderness
Zipporah, whose name in Hebrew is צִפּוֹרָה (Tzipporah), meaning “bird” or “little bird,” is a notable figure in the Old Testament. She is introduced in the book of Exodus as the daughter of Jethro (also known as Reuel), a Midianite priest, and becomes the wife of Moses, the great leader and prophet chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from bondage in Egypt. Zipporah’s story is interwoven with the larger narrative of the Exodus and the journey of the Israelites through the wilderness.
Zipporah’s Role and Significance in the Biblical Narrative
The Meeting and Marriage of Zipporah and Moses
The first mention of Zipporah occurs in Exodus 2:21, where she meets Moses after he flees from Egypt to escape the wrath of Pharaoh. Moses arrives in Midian, a region inhabited by the descendants of Abraham through his wife Keturah (Genesis 25:1-2). At a well, Moses defends Zipporah and her sisters from shepherds who were harassing them, and in gratitude, Jethro offers his daughter Zipporah to Moses as a wife. This union not only provides Moses with a family but also aligns him with the Midianites, a connection that would later prove significant in his leadership role.
Zipporah’s Act of Obedience and Faith
One of the most striking events involving Zipporah is found in Exodus 4:24-26. As Moses is on his way back to Egypt, the Lord seeks to kill him because his son had not been circumcised, as required by the Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 17:10-14). Zipporah, recognizing the gravity of the situation, quickly circumcises her son and touches Moses’ feet with the foreskin, saying, “Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me” (Exodus 4:25, NIV). This act of obedience appeases God’s wrath and spares Moses’ life, allowing him to continue his mission to deliver the Israelites.
This episode highlights Zipporah’s quick thinking and her deep respect for God’s commandments, even when they seemed foreign or difficult. Her actions saved her husband’s life and ensured that Moses could fulfill his God-given purpose. It also underscores the importance of obedience to God’s covenant and the role of women in the biblical narrative as active participants in God’s plan.
Zipporah’s Return to Midian and Reconciliation with Moses
Later in the narrative, we find that Zipporah and her sons, Gershom and Eliezer, had been sent back to Midian, possibly due to the dangerous mission Moses was undertaking in Egypt (Exodus 18:2-3). After the Exodus, Jethro brings Zipporah and her sons to reunite with Moses in the wilderness. This reunion is described in Exodus 18, where Jethro offers wise counsel to Moses on how to govern the people more effectively by appointing capable men as leaders over various groups.
This episode not only shows the importance of family but also highlights the value of wise counsel and leadership. Zipporah’s willingness to return to Moses after a period of separation indicates her loyalty and dedication to her husband’s mission.
Lessons for the Modern Christian
Faithfulness and Obedience in Challenging Times
Zipporah’s story teaches modern Christians the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God, even when faced with difficult or unclear situations. Her quick actions in circumcising her son demonstrate that obedience to God’s commands is paramount, even when those commands are not fully understood. In a world where God’s instructions may sometimes seem counterintuitive or challenging, believers can look to Zipporah as an example of how to respond with faith and obedience.
The Role of Women in God’s Plan
Zipporah’s story also reminds us of the significant role women play in God’s redemptive plan. Her actions were crucial in preserving Moses’ life and, by extension, the future of the Israelite people. In the modern church, women continue to play vital roles, and their contributions should be recognized and valued. Zipporah’s story encourages both men and women to work together in unity, each fulfilling their God-given roles.
Connection to a Loving God
God’s Sovereign Guidance and Protection
Through Zipporah’s life, we see God’s sovereignty in guiding and protecting His people. God orchestrated the meeting between Moses and Zipporah, provided a family for Moses in a foreign land, and used Zipporah to preserve Moses’ life. This demonstrates that God is always at work, even in the seemingly small details of our lives, to bring about His purposes. For modern Christians, this is a reminder to trust in God’s plan and His timing, knowing that He is always working for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28).
The Importance of Covenant Relationship
Zipporah’s decisive action in circumcising her son underscores the importance of living in accordance with God’s covenant. God’s covenants are expressions of His love and commitment to His people, and obedience to these covenants is a way of responding to His love. For Christians, this means living in obedience to the New Covenant established by Jesus Christ, which calls for faith, love, and holiness.
Connection to Jesus Christ
Foreshadowing Christ’s Role as the Mediator
Zipporah’s story, particularly the incident of circumcision, foreshadows the role of Jesus Christ as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity. Just as Zipporah’s action averted God’s wrath against Moses, Christ’s sacrifice on the cross appeases God’s wrath against sin and reconciles us to God. In this way, Zipporah’s actions point forward to the greater work of Christ, who fulfilled the law and established a new covenant through His blood (Hebrews 9:15).
Christ’s Call for Obedience and Faith
Jesus calls His followers to a life of obedience and faith, much like the obedience demonstrated by Zipporah. In John 14:15, Jesus says, “If you love me, keep my commands” (NIV). Zipporah’s story reminds Christians that true faith is expressed in obedience to God’s word, and this obedience is a demonstration of our love for God.
Conclusion
Zipporah’s life and actions, though briefly mentioned in the Bible, offer profound lessons for believers today. Her faithfulness, obedience, and quick thinking in the face of danger played a crucial role in the fulfillment of God’s plan for His people. Zipporah’s story encourages modern Christians to remain steadfast in their faith, to value the roles that both men and women play in God’s redemptive plan, and to trust in God’s sovereign guidance. By looking at her life, we are reminded of the importance of living in accordance with God’s covenant, and we are pointed towards the ultimate fulfillment of that covenant in Jesus Christ.
References:
– Exodus 2:21
– Exodus 4:25
– Exodus 18:2