Today we will talk about why was God going to kill Moses. Many Christians do not know what this means. It really is a significant part of Moses’ story in the Bible, and it teaches us a lot about God’s expectations, mercy, and the seriousness of our responsibilities. As we read through God’s word, let’s keep our hearts open, ready to learn and grow from the life of one of the greatest leaders in biblical history.
Why Was God Going to Kill Moses?
Understanding God’s Reluctance to Spare Moses
To fully grasp the situation surrounding why God was going to kill Moses, we need to become familiar with a variety of elements, including Hebrew meanings, historical context, and biblical verses that surround Moses’ encounter with God. In Exodus 4:24-26, we find ourselves in a rather alarming scenario where the Almighty seeks to put Moses to death. The underlying reason for this frightening event raises a lot of questions about Moses’ obedience and the covenant obligations to God.
In Hebrew culture, names carry significant meanings that can provide insight into their characters and actions. The name “Moses,” or “Mosheh,” means “to draw out,” which resonates with his mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. The history of Moses also depicts him as a well-educated man, adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter, and raised to lead. But despite his background and divine appointment, his relationship with God was put to the test not long after he was commissioned for the monumental task of freeing his people (Exodus 3:10).
We need to address the events leading up to the confrontation in Exodus 4:24-26. Here, God instructs Moses to go back to Egypt to free the Israelites. However, God was upset because Moses had not circumcised his son, which was a sign of the covenant established with Abraham in Genesis 17:10-14. This covenant sign was essential and represented the faithfulness of God to His people and their commitment to Him. To neglect it was to breach a vital aspect of their relationship with God.
The act of circumcision holds weight in the Hebrew tradition throughout the scriptures. The term used for “circumcision” in Hebrew is “mûl” (מוּל), which means “to cut off” or “to cut away,” embodying the idea of separating oneself for God’s purpose. God’s disappointment with Moses was not merely a petty grievance; it was about upholding commitments to the divine covenant. God’s interaction reveals His unwavering commitment to holiness and expectations for His chosen leaders.
In this tense moment, we can find a reflective question we should ask ourselves: Are we honoring our commitments to God? God desires sincerity from us, not perfection. The decision of whether to honor covenantal obligations can sometimes seem abstract, but in the end, they represent our relationship with God and can have far-reaching implications.
Exodus 4:25 describes how Zipporah, Moses’ wife, acted to resolve the situation. She took a flint knife and performed the circumcision on their son, which led to God letting go of His threat. This moment serves as a turning point, where we can see how personal and communal commitment is meaningful in God’s kingdom. The urgency of obedience is evident, reminding us that sometimes we cannot shy away from acting on God’s instructions.
Looking at how Moses received God’s calling and subsequently paid a price reveals the delicate balance between divine commissioning and human obligation. While Moses had a divine purpose, he was still responsible before God for the mandates set forth. Thus, it illustrates God’s desire for genuine followers who honor His commands. In our own lives, we must ask ourselves how we are following God’s call and whether we are fully aligning our lives with His teachings.
Theological Implications of Moses’ Near-Death Encounter
Moses’ encounter with God can be seen as both a wake-up call and a severe grace moment. God’s intentions were not to end Moses’ life but to shake him into recognizing the seriousness of his responsibilities. Given Moses’ unique role as the mediator between God and Israel, his actions—or lack thereof—carried heavier implications than those of ordinary individuals. It begs to consider the role of leaders in our communities and how they should represent holiness and obedience to God’s standards.
Throughout biblical history, God chose leaders who were not always perfect but were obedient to His Word. Moses’ reluctance to circumcise his son serves as a reminder that everyone, regardless of their call and status, is accountable to God. The fact that God was prepared to kill Moses implies that even Moses had to meet God’s standards. In 1 Timothy 3:1-2, Paul notes this accountability to God through sober character expectations for leaders. Here we identify themes such as integrity, authenticity, and the pursuit of righteousness. God desires leaders who understand the stakes of their commitments and live rightly before Him.
God’s fierce love for His people and desire for a faithful relationship is reflected in the way He responds to Moses. His warning is not just about punishment; it is also about love and correction. Proverbs 3:12 says that the Lord disciplines those He loves, indicating that sometimes, hard things serve a purpose. In a similar way, God might be challenging us to evaluate our own commitments to the relationship we have with Him. Are there areas where we may say we are fulfilling our calling but might be falling short due to our negligence?
The grace displayed in Zipporah’s actions also highlights the importance of community in our spiritual journeys. Moses’ acceptable act of circumcision led to the renewal of his assignment before God. Likewise, surrounding ourselves with people willing to support and encourage us in our walk can be vital. Zipporah’s quick response to act reflects the essential role of those around us to help when we might struggle. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 beautifully illustrates that two are better than one, for they can help each other succeed.
The Importance of Obedience and Holiness in Leadership
Moses’ near-death experience serves as a powerful reminder of the seriousness of obedience and holiness, especially for leaders. God does not demand perfection, but He calls us to a life marked by earnestness in following His guidelines and living out our faith. Leviticus 20:7 says, “Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am the Lord your God.” We see this echoed in the New Testament in 1 Peter 1:15-16, which encourages believers to reflect God’s holiness in their lifestyle.
Obedience was a significant theme in Moses’ life, both in the actions he took and decisions he made. His struggle points us to examine our willingness to follow God’s command wholeheartedly. Are we available to listen to God and respond in a way that recognizes His authority? James 1:22 challenges believers to be doers of the word, not just hearers. Each step of obedience is an act of faith that reflects our understanding of God’s character.
Part of the reason God targeted Moses was that he had a role to play in leading a nation of people out of Egypt. His leadership role amplified the importance of obedience; thus, the stakes were higher. When leaders fail to live up to their responsibilities, it creates a ripple effect that can impact their communities. The Israelites needed a trustworthy shepherd who honors God’s commands to lead them to freedom.
Additionally, God’s response also emphasizes the need for holiness among those who are called to be His representatives. Adherence to God’s commands matters deeply, highlighting that what we do in our personal lives affects our walk with God and those we lead. It brings us back to questions of motivation and integrity in our faith journey. Paul urges the Church in 2 Corinthians 5:20 to act as ambassadors of Christ, and that comes with a call to live righteously, reflecting God’s love.
Our quest for obedience is accompanied by practical measures. Just as Moses needed to circumcise his son to affirm his covenant with God, we too must take deliberate steps to engage in intentional acts of obedience. What are the actions in our lives that demonstrate that we are honoring God’s will? Reflecting on our priorities may help guide us in living faithfully before Him.
Lessons We Can Apply Today
The striking scene of God nearly ending Moses’ life teaches us enduring lessons that still apply to our lives today. First and foremost, we should understand the necessity of honoring our commitments to God. Just like Moses had to circumcise his son, we have to take tangible steps to demonstrate our faithfulness to God and His commands. The act of honoring our commitments creates a strong foundation for our faith and relationships, both vertically with God and horizontally within our communities.
Secondly, the importance of accountability and community cannot be overstated. Zipporah played a crucial role in Moses’ story by stepping in to fulfill God’s requirement when Moses seemed hesitant. Who do we have in our lives that helps support us in our spiritual walk? It’s essential to forge connections with others that encourage us to pursue God wholeheartedly and hold us accountable in our commitments. Building friendships rooted in faith and encouraging each other to act on God’s Word will strengthen our journey.
Thirdly, this story reminds us of the weighty responsibility carried by leaders. Whether in formal roles and authority or informal circles, we must act as trustworthy representatives of God, ensuring that our actions align with His standards. As we work, speak, and live out our everyday lives, we become vessels through which God reveals Himself to others.
Lastly, the engagement with God’s command teaches us the importance of obedience—it should be seen as an act of love rather than mere duty. Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” Obedience invites us to experience God in new ways, enhancing our relationship with Him. In cherishing His commands, we recognize the life and blessings that come through Jesus Christ.
Final Thoughts
Moses’ near-death encounter with God is a powerful reminder of the necessity of faithfulness and obedience in our relationship with Him. As we have reflected, neglecting our commitments to God can have serious consequences, especially for those in leadership roles. We are shown God’s grace and the role community plays in supporting each other’s journeys.
Moreover, our obedience doesn’t merely end with understanding God’s commands, but rather, it translates into action that reflects our love for Him. It is clear that God’s expectations are serious, but His mercy abounds, giving us multiple chances to realign ourselves with His will.
May we take these lessons to heart and embrace our responsibilities with joy and sincerity, acknowledging how deeply God desires a committed relationship with us. Let’s remember to surround ourselves with those who furthers our walk with God, holding us accountable as we strive for holiness and righteousness.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4