How Can You Improve Your Marriage? 10 Marriages in the Bibleಮಾದರಿ

Moses and Zipporah

Verses for Reflection:

- Exodus 2

- Exodus 3

- Exodus 18

Sometimes I feel like my husband just needs a halo over his head. Because when you listen to his thoughts, he seems like a holy person: he understands everything, knows everything, and is an expert in all areas of life. One time, he jokingly said, “If I’m an expert, then I’m an expert in everything.” Then he added, “I always prayed for God to give me the right woman. And He did... now I’m always wrong.”

Of course, this is a joke. But in every joke, there is a grain of truth. We love to appear righteous and correct—even when it’s not the case, and we just don’t want to admit it.

However, in the marriage of Moses and Zipporah, everything was a little different. Because Moses did indeed have that halo. His face literally shone after encounters with God. Imagine this scene: Moses returns to the tent after speaking with the Lord, and Zipporah sets the table, extinguishing all the candles—because his face shines like a street lamp.

We do not see in their marriage a struggle for power, constant criticism, or offense. On the contrary, their union became known for the fact that the man was the meekest person on earth, and the woman was well-suited to him. Try to imagine: Moses, glowing, enters the house, has dinner, goes to sleep… How could one not be humble next to such a holy man?

But what is humility, and what significance does it hold in an imperfect marriage?

Let’s remember that Moses led the people for forty years. And these people were far from perfect. Yet the Bible calls Moses humble. But humility is not weakness or lack of character. In fact, in the original Greek, the word translated as “humility” means strength under control. This word also describes a wild horse that has been tamed: the strength remains, but now it is harnessed and serves good purposes.

This image helps me understand the significance of humility in marriage. I have strength—inner energy, will, the ability to speak, argue, and prove my point. And of course, I can say anything I think when I see imperfections in my husband. But humility stops the natural reaction. Because I know: my Lord—whom I trust—wants me to learn differently. He desires good for me. He is my protection and my security. And I can tame my strength—not because I am weak, but because I am in God’s hands.

Questions for Reflection:

1. In what ways is your marriage similar to the marriage of Moses and Zipporah?

2. Where do you need to “tame yourself” in your marriage? Where should you learn humility?

3. How are you growing in gentleness and submission to God’s will?