When God Came to Kill: The Strange Bible Story That Reveals His Justice and Mercy
Reading the Bible chronologically is an incredible journey, but some passages leave us puzzled and searching for answers. If you're looking for insights on difficult Bible passages, this story offers profound lessons on obedience, holiness, and God's mercy. If today’s reading has brought you to Exodus 4:22-26, you might be wondering, What just happened? Don’t be discouraged—wrestling with difficult passages is part of growing in faith. Every word in Scripture has a purpose, and even the strange and confusing stories reveal God’s character. Keep reading, keep asking questions, and trust that God’s Word is shaping you.
Moses, the chosen deliverer of Israel, is on his way back to Egypt—a crucial step in biblical history that sets the stage for the Exodus. This strange Bible story highlights the seriousness of God's covenant and foreshadows the ultimate redemption through Jesus Christ. He’s seen the burning bush, heard God’s voice, and finally agreed to go. But then, out of nowhere, God meets him on the road and tries to kill him.
What? Didn’t God just send him on this mission? Why would He now try to take his life?
A Deadly Oversight
The answer lies in something Moses had failed to do. Circumcision was a sign of God’s covenant with Abraham (Genesis 17). Every Israelite male was to be circumcised, a mark of belonging to God’s people. But Moses, for reasons we don’t fully know, hadn’t circumcised his own son. This was no minor oversight—it was disobedience.
Moses, the man chosen to lead God’s people, had neglected God’s command. And now, on the road to Egypt, that disobedience caught up with him. God’s justice is never random. He is holy, and His commands matter.
Why Did God Seek to Kill Moses?
Before we dive into Zipporah's courageous act, we need to understand the stakes. This passage is one of the Bible's most puzzling stories, raising questions about God's justice and Moses' role as a leader. Many readers ask, 'Why did God seek to kill Moses?' The answer lies in the seriousness of God's covenant and the importance of obedience.
Zipporah’s Bold Move
Just when it seems Moses’ fate is sealed, his wife, Zipporah, steps in. In a moment of urgency, she takes a flint knife, circumcises their son, and touches Moses with the bloody foreskin. “Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me!” she exclaims (Exodus 4:25). And just like that, God relents.
It’s a shocking, dramatic moment. Imagine the tension—Moses is near death, and Zipporah, in desperation, acts swiftly. She may not fully understand the spiritual weight of what’s happening, but she knows one thing: blood must be shed.
Her words, cryptic as they may sound, point to something deeper. Circumcision was the mark of the covenant. It was a sign of obedience and belonging. And in this moment, it was the only thing that stood between Moses and death.
Sin Has a Cost
Moses’ mistake reminds us that neglecting what God requires has real consequences. James 4:17 says, “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” Moses had known better, but he had let this slip. And now, on the road to his calling, that negligence nearly cost him everything.
We all have moments like this—times when we overlook or push aside what God has asked of us. Maybe we avoid a hard conversation, delay an act of obedience, or ignore the gentle conviction in our hearts. But this passage is a sobering reminder: obedience matters. Sin isn’t just about what we do wrong; it’s also about what we fail to do.
A Foreshadowing of Jesus
This strange moment in Moses’ life points us to something far greater. Just as blood was required to save Moses, blood would one day be required to save us all. But this time, it wouldn’t be the blood of circumcision—it would be the blood of Jesus.
Jesus, the perfect Son of God, shed His blood so that we wouldn’t have to face the wrath of God. Romans 5:9 says, “Since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through Him?”
Moses’ life was spared because blood was shed. Our lives are redeemed because Jesus shed His blood for us. And through His sacrifice, we are not just spared—we are made sons and daughters of God.
FAQs About Exodus 4:22-26
Why did God try to kill Moses?
God sought to kill Moses because he had failed to circumcise his son, which violated the covenant God made with Abraham. Moses’ role as a leader demanded obedience.
What does ‘bridegroom of blood’ mean in Exodus 4:25?
Zipporah’s words emphasize the necessity of bloodshed for covenant obedience, foreshadowing Jesus’ sacrifice.
How does this passage point to Jesus?
Just as blood was required to spare Moses, Jesus’ blood was shed to redeem us from sin and death.
Don’t Give Up—Keep Reading
If you've ever struggled with confusing Bible passages, remember that every part of Scripture has meaning. Understanding difficult stories like this deepens our faith and reveals God's divine plan. These tough stories challenge us, but they also reveal God’s heart. They show us that God is holy, just, and merciful all at once.
What Do You Think?
Take a moment to reflect:
Are there areas in my life where I’ve neglected obedience to God?
Have I minimized the weight of sin?
Do I truly grasp the depth of what Jesus did for me?
The same God who called Moses and spared him is the God who calls us today. If you want to dig deeper into difficult Bible passages, consider reading related stories like the near-sacrifice of Isaac (Genesis 22) or the Passover in Exodus 12. He is holy and just, but He is also merciful and full of grace. Through Jesus, we don’t just escape judgment—we are given new life.
So take heart, and hold fast to the gospel. In Christ, we have hope, forgiveness, and the promise of eternal life.
