Today we will talk about why did God try to kill Moses. Many Christians do not know what this means. It’s a curious and, at first glance, perplexing episode that occurs in Exodus 4:24-26. This moment emphasizes God’s holiness and the importance of fulfilling His commands, especially when it comes to covenant relationships. Join me in reflecting on this surprising story as we read through God’s Word, seeking deeper understanding and insight. Let’s learn how and why this crucial event happened and what it tells us about our relationship with God.
Why Did God Try to Kill Moses?
The Covenant and Its Importance
To grasp the significance of why God would attempt to kill Moses, it helps to understand the concept of covenant in the Bible. The covenant represents a solemn agreement between God and His people, wherein blessings are promised in response to obedience. In Hebrew, the word for covenant is “berith,” and it signifies a binding relationship, often sealed with blood. The first major covenant in Scripture is between God and Abraham in Genesis 15, where God promises Abraham that his descendants will be numerous and possess the land of Canaan (Genesis 15:5-7).
The covenant is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, underscoring God’s desire for a personal relationship with His people while setting forth expectations for their conduct. When God appeared to Moses in the burning bush (Exodus 3:1-10) and called him to deliver the Israelites from Egypt, He affirmed this divine relationship. However, being called into such a covenant comes with responsibilities. As the leader of the Israelites, Moses was obligated to keep the covenant’s stipulations, including the circumcision of his sons—a sign of belonging to God’s people (Genesis 17:10-14).
In the cultural backdrop of Israel, failing to observe the covenant directly put oneself and one’s family at risk of serious consequences. When Moses neglected to circumcise his son, he was, in effect, disregarding God’s order and threatening his family’s covenantal standing with Him, exposing them to divine wrath. This highlights that God’s interaction with Moses was not merely about punishment but about the seriousness of covenant fidelity.
This episode teaches us that God is serious about His agreements with His people, emphasizing the importance of obedience in fulfilling His commands (Deuteronomy 28). When we enter a relationship with God, we too must be aware of His expectations. Failure to uphold our side of the relationship can have consequences, reminding us that our actions matter in our walk with God.
The Story of Moses’ Commissioning
Upon God’s calling, Moses was told to return to Egypt to lead the Israelites to freedom. This mission was monumental. However, it was not without its complications. In Exodus 4:18-23, we read about the commissioning of Moses, including God’s revelations and the miraculous signs that would accompany him. Yet, before Moses could fulfill this divine calling, there was a troubling moment during his journey.
As Moses and his family traveled to Egypt, the Bible records a shocking event when the Lord met him and sought to kill him (Exodus 4:24). It may seem shocking that the same God who called Moses to such a crucial task would suddenly place his life in jeopardy. However, this action aligns with God’s character and the seriousness with which He addresses disobedience. God does not tolerate neglect of His commands, especially those concerning the covenant.
The tension escalates when Moses’ wife, Zipporah, circumcises their son (Exodus 4:25-26). The moment she performs this act, she saves Moses by throwing the foreskin at his feet and calling him a “bridegroom of blood.” This expression points out the urgency of maintaining covenant obligations, as the blood represents a literal and physical manifestation of commitment to God’s commands. It illustrates that stake of obedience—for Moses and by extension for all of us—extends beyond personal responsibility to our loved ones as well.
The significance of this moment is both personal and communal. It presents the idea that one’s failure to uphold God’s expectations can have repercussions that reach beyond oneself. As we live our lives as believers, we need to be cognizant that our actions can impact our family’s relationship with God. Are we honoring our commitments, not just for ourselves but for those we love? This story challenges us to lead our families in righteousness, ensuring that we correspond with God’s expectations in every aspect of our lives.
Understanding Obedience and Its Consequences
Obedience to God is a core theme throughout Scripture and particularly evident in the dealings He has with Moses. The transgression of not circumcising his son can be seen as a lapse in Moses’ allegiance and understanding of his duty to God. One could question why God would go so far as to attempt to take Moses’ life; however, this action underscores the gravity of divine standards and the need for constant vigilance in our walk with God.
As believers, we often face moments of rebellion or neglect in our spiritual lives. The term “disobedience” means not adhering to the commands and teachings of God (1 Samuel 15:22). Just as God held Moses accountable, we must realize that our own disobedience has consequences—a ripple effect that can affect our relationships with God, ourselves, and others around us.
To comprehend this further, consider Hebrews 12:6, which reminds us, “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” This verse reflects God’s loving approach to discipline. The act of attempting to put Moses to death may seem harsh, but it was steeped in love—aiming to correct and guide him back to the path of righteousness. In this way, God’s actions compel us to reexamine our lives and recommit to the mandates He has placed upon us.
The importance of obedience does not just lie in our rights; it resides in our roles as God’s people. As members of God’s family, our choices intertwine with those around us—our families, our communities, and the world at large. God calls us to uphold His truth and righteousness even when it is challenging or requires sacrifice. The accounts of Moses’ difficult beginnings serve not only to instruct but also to encourage us that obedience, though demanding, aligns us within God’s plan.
The Grace and Mercy of God
Even amid God’s fierce demand for obedience, we also witness a character transformation rooted in grace and mercy. It is extraordinary that after the moment of danger, God not only spares Moses but continues to use him as a pivotal figure in His story. This dynamic character of God exemplifies His compassion and readiness to forgive when we turn back to Him. The Lord shows immense grace by still achieving His purpose through Moses despite earlier shortcomings.
Grace, in Greek, is translated “charis,” reflecting favor and kindness manifested toward those who do not deserve it (Ephesians 2:8-9). In Moses’ instance, God’s swift action demonstrated that while accountability is necessary, redemption is always on the table. The grace extended to Moses reminds us that God’s plans are ultimately greater than our failures and that He continually seeks to bring us back into right standing when we falter.
This brings a sense of hope to all of us. Whenever we stray from God’s mandates or fall short of our responsibilities, we can regain ourselves—turn toward God’s grace and ask for His forgiveness. This principle connects us with the message of the Gospel where we see that no matter our actions, God’s abiding love and mercy through Christ enable us to reconnect with Him (Romans 5:8).
Personal Reflection and Application
As we reflect on the story of Moses, we are prompted to consider our roles and relationships in light of God’s expectations. Are we upholding our commitment to God in our daily lives? Are there areas where we may be neglecting His commands or leading our families into disobedience?
Moreover, what can we learn from the moment when Zipporah intervenes to save Moses? Her quick actions epitomize the significance of advocacy—standing up for what is necessary in our family circles. This can inspire us to be more vigilant, to take bold steps when it comes to obeying God’s word and steering our loved ones towards faithfulness.
Let’s open our eyes to the grace God offers, acknowledging that while failure does come, it does not preclude us from His love. We can boldly approach Him in our moments of weakness and ask; our God is always ready to redeem and use us for His glory. Every experience holds teaching moments that can pave the way to deeper faith and conviction in God’s promises.
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on why God sought to kill Moses reveals a rich tapestry of lessons about obedience, covenant obligation, and the ever-present grace of God. This thought-provoking event urges us to take God’s commandments seriously, as neglect can have serious repercussions. It also highlights the depth of God’s love and mercy, showing us that even in moments of failure, there is always a way back through repentance and obedience.
As we stride onward in our faith journeys, let us remember the importance of leading our families aright and upholding the truths of God’s word. We are called not just to personal faithfulness but to shepherd those around us with grace and love. Every day is an opportunity to realign ourselves with God’s good plans, embracing His grace as we walk in faithful obedience.
In doing so, we can seek to fulfill God’s purposes in our lives and in the lives of those we cherish, reminding ourselves of His relentless love that seeks to guide and redeem us—and keep us walking in His ways.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4