Chapter 7: Moses Leaves for Egypt
Exodus 4:18-26
Q1 - Why do you think Moses did not tell Jethro his real reason for returning to Egypt, that he had been given a charge by God?
A1 - There are many reasons Moses may not have wanted to reveal to Jethro his true reason for returning to Egypt. Perhaps he felt that what God had charged him to do was too big and too unbelievable. He could well have been reeling from his encounter with God; in the aftermath, the whole incident must have felt surreal. Maybe he first wanted to make sure that what God told him was true and that his brother Aaron was actually coming to meet him. He also could have been fearful that Jethro would not allow him to take his wife and sons with him on what could turn out to be a very dangerous mission.
Q2 - Why do you think Moses had not circumcised his son? Is circumcision required today?
A2 - Presumably Moses had circumcised his first son but not his second. Perhaps from that first experience he was hesitant to put his second son through the process. Or it could have been that Zipporah objected to circumcision and did not want another son to go through it. Whatever the reason, Moses learned an important lesson—obedience to God is not optional.
Paul makes clear in Galatians 5:1–11 that Christians no longer need to be circumcised. He specifically states in verse 6 (NIV): “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” Christ has set us free from the constraints of the Law. He also states in 1 Corinthians 7:17–20 that people should remain as they are when they accept Christ, meaning if they are already circumcised, that’s fine, but if they are not circumcised to remain uncircumcised. He again states in verse 19 (NIV): “Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commands is what counts.”
Q3 - When Zipporah used the term, “bridegroom of blood,” how does that remind you of Christ?
A3 - In several scriptures in the New Testament, Jesus Christ is referred to as the bridegroom with the church being His bride. John the Baptist made it clear to his disciples when Jesus began baptizing others that he (John) was only the friend who attends the bridegroom, while Jesus was the actual bridegroom (see John 3:22–30).
Paul stated in Ephesians 5:25–27 that husbands are to love their wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her. He gave Himself up when He shed His blood and sacrificed His life on the cross for the sins of others. Certainly, Christ became a bridegroom who shed His blood for the sake of the church.
Other scriptures that compare Christ’s relationship with the church to that of a bridegroom and bride include 2 Corinthians 11:2, Ephesians 5:22–24, Revelation 19:6–9, and Revelation 21:1–4.