Exodus: A Group StudySample

What is this passage saying?

Moses returns to Egypt to tell of Yahweh’s coming deliverance of the people. On the way, Zipporah circumcises her son. The people of Israel worship Yahweh at the good news.

What is this passage teaching?

There are few more baffling scenes in Exodus than the circumcision of Moses’ son. To give some background, circumcision was required by God for all the descendants of Abraham as a sign of the covenant (Genesis 17:10-14). God instructed that any male not circumcised “shall be cut off from his people because he has broken my covenant” (Genesis 17:14). Although the passage does not specify why, Moses had chosen not to circumcise his son. Maybe Moses was choosing to raise him as a Midianite or an Egyptian or maybe the cost of being identified with Israel in such an obvious way would be too socially or culturally costly for his son. Whatever the reason, Yahweh’s response to Moses’ disobedience highlights the seriousness of His calling on Moses’ life. How could Moses lead Yahweh’s covenant people if he was not willing to follow his covenant instructions? Zipporah’s faithfulness at this moment saves a life but also demonstrates God’s incredible graciousness. He always leaves room for repentance and obedience.

How do I respond?

Although Moses had accepted Yahweh’s call, Moses was still reluctant to submit to His authority. All disobedience to God is deadly and destructive. Sin incapacitates our ability to follow God and makes us spiritually impotent. What areas of your life are you reluctant to submit to God’s authority? Maybe you struggle with sin or temptation you cannot get past. Like Moses, God is giving you an opportunity today to repent and turn back to Him. Consider confessing to a trusted friend or mentor, asking for accountability and follow-up. God is graciously calling you out of the darkness of your sin into the light of His forgiveness and loyal, covenantal love.