Read the Daily Bible Verse – Exodus 4:24 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Exodus 4:24 is one of the most perplexing and often debated verses in the Bible. It stands out as an intense and unsettling moment in the narrative of Moses’ mission to free the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. This passage has left many readers asking, “Why did God seek to kill Moses?” This article will explore the context, meaning, and application of Exodus 4:24, comparing it with other biblical texts, examining its relevance to modern-day believers, and providing a thorough commentary on its significance.
The Context of Exodus 4:24
To understand Exodus 4:24, it is crucial to place it in its proper context within the Exodus narrative. The book of Exodus begins with a desperate cry from the Israelites for deliverance after centuries of slavery in Egypt. Moses, raised as an Egyptian prince but born an Israelite, flees to Midian after killing an Egyptian overseer. There, God calls him through the burning bush to return to Egypt and lead the Israelites to freedom.
The Journey Back to Egypt
Exodus 4:24 occurs during Moses’ journey back to Egypt after God commissions him. In the preceding verses, Moses has just been given specific signs to prove his divine mission (Exodus 4:1–9), and he has received instructions for leading the people of Israel out of Egypt (Exodus 4:10–17). Moses, hesitant and reluctant, expresses doubt about his ability to speak and lead. However, God reassures him by providing Aaron, his brother, as a spokesperson.
In Exodus 4:18, Moses asks permission from his father-in-law, Jethro, to return to Egypt. With God’s blessing, Moses and his family set out, and Exodus 4:24 unexpectedly introduces a strange event that seems out of place in the story of Moses’ mission.
Exodus 4:24 – The Verse
The verse reads:
“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 appears abruptly, with little context or explanation, and raises significant questions. Who is “him” that God sought to kill? Why did God want to kill him? Why is this moment inserted here, right before Moses arrives in Egypt?
The Exodus 4:24 Meaning
Exodus 4:24 seems to present a dire situation: God, who has just commissioned Moses to lead the Israelites, is now threatening to kill him. To understand this event, we need to carefully interpret the passage based on the broader biblical context, understanding its theological implications.
Who Was “Him” in Exodus 4:24?
In Exodus 4:24, the subject “him” refers to Moses. While Moses is on his way back to Egypt with his wife Zipporah and their sons, God meets him at an inn and seeks to kill him. This is a stark and unsettling contrast to the commissioning of Moses, where God had previously shown His power and given Moses the confidence to confront Pharaoh. However, the reason behind God’s action in this moment lies in Moses’ neglect of a critical covenantal duty: the circumcision of his son.
The Significance of Circumcision
In the biblical narrative, circumcision is a sign of the covenant between God and His people, first given to Abraham in Genesis 17:9-14. Circumcision served as a physical mark of belonging to God’s chosen people and was a matter of obedience to God’s covenant. In Exodus 4:24, the text suggests that Moses had not circumcised his son, and this act of disobedience placed Moses in jeopardy.
Zipporah’s Intervention
The passage continues in Exodus 4:25-26, revealing that Zipporah, Moses’ wife, intervenes to save him:
“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)
Through this act of obedience, Zipporah performs the circumcision of their son, averting God’s wrath and saving Moses. This event highlights the importance of following God’s covenantal laws, even when the responsibility falls on the leader of God’s people, Moses himself.
Exodus 4:24 Application in Life
While Exodus 4:24 may seem remote and disconnected from the lives of modern Christians, it has valuable lessons that can be applied to our spiritual lives today.
The Importance of Obedience
First and foremost, Exodus 4:24 underscores the importance of obedience to God’s commands. Moses, despite being chosen by God for a monumental task, was in danger of forfeiting his life and mission due to disobedience. Circumcision, as a sign of the covenant, was not a minor requirement; it was a vital symbol of God’s relationship with His people. In the same way, believers are called to walk in obedience to God’s commands, no matter how insignificant or difficult they may seem.
Obedience is a central theme in the Christian faith. Jesus Himself said, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Just as Moses needed to be obedient in matters of the covenant, so too do Christians need to be faithful to God’s Word and follow His guidance in all areas of life.
The Role of Family in Obedience
The intervention of Zipporah is another key element of this passage. Zipporah’s act of circumcising her son is not only a sign of her obedience but also a reminder of the role that families play in upholding God’s commands. Moses, as the spiritual leader, had the primary responsibility to ensure that his family followed the covenantal requirements, but Zipporah took the initiative when Moses failed to act.
This highlights the importance of family responsibility in spiritual matters. Parents are called to raise their children in the ways of the Lord, ensuring that they understand and follow God’s commands. As Christian families, we are tasked with nurturing faith and obedience in the home.
The Danger of Partial Obedience
Exodus 4:24 also speaks to the danger of partial obedience. Moses may have been obedient in some areas of his mission, but his failure to circumcise his son showed that partial obedience was not enough. God requires full obedience, and His plans for us will not be fully realized unless we follow His commands wholeheartedly.
In modern life, Christians may face the temptation to obey God in some areas while neglecting others. However, as this passage demonstrates, partial obedience can have serious consequences. God calls His followers to total commitment and obedience, not just in some things but in all things.
Comparison with Other Biblical Texts
Exodus 4:24 is not an isolated passage but can be compared to other biblical texts that emphasize the importance of obedience and covenantal faithfulness.
Abraham’s Obedience (Genesis 17:9-14)
In Genesis 17, God commands Abraham to circumcise himself and his descendants as a sign of the covenant. The importance of circumcision is underscored in this passage, and it serves as a key moment in the establishment of God’s covenant with Abraham and his descendants. Like Moses, Abraham is called to obey God’s covenant commands, and the failure to do so would have serious consequences.
Saul’s Disobedience (1 Samuel 15:22-23)
In 1 Samuel 15, King Saul’s partial obedience to God’s command results in his rejection as king. Saul was instructed to utterly destroy the Amalekites and all their possessions, but he spared their king and some of the livestock. Samuel rebukes Saul, stating that “to obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22). This passage reinforces the theme of full obedience to God’s commands, which is a key lesson in Exodus 4:24.
Jesus and the New Covenant (Luke 22:20)
In the New Testament, Jesus establishes a new covenant through His sacrifice on the cross. In Luke 22:20, Jesus says, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is shed for you.” As Christians, we are called to enter into this new covenant with Jesus through faith and obedience. The New Covenant, unlike the Old Covenant symbolized by circumcision, involves the believer’s heart being transformed through the Holy Spirit. However, just as the Old Covenant required obedience, the New Covenant requires a commitment to following Jesus in all areas of life.
Modern-Day Relevance
Exodus 4:24 has much to say to modern Christians. It reminds us of the centrality of obedience in our walk with God and the danger of neglecting His commands. In a world where cultural pressures may encourage compromise, Exodus 4:24 calls Christians to be fully devoted to the Lord, upholding His covenant and living according to His Word.
Obedience in the Modern World
In a society that often downplays the importance of biblical commands, Exodus 4:24 challenges Christians to maintain obedience in every area of life. Whether it’s the way we manage our finances, our relationships, or our commitment to justice, this passage teaches that God expects us to obey Him fully. Modern-day believers are called to live out the implications of God’s commands in both personal and public spheres, never compromising our integrity or faith.
The Role of Family in Faithfulness
Just as Zipporah’s action saved Moses, families today play a crucial role in encouraging one another to stay faithful to God. Christian parents are called to raise their children in the knowledge of God and the obedience of His commands. This passage challenges families to ensure that their homes reflect God’s will and that each member is committed to following Christ.
Conclusion
Exodus 4:24 is a challenging passage that highlights the importance of full obedience to God. It teaches that partial obedience can lead to serious consequences, even for someone as pivotal as Moses. The involvement of Zipporah in the circumcision act underscores the importance of family in maintaining covenantal faithfulness. In the modern world, this passage serves as a reminder for Christians to fully commit to God’s commands, both individually and as families, recognizing that obedience is the key to fulfilling God’s plans for our lives.
Exodus 4:24 Commentary
Exodus 4:24 is a powerful testament to the centrality of God’s commands and the seriousness with which they must be followed. For modern Christians, it is a call to examine our lives, ensuring that we are not neglecting areas of obedience that could affect our relationship with God. In every era, God’s demand for obedience remains constant, and the lesson of Exodus 4:24 is as relevant today as it was in the time of Moses.
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