The Shocking Encounter: Unpacking a Mysterious Biblical Moment ✨
In the grand narrative of Exodus, Moses stands as one of the most towering figures in biblical history. He was chosen by God to lead Israel out of Egyptian bondage, empowered with miraculous signs, and privileged to speak with the Almighty face to face. Yet, tucked away in the early chapters of his divine commission is one of the Bible’s most perplexing and unsettling stories: an encounter where God, or rather His angel, seeks to take Moses’ very life, only to spare him at the last minute. “Why Did God Send an Angel to Kill Moses — Then Spare Him?” is a question that challenges our understanding of God’s character, Moses’ obedience, and the profound importance of covenant faithfulness.
This mysterious incident in Exodus 4:24-26 often leaves readers puzzled, seemingly at odds with the benevolent God who called Moses. Yet, within its brevity lies a powerful lesson about divine holiness, accountability, and the consequences of neglecting God’s commands. This article will unravel the enigma of this Moses angel encounter, delving into the biblical context and theological implications of this shocking event. We aim to shed light on God’s unwavering commitment to His covenant and the seriousness of obedience, even for His most chosen servants.
The Unsettling Encounter: A Divine Threat on the Way to Egypt ⚡
The scene unfolds shortly after God has called Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3) and empowered him to confront Pharaoh. Moses is on his journey back to Egypt with his wife, Zipporah, and their sons. They stop for the night, and then, suddenly, a terrifying event occurs:
And it came to pass by the way in the inn, that the LORD met him, and sought to kill him. — Exodus 4:24 (KJV)
This verse is chilling in its directness. “The LORD met him, and sought to kill him.” While “the LORD” is named, the immediate context, combined with other biblical instances of divine intervention, often suggests God working through an agent, possibly an angel. This is a common Moses near-death experience that begs for deeper understanding. What could possibly provoke such a sudden and fatal threat from the God who just called Moses to such a momentous task? The answer lies in a neglected covenant obligation.
The Core Issue: A Broken Covenant and Uncircumcised Son ⚔️
The immediate cause of God’s wrath is revealed in the subsequent verses. Zipporah, Moses’ wife, quickly understands the gravity of the situation and acts decisively:
Then Zipporah took a sharp stone, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast it at his feet, and said, Surely a bloody husband art thou to me. So he let him go: then she said, A bloody husband thou art, because of the circumcision. — Exodus 4:25-26 (KJV)
This dramatic and abrupt action points directly to the issue: the circumcision of Moses’ son. According to God’s covenant with Abraham, circumcision was the indispensable sign of belonging to God’s chosen people (Genesis 17:9-14). It was not merely a ritual but a fundamental commandment, a physical mark signifying a spiritual commitment.
Moses, chosen by God to lead Israel—God’s covenant people—back to the Promised Land, had failed to apply this foundational covenant sign to his own son. This was a profound act of disobedience, especially for someone called to represent God’s covenant faithfulness to an entire nation. His failure to circumcise his son Gershom (or perhaps Eliezer, as scholars debate which son this refers to) was a direct violation of a divine command. The severity of God’s reaction emphasizes that His covenants are not to be trifled with, and disobedience, particularly regarding fundamental commands, carries dire consequences. This explains the sudden and intense manifestation of God’s wrath Moses faced.
God’s Holiness and Leaders’ Accountability 🔥
This incident reveals critical truths about God’s character and His expectations, especially for those in leadership.
- God’s Holiness is Paramount: God is holy, and His commands reflect His holy nature. Disobedience, particularly from His chosen leaders, cannot be overlooked. As James 3:1 reminds us, “My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.” Moses, as the future mediator of the Law and the leader of Israel, had to embody faithfulness to God’s covenant. His personal conduct had to align with the divine standards he was about to convey.
- No Partiality, Even for the Chosen: This event demonstrates that God shows no partiality. Even His most beloved and chosen servant, Moses, was not exempt from the consequences of disobedience. This is a stark warning that privilege comes with responsibility. If Moses, the man who spoke with God, faced such a severe threat, it underscores the seriousness with which God views obedience from all His followers, especially those called to lead.
- Covenant Fidelity is Crucial: The covenant of circumcision wasn’t just a cultural practice; it was the mark of God’s relationship with His people. Moses’ neglect of this covenant sign was a spiritual oversight that put his entire mission, and perhaps even his own life, at risk. It showed a lack of immediate and complete obedience to a foundational truth.
This incident, though brief, serves as a powerful reminder of God’s unchanging nature and the sanctity of His commands. For more on the consequences of disobedience, you might find our article “What Happens When You Tolerate Small Sin?” relevant to understanding the cumulative impact of neglecting God’s will.
Zipporah’s Decisive Action: A Wife’s Insight and Faith 🛡️
Moses was passive, perhaps stunned or even unaware of the exact reason for the divine attack. It was Zipporah, his Midianite wife, who grasped the situation immediately. Her quick thinking and decisive action were instrumental in saving her husband’s life.
Then Zipporah took a sharp stone, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast it at his feet, and said, Surely a bloody husband art thou to me. So he let him go: then she said, A bloody husband thou art, because of the circumcision. — Exodus 4:25-26 (KJV)
Zipporah’s words, “Surely a bloody husband art thou to me,” (or “bridegroom of blood” as some translations render it) convey a mix of distress, perhaps frustration, and a profound understanding of the gravity of the situation. Her quick action averted what could have been a tragic end to Moses’ mission before it even truly began. This moment highlights not only her spiritual insight but also her courage. She, a Midianite, understood the importance of the Abrahamic covenant sign more clearly in that moment than Moses, the future deliverer of Israel. This act of quick obedience from Zipporah saves Moses from certain death.
This incident is also a testament to the fact that God often uses unexpected instruments, even those not initially central to His grand plan, to fulfill His will and correct His servants. Zipporah’s role here is crucial and highlights the active participation required in the covenant relationship.
Divine Justice Meets Divine Mercy: The Power of Atonement and Obedience 🙏
The Exodus 4 incident is a microcosm of God’s character: a perfect blend of justice and mercy.
- Justice Demands Consequence: God’s holiness necessitates that sin and disobedience, especially covenant disobedience, have consequences. The divine threat against Moses underscores this truth. It was not a random act of violence but a holy God’s righteous response to a serious transgression.
- Mercy Provides a Way: Yet, God, who is “merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth” (Exodus 34:6 KJV), provided an immediate avenue for Moses’ life to be spared. Zipporah’s swift action, though perhaps born of fear and desperation, served as the act of obedience necessary to satisfy the covenant requirement. The shedding of the child’s blood, a foreshadowing of greater atoning sacrifices, acted as the immediate covering needed to avert God’s direct judgment.
This entire episode vividly illustrates the principle of atonement and the critical role of obedience in our relationship with God. Moses was spared not because the punishment wasn’t deserved, but because the covenant requirement was met through a surrogate act. This points forward to the ultimate atonement found in Jesus Christ, whose blood provides complete and everlasting redemption for all who believe (Hebrews 9:22). This profound truth about God’s justice and mercy is a cornerstone of our faith. Learn more about the core of our salvation in “Justified by Faith: The Cornerstone of Christian Salvation.”
Lessons for Us Today: The Enduring Importance of Obedience 📖
The mysterious event where God sent an angel to kill Moses and then spared him holds timeless lessons for believers today:
- Obedience is Non-Negotiable: Even for those in high positions of spiritual authority, obedience to God’s clear commands is paramount. No calling or anointing exempts us from personal accountability.
- Covenant Matters: While we live under the New Covenant in Christ’s blood, the principle of covenant faithfulness remains. Our commitment to God, expressed through faith and obedience, is central to our relationship with Him.
- No “Small” Sins: What might seem like a minor oversight to us can be a grave offense in God’s eyes, especially when it concerns foundational truths or covenant obligations.
- God’s Patience Has Limits: While God is longsuffering, there are moments when His holiness demands immediate action, particularly when His commands are openly or persistently defied.
- Divine Correction is for Our Good: Though terrifying, God’s intervention was ultimately for Moses’ purification and preparation. It ensured Moses was truly ready to lead a holy nation.
- The Power of Timely Action: Zipporah’s swift and obedient action highlights the importance of responding immediately when God’s will becomes clear.
This perplexing incident serves as a powerful reminder that God’s character is complex: He is perfectly loving, but also perfectly holy and just. His demands for obedience are not arbitrary but are rooted in His unchanging character and His desire for a pure relationship with His people.
Conclusion: A Testament to God’s Holiness and Mercy 🙏
The story of God sending an angel to threaten Moses’ life, only to spare him, remains one of the Bible’s most profound and perplexing narratives. It underscores that God’s holiness demands absolute obedience, particularly regarding His covenants. Moses’ failure to circumcise his son was a grave transgression that provoked a severe divine response.
Yet, in this shocking display of divine justice, we also witness God’s profound mercy. Through Zipporah’s quick, obedient action, the covenant was honored, and Moses’ life was spared, allowing him to fulfill his incredible destiny. This event is a testament to the unchanging truth that while God is unyieldingly holy, He is also abundantly gracious, always providing a way for reconciliation through obedience and, ultimately, through the atoning blood of Christ.
What aspects of God’s character are most revealed to you through this powerful story of Moses? Share your reflections in the comments below!
