Zipporah, a character from the Hebrew Bible, is primarily known as Moses’ wife. Her story is intriguing, involving cultural conflicts, decisive actions, and a complex relationship with one of the most significant figures in biblical history. Zipporah’s life, interwoven with the narrative of Moses, offers a unique perspective on the challenges and responsibilities faced by those close to prophetic figures.
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Table of Contents
Who is Zipporah?
Zipporah was a Midianite woman, the daughter of Jethro (also known as Reuel), a priest of Midian. In the biblical narrative, she emerges as a significant figure due to her marriage to Moses, who was, at that time, a fugitive from Egypt. Zipporah’s life is intricately linked with Moses’ journey from a shepherd in Midian to the leader of the Israelites
How Old is Zipporah?
The biblical text does not provide specific information about Zipporah’s age. In the ancient context, ages were often not recorded, especially for women, and her story focuses more on her actions and role rather than personal details like her age.
Education
There is no explicit mention of Zipporah’s education in the biblical texts. In her time, education would have been primarily domestic and practical, focused on managing a household and perhaps some aspects of her father’s religious practices, considering her father was a priest.
Career
The concept of a career is a modern one and does not directly apply to Zipporah’s context. Her role was largely defined by her duties as a wife and mother within the household. However, her quick action to circumcise her son, thereby saving Moses, suggests a deep understanding of her husband’s cultural and religious obligations.
Moses’ Wife
Zipporah’s role as Moses’ wife is central to her identity in the biblical narrative. She is portrayed as a supportive but also assertive partner, especially evident in the incident where she circumcises their son to save Moses’ life, a critical act that reflects her understanding of and respect for Moses’ covenant with God.
How Did They Meet?
Moses met Zipporah at a well in Midian. This meeting occurred after Moses had fled from Egypt, following his act of killing an Egyptian. Zipporah, along with her sisters, was trying to draw water from the well when Moses helped them against shepherds who were harassing them. This act of kindness led to Moses being invited into her father’s home and subsequently marrying Zipporah.
When Did They Get Married?
Moses married Zipporah during his period of exile in Midian, after fleeing from Pharaoh in Egypt. The marriage took place following Moses’ encounter with Zipporah and her sisters at the well, where Moses’ act of assistance led to his acceptance by Jethro, Zipporah’s father, who then gave Moses his daughter in marriage.
Do They Have Kids?
Zipporah and Moses had two sons, named Gershom and Eliezer. These children are mentioned in the biblical texts, symbolizing Moses’ journey and experiences as a foreigner in a land not his own, as well as his reliance on God’s help.
How Long Were They Married?
The exact duration of their marriage is not detailed in the Bible. Their marriage is depicted in the context of Moses’ life journey, primarily focusing on significant events rather than the chronology of their relationship.
What Made Moses Famous?
Moses is renowned for his role as the liberator of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage, his receiving of the Ten Commandments from God, and his leadership during the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness. His life and actions are central to the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic faiths, making him one of the most significant figures in religious history.
What is Zipporah Known For?
Zipporah is known for her critical role in circumcising her son, an act that saved Moses’ life and ensured his continued leadership. This decisive action highlights her understanding of Moses’ religious duties. Despite her background as a Midianite, Zipporah showed a profound grasp of her husband’s cultural and covenantal obligations.
Conclusion
Zipporah’s story, though not as extensively documented as Moses’, reveals a woman of strong character and decisive action. Her life provides insights into the challenges faced by those in close relationships with prophetic figures and highlights the importance of understanding and respecting different cultural and religious practices.
FAQs about Zipporah
- What cultural challenges did Zipporah face as Moses’ wife? Zipporah experienced conflicts arising from the differing cultures of her Midianite heritage and Moses’ Hebrew identity. This tension was particularly evident after Moses assumed his role as the leader of the Hebrews【36†source】.
- What decisive action did Zipporah take to save Moses? Zipporah circumcised their son, an act mandated by God’s covenant with Abraham, which Moses had neglected. Her quick action averted a divine punishment directed at Moses【34†source】【36†source】.
- What was the nature of Zipporah’s relationship with Moses’ family? Zipporah found herself at the center of a familial conflict when Moses’ siblings, Miriam and Aaron, criticized Moses for marrying a Cushite woman. This criticism led to Miriam being struck with leprosy as a divine punishment for their bigotry and pride【35†source】.
- Did Zipporah return to her father’s home at some point? Scripture indicates that Zipporah was either sent back or returned to Midian at some point.
- Is there any extra-biblical information about Zipporah? There are various Jewish and Christian traditions and interpretations about Zipporah that expand on her story, but these are not considered canonical.
