Why did God want to kill Moses?
Today we will talk about why did God want to kill Moses. Many Christians do not know what this means. This story unfolds in a powerful way that might leave us pondering. Did God really want to take Moses’ life? To truly understand this event, we need to look at it from various perspectives. God’s plan seemed to have been put at risk, and that led to some serious consequences. So, let’s be on the mode of meditation as we read through God’s Word and attempt to understand this complex situation.
Understanding the Background
The story of Moses is a significant part of the scriptures, filled with drama, miracles, and leadership. Moses was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt (Exodus 3:10). Leading a nation is no small task, and Moses faced various challenges throughout his journey. However, one of the most striking incidents occurs in Exodus 4, where we find God expressing His intent to kill Moses. This moment is shocking and raises many questions regarding God’s character and plans.
Historically, Moses was a Hebrew raised in the Egyptian palace, which gave him a unique perspective on both cultures. He murdered an Egyptian (Exodus 2:12), fled to Midian, and later encountered God at the burning bush (Exodus 3:2-4). This incident led to God’s command for him to return to Egypt to rescue His people. The weight of that responsibility came with expectations, and Moses, while reluctantly accepting the task, was still human and made mistakes.
According to the Hebrew Bible, the name “Moses” means “to draw out” (Hebrew: מָשָׁה, Mosheh), reflecting his upbringing being drawn out of the water by Pharaoh’s daughter. Furthermore, Moses encounters God on Mount Sinai, where God gives him the commandments. However, it’s essential to remember that even those divinely chosen are not exempt from facing God’s wrath if they disobey His commandments. This brings us to the next segment, where we explore what led God to consider killing Moses.
The Disobedience of Moses
One of the fundamental premises we need to grasp here revolves around the nature of obedience. God demands our total loyalty and adherence to His commands, especially when He has a specific purpose for our lives. Moses had experienced immense grace; he was not just merely a messenger. He was chosen to be the leader of His people! Yet, in the midst of that calling, he failed to observe a vital aspect of obedience: the circumcision of his son, Gershom.
In Exodus 4:24-26, we read, “And it came to pass on the way, at the encampment, that the LORD met him and sought to kill him. Then Zipporah took a sharp stone and cut off the foreskin of her son and cast it at Moses’ feet. And she said, ‘Surely you are a husband of blood to me!’ So He let him go. Then she said, ‘You are a husband of blood because of the circumcision.'” This interaction shows us the seriousness of the covenant that God made with Abraham regarding circumcision (Genesis 17:10-14).
Why was this such a big deal? Circumcision was a sign of God’s covenant and symbolized a relationship between God and His chosen people. By failing to circumcise his son, Moses was neglecting a basic requirement of the covenant. God’s intention to kill Moses revealed the grave nature of his oversight. It serves as a reminder that God holds those in leadership to a higher standard—as leaders, their decisions and actions not only affect them but an entire community.
Additionally, Zipporah’s action of circumcising their son is significant. Here we see her jumping into action, demonstrating the importance of obedience within the household. This not only saved Moses but also upheld God’s covenant standard. The moment underscores the theme of obedience and how one person’s deviation from God’s commandments could angulate the trajectory of others.
The Significance of Obedience
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the larger message surrounding Moses’ near-death experience. God’s intention to kill Moses underscores how critical obedience is to God’s plans. Throughout scripture, we find numerous examples of God demanding fidelity. In 1 Samuel 15:22, the prophet Samuel states, “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD?” This question emphasizes that God values our obedience far more than our rituals or sacrifices. When considering Moses’ role, the burden of his leadership was to embody that obedience.
What does this mean for our lives today? Quite frankly, it tells us that we cannot disregard God’s commands because we believe God has a bigger plan in mind. God’s plan does not excuse disobedience; rather, it can amplify the consequences. Hebrews 12:6 reminds us, “For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and chastises every son whom He receives.” This indicates that disobedience brings about necessary disciplinary action to align us back with Him.
As Christians, understanding the importance of living in obedience to God is vital for our spiritual health. In the absence of that, we risk putting ourselves in dangerous positions, much like Moses faced. God strategically orchestrates events and people around us to guide us toward righteousness. Ignoring these nudges can lead to dire consequences, reinforcing that our disobedience can affect not only us but those around us.
God’s Mercy and Grace
In understanding why God wanted to kill Moses, it’s essential to remember that the story does not end in death. God’s willingness to forgive and supply a means of redemption through Zipporah’s action highlights His mercy. Romans 5:8 tells us, “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Even in moments where we falter, God’s grace has a way of making a path for us.
This incident suggests that though God is just and expects obedience, He is equally merciful. He didn’t destroy Moses but provided a route back to right standing. In our lives, we can embrace the truth that our failures do not define us; God’s grace reshapes our identities. Jesus shows us that when we repent and return to Him, we have the opportunity not only to be forgiven but also restored to our intended purpose.
Furthermore, God’s intervention reflects the essence of His character throughout the Bible. Psalm 103:8 states, “The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” In our interpretations, we shouldn’t only focus on God’s judgment but also acknowledge His longing for us to succeed under His guidance. Thus, the intentions of God can sometimes appear harsh, yet they reveal His commitment to maintaining a covenant relationship with His people.
Final Thoughts
In summary, the shocking question of why God wanted to kill Moses highlights vital lessons regarding obedience, grace, and divine calling. Whether it be the importance of upholding God’s commands in our lives or understanding the weight of leadership, there is significant growth available from this interaction. Moses’ close call serves as a mirror for our lives today, reminding us that disobedience can lead us away from God’s plans.
Yet, we also see the beautiful narrative of God’s mercy that extends far beyond our mistakes. Through His promptings or even through prompts from those we love, God provides avenues to restore us to Him. This fuels our faith and motivates us to seek His heart continually. Let us strive to be obedient stewards, knowing that God’s grace will accompany us on the path ahead.
While the question may sound alarming at first, it invites us into a deeper relationship with God. Instead of viewing Him as a distant authority, we can embrace our own journey of faith where grace and obedience can coexist. As we continue our walk with the Lord, let us be inspired by Moses’ story to fulfill our God-given purposes with diligence and care.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4