Zipporah: The Forgotten Wife of Moses

📖 Introduction

Zipporah is one of the lesser-known but deeply significant figures in the life of Moses and the story of God's covenant people. As the wife of one of the Bible's greatest leaders, her brief appearances in Scripture are rich in meaning and provide insight into the themes of obedience, faith, and divine protection. Though she is mentioned sparingly, her role exemplifies courage and God's care in unexpected moments.

Her story begins when Moses flees Egypt after killing an Egyptian (Exodus 2). He meets Zipporah, the daughter of Jethro, a priest of Midian, and marries her. This union places Moses within a family devoted to God, grounding him in a new cultural and spiritual context. However, it is in Exodus 4:24-26 where Zipporah’s critical role emerges dramatically: she intervenes to save Moses’ life by performing a covenantal rite, circumcision of their son, demonstrating deep understanding of God’s commands and a willingness to act decisively.

Why does Zipporah’s role matter to us today? In God's unfolding plan, obedience to His covenant was essential, and Zipporah's obedience highlights how critical the faith and actions of those around God’s leaders can be. Her story encourages us to notice the unsung heroes who support God’s purposes and challenges us to courageously obey God’s will even when it is uncomfortable or unclear.

Over this 21-day study, we will dig into the scriptural narrative, cultural backdrop, and spiritual lessons of Zipporah’s life. We will see how her role, although brief, intersects with Moses’ mission, offers insights about covenant relationships, and reminds us that God can use anyone for His divine purposes. Join me as we uncover the powerful legacy of Zipporah, the forgotten wife of Moses, and gain fresh inspiration for living faithfully today.