Who was Zipporah in the Bible?

Quick answer

Zipporah was the wife of Moses. Zipporah faithfully obeyed God when Moses had not.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Zipporah was Moses’ wife. They met when Moses fled Egypt and he rescued Zipporah and her sisters from hostile shepherds, thereby earning the favor of Zipporah's father, Jethro. Jethro, a priest and shepherd, took Moses under his wing, eventually giving him Zipporah in marriage. Together, Moses and Zipporah had two sons, Gershom and Eliezer. Zipporah played a crucial role in averting God's wrath by circumcising their son during their journey to Egypt, ensuring compliance with an essential covenant with God. Later, Zipporah and their sons returned to Midian while Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, rejoining them after their liberation.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

As Moses was fleeing Egypt, about age forty, he met Zipporah and her six sisters in the land of Midian. The women were trying to water their father's flocks, but a group of shepherds drove them away. "But Moses stood up and saved them, and watered their flock" (Exodus 2:17). The women returned home sooner than usual; when their father, Jethro (also called Reuel), asked them why, the sisters told him about Moses. Jethro told them to call Moses so the family could host him. "And Moses was content to dwell with the man, and he gave Moses his daughter Zipporah" (Exodus 2:21).
Zipporah's father was a priest of Midian as well as a shepherd. Jethro mentored Moses and put him in charge of caring for his flocks (Exodus 3:1).
Moses and Zipporah had two sons. The first son was named Gershom, meaning foreigner, just as Moses was a foreigner in Midian. Their second son was Eliezer, named in remembrance of God helping Moses to escape from Egypt after he had committed murder (Exodus 18:2–4).
Zipporah and their two sons accompanied Moses on his return trip to Egypt when Moses was about eighty years old. On the way, the Lord "met [Moses] and sought to put him to death" (Exodus 4:24). In response, Zipporah circumcised their son with a sharp rock and touched his foreskin to Moses' feet. She then said, "Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me!" (Exodus 4:25). It is thought that God was angry with Moses because he had failed to circumcise his son. Circumcision was an important symbol of the Abrahamic covenant that separated the Israelites from other nations, identifying them as belonging to God (Genesis 17:1–14). No one is certain why Moses' son had not been circumcised, but Zipporah intervened and fulfilled the commandment of God.
While in Egypt Moses sent Zipporah and their two sons back to Midian to stay with Jethro. They eventually rejoined the Israelites after they had been freed from slavery (Exodus 18:1–9).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

Zipporah is not mentioned in the New Testament.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Zipporah teaches us the importance of taking initiative and fulfilling God's commandments, even when those around us may falter (John 14:15). Our obedience reflects our love for the Lord. Zipporah's quick action in circumcising her son, despite Moses' neglect, demonstrates her faithfulness and obedience to God's laws. Her willingness to act decisively in a critical moment teaches us the value of being proactive in our spiritual lives, ensuring that we adhere to God's commands even in challenging circumstances or even when no one else is. Obedience to God reveals our love for Him (1 John 5:2–3), demonstrates our faithfulness to Him (1 John 2:3–6), reflects Him to the world (1 Peter 2:12), and brings blessing in our lives (John 13:17).

UNDERSTAND

Zipporah was Moses’ wife, given to him after he rescued Zipporah and her sisters.
Zipporah had two sons with Moses.
Zipporah obeyed God’s command to circumcise their son, saving Moses from the Lord who sought to kill him (Exodus 4:24–26).

REFLECT

How does Zipporah's obedience to God's commandments, even in challenging situations, inspire you in your own spiritual journey?
Reflecting on Zipporah's proactive approach to fulfilling God's will, what areas in your life do you feel prompted to take more initiative in obedience to God?
In what ways can you emulate Zipporah's faithfulness and quick action in responding to God's commands, even when faced with uncertainty or opposition?

ENGAGE

What do Zipporah's actions reveal about her character and relationship with God?
How does Zipporah's role as Moses' wife demonstrate the importance of mutual support and obedience within marriage?
Reflecting on the story of Zipporah, how can we encourage and support one another in our obedience to God's commandments, especially when faced with difficult decisions or circumstances?