Exodus 4:26 – “So the Lord let him alone. (At that time she said ‘bridegroom of blood,’ referring to circumcision.)”
Extended Explanation
Exodus 4:26 concludes a brief but intense episode in the life of Moses. After Zipporah circumcised their son and touched Moses’ feet with the foreskin, the Lord “let him alone.” This verse indicates that the immediate danger Moses faced—God’s intention to take his life—was averted because Zipporah’s action fulfilled the covenant requirement. The phrase “bridegroom of blood” is repeated, highlighting its significance in the context of this event.
This verse wraps up the encounter by showing that God’s wrath was appeased through obedience to the covenant sign of circumcision. The use of the term “bridegroom of blood” by Zipporah may reflect her strong emotions in the moment, possibly frustration, shock, or recognition of the life-saving significance of the act she performed. The repetition of this phrase underscores the importance of circumcision in maintaining the covenant relationship between God and His people.
Historical Context
In the broader context of the narrative, Moses was on his way back to Egypt after receiving God’s commission to lead the Israelites out of slavery. However, at a lodging place on the journey, God confronted Moses, intending to kill him because his son had not been circumcised. Circumcision was the sign of the covenant between God and Abraham’s descendants, as established in Genesis 17, and it was a non-negotiable command for all male Israelites.
Moses, although chosen by God for a great task, had neglected this crucial requirement in his own household. This neglect put him in direct disobedience to God’s covenant. Zipporah’s quick action to circumcise their son corrected this disobedience, and the immediate threat to Moses’ life was removed. The episode illustrates that even those who are chosen by God must adhere to His commands.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Exodus 4:26 emphasizes the seriousness of covenant obedience. God’s covenant with Abraham and his descendants required circumcision as a sign of belonging to God’s people. This incident shows that failure to uphold the covenant, even by someone as significant as Moses, had severe consequences. It serves as a reminder that God’s standards are consistent and that obedience to His commands is essential for maintaining a right relationship with Him.
This verse also points to the concept of atonement. The shedding of blood, even in this context of circumcision, appeased God’s wrath and restored Moses to a position where he could continue his mission. It foreshadows the larger biblical theme that bloodshed, ultimately fulfilled in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, is necessary for atonement and reconciliation with God.
Literary Analysis
Literarily, Exodus 4:26 acts as the resolution to the tension introduced in the previous verses. The phrase “So the Lord let him alone” provides closure to the episode, signaling that the crisis has passed and that Moses can now proceed on his journey. The repetition of the phrase “bridegroom of blood” draws attention to the significance of the event and emphasizes the life-saving importance of covenant faithfulness.
The verse also serves as a narrative bridge, allowing the story to return to the broader mission of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt. By resolving this issue, the narrative refocuses on the larger purpose of Moses’ mission, but not without first highlighting the critical importance of personal and familial obedience to God’s commands.
Biblical Cross-References
Several biblical passages provide further insight into the themes present in Exodus 4:26:
- Genesis 17:10-14 – This passage establishes circumcision as the sign of the covenant between God and Abraham’s descendants, providing the background for understanding why it was so crucial for Moses’ son to be circumcised.
- Colossians 2:11-12 – Paul speaks of a spiritual circumcision that believers undergo in Christ, connecting the physical act of circumcision to the spiritual reality of being set apart for God through Christ.
- Romans 2:29 – This verse emphasizes that true circumcision is a matter of the heart, done by the Spirit, not just a physical act, pointing to the inner transformation that accompanies genuine faith and obedience.
These references reinforce the importance of covenant faithfulness and the deeper spiritual significance of circumcision in the Bible.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Exodus 4:26 is a powerful reminder of the importance of obedience to God’s commands and the seriousness with which God views His covenant with His people. It challenges us to examine our own lives for areas where we might be neglecting God’s requirements and to take steps to correct any disobedience.
This verse also encourages us to understand the importance of both personal and familial faithfulness to God. Just as Moses’ household had to be in order before he could lead the Israelites, we too must ensure that our lives are aligned with God’s will if we are to effectively fulfill the roles He has given us.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Exodus 4:26, while depicting a severe moment, ultimately reflects God’s love and His desire to maintain a faithful relationship with His people. God’s willingness to relent after Zipporah’s act of obedience shows His readiness to forgive and restore those who return to Him in faithfulness.
This episode also highlights God’s love in His commitment to His covenant. By enforcing the covenant’s requirements, God ensures that His people remain set apart and in right relationship with Him, which is essential for their well-being and His purposes for them.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus Christ through the themes of covenant, blood, and atonement. Just as Zipporah’s act of circumcision averted God’s judgment on Moses, the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross—His shedding of blood—provides the ultimate atonement for sin and satisfies God’s righteous demands. Jesus fulfills the covenant requirements on behalf of humanity, offering a way for all people to be reconciled to God.
Furthermore, the idea of being “let alone” or spared from judgment because of blood points directly to the work of Christ, whose blood spares believers from God’s wrath and grants them eternal life. The “bridegroom of blood” language also foreshadows the relationship between Christ and the Church, where Jesus is the bridegroom who has purchased His bride with His own blood.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Are there areas in your life where you might be neglecting God’s commands, much like Moses did? How can you address these areas in light of this verse?
- How does this passage challenge you to ensure that your personal and family life is aligned with God’s covenant requirements?
- What does this verse teach you about the seriousness with which God views covenant obedience and the consequences of neglecting it?
- How does understanding the significance of circumcision in the Old Testament deepen your appreciation for the sacrifice of Jesus in the New Testament?
- How can the idea of being “let alone” by God after repentance encourage you in your walk of faith and in maintaining a right relationship with Him?
Exodus 4:26 challenges us to take seriously our call to obedience and to ensure that our lives are fully aligned with God’s covenant. It reminds us that God’s love includes correction and that His desire is for us to live in faithful relationship with Him. Through Jesus Christ, we are invited into a new covenant, marked by a heart transformed by His grace and the ultimate atonement made through His blood.