Zipporah's Role In The Book Of Exodus

1. Background Statement

Primarily focusing on the narrative within the narrative, Exodus 4:24-26, the research involved studying key words “bridegroom of blood” (4:25, NIV), as well as understanding the pronounced role of Zipporah and her actions. Also prominent in the research were customs and rituals common during the time of Moses, shedding light on Zipporah’s role in this narrative (Embry, 2010). Differing opinions by scholars were possible reasons for Moses’ endangerment and its relation to the narrative, why Yahweh attempted to kill Moses when he was the man chosen to lead the Israelites out of bondage, and whether the phrase “bridegroom of blood” referred to circumcision or bloodguilt (Embry, 2010).

2. Statement of the Problem This narrative is important to the whole book of Exodus because it returns Moses to Egypt and sets the scene for the impending exodus of the Israelites out of Egypt. The problem that arises is the discontinuity of verses 24 – 26; it does not appear to fit within the narrative and causes the reader to ask a number of questions. What is the reason for Moses endangerment? Why does Yahweh attempt to kill Moses? For what purpose does Zipporah seemingly appear out of nowhere and perform a ritual normally done by a male? What is the significance of Zipporah touching Moses’ foot with the foreskin? Finally, what is “bridegroom of blood” referencing?

Purpose of the Study By carefully analyzing the narrative in Exodus 4:18-31, the results will affect how the reader views Moses and his response to Yahweh’s divine calling to lead the Israelites out of