Why Did God Try to Kill Moses?
*Just for your thoughts.*
*Why Did God Try to Kill Moses?*
The incident in Moses’ life recorded in Exodus 4:24–26 is one of the most difficult and widely debated passages in the Bible.
The Scripture says, “At a lodging place on the way, the Lord met him and sought to kill him.” This event raises many questions. In particular, it is difficult to understand why God, who had chosen Moses to deliver the Israelites from Egypt, spent considerable time speaking with him and persuading him, gave him three miraculous signs, made many promises, appointed Aaron as his helper even after Moses resisted; and entrusted him with a great responsibility, would suddenly seek to kill him.
Bible scholars generally offer two main explanations for this question.
The first explanation is that God intended to punish Moses because he had not circumcised his son. Circumcision was the sign of the covenant God established with Abraham (Genesis 17:10–14). Neglecting that covenant was considered disobedience to God’s command. According to this view, Zipporah realized the seriousness of the situation and immediately circumcised her son, thereby saving Moses from danger.
The second explanation is that although Moses knew the necessity of circumcision, it may have been delayed because his wife Zipporah was unwilling to do it. Some believe that only when God sought to kill Moses did they realize the seriousness of ignoring this command, and Zipporah then circumcised her son.
However, another important question arises here. God appeared to Moses in the burning bush and warned him, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” He also had a lengthy discussion with Moses about the responsibility of leading Israel. If so, why did He not directly address the matter of circumcision with Moses as well? Why did He act in such a severe manner?
The Bible does not provide a direct answer to this question. Therefore, there are some matters before which we must stand humbly. Deuteronomy 29:29 says:
“The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever.”
Therefore, we may not be able to fully understand every detail of this event. Its complete explanation may become clear only in heaven.
Nevertheless, it is beneficial for us to examine the truths that Scripture has revealed. One important lesson we can learn from this incident is that God expects greater responsibility and obedience from His leaders. Moses was about to lead a circumcised nation of Jews; if he had failed to uphold the sign of the covenant within his own family, it may have demonstrated a lack of qualification for leadership.
We see the same principle in the New Testament. In 1 Timothy 3:4–5, a leader is required to “manage his own household well.” One who leads God’s people must first be obedient to God within his own home. God may have been emphasizing this foundational principle in Moses’ life as well.
Furthermore, this incident reveals the holiness of God. Moses was not granted special privileges simply because he was chosen by God. Obedience to God’s commands is necessary for everyone. Being used in God’s work is important, but even more important is living in obedience to Him.
At the same time, this event also reveals God’s grace. God did not completely destroy Moses. He gave him an opportunity to recognize the error and correct it. When Zipporah acted immediately, the danger passed. This demonstrates that although God expects obedience, He is also a gracious God who allows room for repentance and correction.
Therefore, even though we may not have clear answers to every question regarding Exodus 4:24–26, this incident teaches us several important truths. God’s holiness must not be treated lightly. God’s covenant is important. God’s servants bear greater responsibility. Those who lead God’s people must first walk in obedience to God’s commands in their own lives and families.
God expects not only ability from His servants but also faithfulness and obedience. Moses’ experience reminds us that more than outward success in ministry, a faithful inner life is what pleases God.