Who Was Moses’ Wife?

Moses, a key figure in the Hebrew Bible, is well-known for his role as a prophet, lawgiver, and leader of the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt. However, what is less talked about is the life of Moses’ wife. Who was Moses’ wife, and what do we know about her? This blog post aims to dig deeper into this topic, shedding light on this often-overlooked figure in biblical history.

Who Was Moses’ Wife?

Moses’ wife was Zipporah, the daughter of Jethro, a priest of Midian. She is introduced in the book of Exodus in the Old Testament. While Moses was in exile, fleeing from Pharaoh after killing an Egyptian, he arrived in Midian. There, he helped Zipporah and her sisters water their flock. Out of gratitude, Jethro invited Moses to his home, where he eventually married Zipporah.

Zipporah: The Wife of Moses

Zipporah, the wife of Moses, was a Midianite woman. The Midianites were a nomadic tribe, often associated with the desert regions near the Gulf of Aqaba. Despite the cultural differences between Moses and Zipporah, their marriage seemed to be one of mutual respect and companionship.

Zipporah is mentioned several times in the Old Testament, but two instances stand out. The first is when she gives birth to Moses’ two sons, Gershom and Eliezer. The second is a mysterious and somewhat controversial story in Exodus 4:24-26. In this story, God seeks to kill Moses for an unspecified reason, but Zipporah circumcises their son with a flint knife and touches Moses’ feet with the foreskin, which appeases God’s wrath. This event has been interpreted and debated by scholars and theologians in various ways, but it clearly demonstrates Zipporah’s quick thinking and determination.

However, despite her significant role, Zipporah’s presence in the narrative diminishes after this. Some scholars suggest this may be due to cultural differences or tensions between Zipporah and Moses’ sister, Miriam. In Numbers 12:1, Miriam and Aaron criticize Moses over his Cushite wife. While it’s unclear whether the Cushite wife mentioned here is Zipporah or another wife, it does indicate some family conflict revolving around Moses’ marriage(s).

Zipporah’s Legacy

Despite her limited presence in the biblical narrative, Zipporah’s influence is felt throughout Moses’ life. As the mother of his children and his supportive spouse, she played a crucial role in Moses’ personal life. Moreover, her quick action in the circumcision story likely saved Moses’ life, making it possible for him to fulfill his mission of leading the Israelites out of Egypt.

In many ways, Zipporah, Moses’s wife, embodies the strength and resilience of many women in the Bible whose stories are often overshadowed by their more famous husbands. Despite the limited information about her, Zipporah’s story is a testament to her bravery, quick thinking, and dedication to her family.

In conclusion, the life of Zipporah, Moses’ wife, may not be as well-documented or discussed as Moses’, but her contributions to his life and the biblical narrative are undeniable. She was a strong, intelligent woman who played a crucial role in one of the Bible’s most significant stories. And while we may never fully understand all the details of her life, Zipporah’s legacy as the wife of Moses continues to inspire and intrigue us today.