Citizens born into the land were forbidden by God's law to "vex" (oppress or otherwise mistreat) those aliens around them as they, too, were at one time strangers in Egypt (Exodus 22:21, Leviticus 19:33). Jethro helped his son-in-law by encouraging him to delegate some of his responsibilities. The Midianites themselves were later on depicted at times in non-Biblical sources as dark-skinned and called Kushim, a Hebrew word used for dark-skinned Africans. She saved his life in the night encampment when she made haste to circumcise her son. Because of this pledge, Moses had to return to Midian after he had been sent to Egypt, as it is said (Ex. Then you shall say to Pharaoh, Thus says the Lord, Israel is my firstborn son,and I say to you, Let my son go that he may serve me. If you refuse to let him go, behold, I will kill your firstborn son. At a lodging place on the way the Lord met him and sought to put him to death. Moses fled to Midian, which is in modern-day Saudi Arabia. Losing mine has been so painful, but I know that pain will be swallowed up in Christ at some point, but for now I have to suffer it. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. [4] Hobab is also the name of Jethro's son in Numbers 10:29 . This article helped to throw more light on issues and matters concerning one of the Biblical figures Moses. Her private life is revealed by chance when her pain bursts forth and she unfolds her feelings before Miriam. After the Giving of the Torah she-bi-khetav: Lit. The midrash discloses that the existence of normal marital relations is important for a woman, and constitutes a significant part of her femininity and her self-perception. He then planted it in the ground (Jasher 77:48) waiting for a man who was worthy to pluck it from the ground. Unlike other women in the Old Testament, such as Sarah and Rebekah,it is difficult for us as readers centuries later to fully understand her motivations. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. "Zipporah: Bible." If you havent read the apocrypha (It fills the gap between Malachi and Matthew), the book of Maccabees within it will shed light on the Romans conquest over Israel. When Moses fled from Egypt to the land of Midian, he met Jethro's seven daughters, who were having some trouble getting enough water for their flocks ( Exodus 2 ). It therefore does not matter what was the ethnic heritage, lineage, etc. The girls answered, "An Egyptian rescued us from the shepherds; he even drew water for us and watered the flock." The details of the quality of their marriage over time are difficult to discern, as she spent time with Moses in Egypt, came into conflict with him and his family, and did eventually take their son back to Midian. Many of us are familiar with Moses' wife, Zipporah. This passage can be difficult to understand, and different thinkers and theologians have various interpretations of what happened here. Mosess hope that his family would be present at the Giving of the Torah would nonetheless be realized, because the Torah tells of their reunion in Ex. The first sign of trouble came when Moses set off to Egypt after forty years of exile. On his journey he took Zipporah and his son Gershom, who was uncircumcised. Jewish Women's Archive. Moses siblings, Aaron and Miriam turned against their brother because he married someone who was not from the race or culture. He originally had a wife named Zipporah who was the daughter of a Midianite priest (Exodus 2:15 - 21). How old was Zipporah when she married Moses and how many years passed [21] This view has been used to represent an element of the special relationship between Israeli Jews and Druze.[22]. Those "strangers in a strange land," the non-Israelites of another race living in the Promised Land, received the same blessings as those natural citizens who obeyed the Eternal. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well. Another interpretation, however, has this danger hovering over Moses, and in order to save him, Zipporah circumcises their son. 2 And she bare him Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah. The prevalent idea among the Rabbis is that a woman is qualified to perform circumcision; the fact that she herself does not require circumcision teaches that she is regarded as if she were already circumcised. In the Book of Chronicles, two of her grandsons are mentioned: Shebuel, son of Gershom; and Rehabiah, son of Eliezer (1 Chronicles 23:1617). Invite him for supper to break bread." Strangers in the land were also commanded to observe and fast on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:29) and additionally adhere to all God's Commandments (Exodus 12:48 - 49). She was born at the very moment when Jacob and his entire household, Levi and his wife among them, had just entered the gates of Egypt. The Cushite Woman - Tzipporah, wife of Moses - Chabad.org When we research the lineage of Zipporah Moses wife we see that it goes back to the Midianites. Frymer-Kensky, Tikva. What can be understood is that Moses had not had his son circumcised eight days after his birth, neglecting his covenant responsibility as a descendent of Abraham. The text does not reveal that Zipporah was the Cushite woman spoken of in Numbers 12. She takes a flint and cuts off her sons foreskin. When she saw that they swallowed him until the place of circumcision, she understood the danger, took a piece of flint and cut off her sons foreskin, whereupon the destructive angels relinquished their hold on Moses (BT Nedarim 32a; Ex. Zipporahis a Midianite woman who becomes the wife of Moses. They were also bring the commanded sacrificial offerings when they committed sins of ignorance. After 10 years, she turned to her father and said: "This Hebrew who has been jailed in the pit for the past 10 years, nobody has come around asking for him. How can we know which is correct? Zipporahs name, meaning bird, combined with her protection of Moses, is reminiscent of the fierce loyalty to her husband Osiris of the Egyptian goddess Isis, who is often portrayed as a bird of prey. 99). But I will harden his heart, so that he will not let the people go. He read the symbols on it, extended his hand, and took it. There, Moses stood up for seven young women who were drawing water who were being driven away from the well by shepherds. Lockyer, Herbert. Moses is told that his father-in-law Jethro is coming to see you, with your wife and her two sons (Exod i8:6). Book of Numbers 12:1 states that Moses was criticized by his older siblings for having married a "Cushite woman", Aethiopissa in the Latin Vulgate Bible version. Features thousands of biographic and thematic essays on Jewish women around the world. 17K views, 519 likes, 455 loves, 3.7K comments, 232 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from EWTN: Starting at 8 a.m. Proud member They said: Moses is haughty. He originally had a wife named Zipporah who was the daughter of a Midianite priest (Exodus 2:15 - 21). Num. When Jethro invited Moses into his house, the latter entered the garden and saw the staff. The Bible and Its Story, Taught By One Thousand Picture Lessons, Moses and his Ethiopian wife Zipporah (Mozes en zijn Ethiopische vrouw Sippora), relationship between Israeli Jews and Druze, "Judges 4 / Hebrew English Bible / Mechon-Mamre". It explains the wars that Moses was a part of when he left Egypt. Exodus 3:1 1 Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb. The midrash admits that Moses abstained from intercourse with his wife from the time of the Giving of the Torah, but this was at Gods behest. Detail of Jacob Jordaens' painting "Moses and his Ethiopian Wife Zipporah," c. 1650. When Miriam saw the lamps, she exclaimed: Happy are these, and happy are their wives! Zipporah corrected her: Do not say, happy are their wives, rather, woe to their wives. It is also noted that Zipporah is often rejected by her husband, who is always waiting to hear new words from God. From the day that God spoke to Moses your brother, he has not lain with me. Miriam immediately went to Aaron, and the two discussed the matter. Remember the only way to know if scripture is valid is to read it. Bless you and i will keep on follow and read the Word until i understand more. Why Didn't Moses Enter the Promised Land. Pardes, Ilana. "the written Torah." Here's a scripture that shows that Reuel (Jethro) Zipporah's father was a Midianite. After Zipporah performed the circumcision, she took the foreskin and touched his legs (v. 25). The Meaning Of Maccabees, Is Purgatory A Dogma? Grand Rapids: Zondervan Corporation, 1967. Zipporah was left all but divorced. How did she fit in with Moses life after God called him to lead the Hebrew people? This article really cleared things up (so thank you ) but I was confused in regards to you saying that Adoniah and Moses consummated the marriage because in Yasher 74 :31- 38 it explains how he never had sex with her because of Exodus 34:11-16 and genesis 9:22-27. So the question is, who is the Ethiopian woman that Aaron and Miriam had an issue with Moses about? After having performed this rite, Zipporah says (v. 26): A bridegroom of blood because of the circumcision [la-mulot, in the plural], from which the Rabbis deduced two elements of the circumcision procedure: periah (uncovering the corona) and zizin (the shreds of the corona, that invalidate the circumcision) (JT Nedarim 3:9, 38b; Deut. Your question refers to Numbers 12:1 that states his mate was a Cushite, a term often used to refer to African nations. This information sheds a clear light on the question, whether Moses was married to an Ethiopian? It might refer to the child, for in response Zipporah cuts off her sons foreskin and thus saves his life. With copies of The Book of Jasher in publication. Just as everyone speaks of the blackness of the Cushite, so do all proclaim the beauty of Zipporah (Tanhuma, Zav 13). Lieberman], Ki Teze 1, reads: milah [circumcision; i.e., stages within the circumcision] u- periah). Miriam learned of this after the appointment of the seventy elders (Num. The name Tharbis can not be found in the book of Exodus, but you can find it below in other scriptures. 18:2). Im pretty sure it was a source of inspiration for that popular story line. It is unclear whether she remained with Moses or returned to Midian. Its worth reading and very insightful. A Mosque in the area of Medina, possibly: This page was last edited on 1 May 2023, at 22:54. No reason is given, just as no reason is given for the angels attack on Jacob as he came back from Mesopotamia(Gen 32:24). Zipporah: Bible | Jewish Women's Archive Rabbah 5:5). Reuel's daughter, who became the wife of Moses ( Exodus 2:21).In consequence of the event recorded in Exodus 4:24-26, she and her two sons, Gershom and Eliezer, when so far on the way with Moses toward Egypt, were sent back by him to her own kinsfolk, the Midianites, with whom they sojourned till Moses afterwards joined them ( 18:2-6). Intercultural/interracial marriages can work and are Biblical: Zipporah and Moses came from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. [Hence, it is no longer dangerous to have him in our home.] Ask him in to break bread (Ex. Required fields are marked *, 2020 We Are Hebrew | Bible Facts & Bible Notes |, 22 comments on Moses Wife: Zipporah Or Tharbis (Adoniah)?. Hopefully this article has helped clear up the questions you may have had about Moses wives. Its important that we study the scriptures our self, even the scripts we are told are not part of the sixty-six books that we have been left with. Parents share responsibility for raising their children: The incident at the inn where Zipporah circumcised their son is difficult to understand, especially in a modern context. And the Lord said to Moses, When you go back to Egypt, see that you do before Pharaoh all the miracles that I have put in your power. Who Was Tharbis and Did Moses Marry Twice? - christianity.com Testamentum 43 (1993): 495518. After the battle, Tharbis the Ethiopian queen made an agreement to marry Moses and he accepted. The circumcision performed by Zipporah is one of the most intriguing moments in the Bible, though the meaning behind her words is still unclear. We would have to read it and compare, and the Spirit should lead you, Shalom. Zipporah, in contrast, was a Cushite in her poverty and a Cushite with regal status. According to Jewish tradition, Moses married Zipporah when she saved him from dying after God sent a burning bush to talk to him (Exodus 2:21-22). Moses' First Wife - Zipporah Moses was an exile. As with other major Biblical figures, the venue of the first encounter between Moses and Zipporah, his future wife, was beside a well (Ex. This stick was passed down until it reached Abraham, then Jacob took it. According to one hermeneutical position, Zipporah touched Mosess legs and said to him: Take retribution for your debt. According to another interpretive approach, she touched the legs of the angel and said: This is the culmination of your mission. A third understanding has her touching the body of the child, and only then (v. 26) He let him alone (JT Nedarim 3:9, 38b). Ex. Moses first Marriage was to Adoniah as previously mentioned and his second marriage was to Reuel (Jethro) the Midianites daughter Zipporah. what is biblical or not) were not Hebrews, they slaughtered the Hebrews. The name of the one was Gershom (for he said, I have been a sojournerin a foreign land), and the name of the other, Eliezer(for he said, The God of my father was my help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh). (Viewed on May 1, 2023) . 46 And when Jacob had fled to Padan-aram, he took it into his hand, and when he returned to his father he had not left it behind him. In Numbers 12:1, Moses wife became the apparent reason for Miriam and Aaron's rebellion against Moses. She circumcised her. Im happy you discovered something new. In a third midrashic tableau, Zipporah initiated the conversation and spoke with Miriam, Miriam told this to Aaron, and he added to her words and the two discussed the matter. At the well, she met Moses, who was fleeing from Egypt and from Pharaoh's judgment after he . Cush being another name for Ethiopia. Zipporah is the wife of Moses, given to him in marriage by her Midianite priest father. She is the mother of Moses' two sons: Eliezer, and Gershom. This Talmudic source (albeit with opposing views) highlights Zipporahs uniqueness, as the only woman in the Bible said to have performed a circumcision. You can see here that Tharbis is mentioned, not in the bible scriptures, but in the Josephus histories. 18, before the Giving of the Torah, which is immediately presented in the following chapters (Ex. But did Moses have a second wife? Dont forget to share this with someone that needs it. Therefore, one of the interpretations asserts that God was angry at Moses because his son was not circumcised, and could not be identified as a Hebrew. This book is mentioned in the scriptures but many people think it doesnt exist. Who Was Zipporah and What Can We Learn from Her Life? - Bible Study Tools Regardless of which parent failed to have their son circumcised, both had to confront this choice later in life, and Gershom paid a price for that. Let her be shut outside the camp seven days, and after that she may be brought in again. So Miriam was shut outside the camp seven days, and the people did not set out on the march till Miriam was brought in again. [3] In Exodus 2:18, Jethro is also referred to as Reuel, and in the Book of Judges ( Judges 4:11) as Hobab. And not for a few months as Moses may have assumed. Countertraditions [4] Hobab is also the name of Jethro's son in Numbers 10:29. Article According toU.S. News and World Report, removing the foreskin was mandatory among Hebrews, as God had told Abraham. She then flings the foreskin at his feet, declaring that he ishatan damimto her(Exod 4:26). Bethany Verrett is a freelance writer who uses her passion for God, reading, and writing to glorify God. He came upon the land of Midian and there he met and married one of the daughters of the local priest and stayed for 40 years. Even if he got to keep his first wife concurrently with his second (from these records its a little unclear, maybe Miriam and Moses were telling Moses he should put away his Ethiopian wife who wasnt given to him in a spiritual way, and only have one wife, Zippporah, who was acquired in a spiritual manner). The latter understanding is based on Zipporah's declaration in the following verse (25) that you are truly a bridegroom of blood to me, which is directed to her bridegroom, Moses. The common assumption made is that Zipporah was Ethiopian, some even say that there is some type of biblical error. How Many Wives Did Moses In The Bible Have - CHURCHGISTS.COM Zipporah was called a Cushite, meaning at least part if not all of her heritage was from Africa. After killing an Egyptian, Moses runs away to Midian, where he marries Zipporah, the daughter of the local priest (Exod 2:15-22).

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