![\"Marko](\"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Marko-Marina-Author-Bart-Ehrman.png\" "\\"Marko")
<\/span><\/p>\nWritten by Marko Marina, Ph.D.<\/a><\/p>\n Author | Historian<\/p>\n Author | Historian | BE Contributor<\/p>\n Verified! See our guidelines<\/a><\/p>\n Verified! See our editorial guidelines<\/a><\/p>\n \nDate written: October 5th, 2023<\/p>\n Edited by Laura Robinson, Ph.D.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\nDate written: October 5th, 2023\n Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily match my own. – Dr. Bart D. Ehrman<\/p>\n In the annals of history, specific names stand like beacons, their stories woven into our collective consciousness. Moses, the revered leader who led the Israelites out of Egypt, is undoubtedly one such luminary figure. Yet, behind every great man, there often lies an equally remarkable woman.<\/strong><\/em> In this article, we delve into the life of Moses\u2019 wife Zipporah.<\/p>\n While Moses’ life<\/a> has been well-documented, we’ll provide just enough context to set the stage, allowing us to focus primarily on the life and legacy of Zipporah. Together, we’ll unveil the woman who shared her life with one of history’s most iconic figures, a woman whose own story deserves recognition in its own right.<\/p>\n Moses’ family is one of the most enigmatic subjects in the Bible. While the Scriptures provide extensive details about the life and leadership of this great figure among the Israelites, they offer remarkably sparse insights into his family members. This conspicuous absence of information adds an intriguing layer of mystery and encourages various modern interpretations. <\/p>\n Yet, upon closer examination, we discover that his wife was not the sole pivotal woman in his journey<\/strong>. The influence and significance of women in Moses’ life played a crucial role in the liberation of the Israelites<\/a>.<\/p>\n The incident that set the redemption process in order happened when Moses killed an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew<\/strong> (Exodus 2:11-12). In a desperate bid to evade the impending death penalty, Moses sought refuge in Midian<\/strong>, a barren land located to the south of Judah.<\/p>\n Did You Know?<\/strong><\/p>\n Midian people are mentioned several times in the Quran – a Holy Book of Islam. Allah wiped them out as punishment for both their scandalous business practices and disbelief. <\/em><\/p>\n In Midian, near a well, we find the beginning of Moses\u2019 wife’s story<\/strong>: \u201cWhen Pharaoh heard of this, he tried to kill Moses, but Moses fled from Pharaoh and went to live in Midian, where he sat down by a well. Now a priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came to draw water and fill the troughs to water their father\u2019s flock. Some shepherds came along and drove them away, but Moses got up and came to their rescue and watered their flock (Exodus 2:15-17).\u201d<\/p>\n In other words, Moses refused to tolerate wrongdoing and stood in defense of Midianite women. The subtle message here is to show that Moses isn\u2019t concerned only about the lives of other Israelites. He fights against any evil! <\/p>\n Who did Moses marry?<\/strong> The Exodus provides us with an answer. After the incident on the well, the priest named Jethro invites Moses into his house. There, Jethro \u201cgave Moses his daughter Zipporah as wife (Exodus, 2:21).\u201d Interestingly enough, Exodus never states Moses loved Zipporah (or the reverse) or that he found her beautiful. We are simply told he was given her hand in marriage. <\/p>\n Yes, I know. It\u2019s far from our modern notions of romance and marriage. But, as one poet said: \u201cThe past is a foreign country they do things differently there.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n How old was Zipporah when she married Moses? Unfortunately, the Bible doesn\u2019t provide any information about her age. This lack of information leaves room for interpretations and speculations. <\/p>\n One rabbinic tradition holds that Zipporah was very young and beautiful when she married Moses. The same tradition asserts that Moses\u2019 wife remained beautiful even as she grew older.<\/p>\n However, we have to approach these interpretations with caution, as they are not based on direct biblical evidence. Instead, they are the products of later traditions and speculations.<\/p>\n NOW AVAILABLE!<\/p>\n Finding Moses: What Scholars Know About The Exodus & The Jewish Law<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/u><\/b>Riveting and controversial, the “FINDING MOSES” lecture series takes you on a deep dive into the stories of Moses, the exodus, and a whole lot more…<\/span><\/p>\n __CONFIG_colors_palette__{“active_palette”:0,”config”:{“colors”:{“62516”:{“name”:”Main Accent”,”parent”:-1}},”gradients”:[]},”palettes”:[{“name”:”Default Palette”,”value”:{“colors”:{“62516”:{“val”:”rgb(255, 133, 34)”,”hsl”:{“h”:26,”s”:0.99,”l”:0.5667}}},”gradients”:[]}}]}__CONFIG_colors_palette__ <\/span> LEARN MORE<\/strong><\/span><\/span> <\/a> After Moses received the mission the lead the Israelites out of Egypt, equipped with the staff of God, he left Jethro\u2019s house and took Zipporah and his sons with him.<\/p>\n Did You Know?<\/strong><\/p>\n Moses embarked on his journey to Egypt with his “sons,” who are left unnamed. But here’s the twist! According to Exodus 18:3-5, Moses and his wife Zipporah had two children, Gershom and Eliezer. The Bible keeps us on our toes with this intriguing family revelation! <\/em><\/p>\n Exodus then brings us the most powerful story<\/strong> related to Moses\u2019 wife: At a lodging place on the way, the Lord met Moses[b] and was about to kill him. But Zipporah took a flint knife, cut off her son\u2019s foreskin, and touched Moses\u2019 feet with it. ‘Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me,’ she said. So the Lord let him alone (Exodus 4:24-26).”<\/p>\n This is one of the most enigmatic passages in the Hebrew Bible. As Carol Meyers observes in his Commentary on Exodus<\/a>, we can be sure of only three things:<\/p>\n Zipporah in the Bible is the one who understands what needs to be done to perpetuate Moses\u2019 destiny. In other words, she comprehends the concept of spiritual ascension and recognizes that her husband is now engaged in an exceedingly unique \u201cmeeting\u201d with God.<\/p>\n Furthermore, Moses’ wife came to a stark realization that his life hung in the balance due to an imperfection that seemed incongruent with his extraordinary encounter with God. She quickly discovered that their son had not been circumcised. Promptly rectifying this oversight, her swift action saved Moses and enabled him to continue his divine mission.<\/p>\n Moses\u2019 son who got circumcised with a flint, is most likely their firstborn, Gershom!<\/em> <\/p>\n Zipporah, a woman from a different nation, understood the unique connection between God and Israel – symbolized by circumcision. That action signified a special bond between God and Israel and her bond with God rather than Midian.<\/p>\n The second time Zipporah is (possibly) mentioned in the Bible is in the Book of Numbers. The context of the story is set by Moses\u2019 brother Aaron and his sister Miriam: \u201cMiriam and Aaron began to talk against Moses because of his Cushite wife<\/strong>, for he had married a Cushite. ‘Has the Lord spoken only through Moses?’ they asked. ‘Hasn\u2019t he also spoken through us?’ And the Lord heard this (Numbers 12:1-2).”<\/p>\n The story of the Cushite woman presents a significant challenge. Is this Zipporah or Moses\u2019 second wife? In his Commentary on Numbers<\/a>, Timothy R. Ashley offers one possible solution: \u201cPerhaps the Cushite woman referred to was a part of the mixed multitude of Exodus 12:38, or even one of the rabble of Numbers 11:4.” <\/p>\n In that hypothetical scenario, the unnamed woman (perhaps from Nubia?) would be Moses\u2019 second wife. Who was Moses\u2019 second wife? What happened to her? We can\u2019t know for sure. As Ashley himself admits, all we can do is speculate. In other words, there is not enough information to clear this conundrum.<\/p>\n So, how many wives did Moses have? If we accept Ashley’s hypothesis, it suggests that Moses may have had two different wives in the Bible: <\/p>\n How did Zipporah die?<\/strong> The Biblical narrative primarily focuses on Moses\u2019 life and his role in the liberation of the Israelites. The women in his life may have played a pivotal role, but their stories are always embedded within the main story of Moses. <\/p>\n Consequently, details about the later life of Moses\u2019 wife, including the circumstances of her death, are not documented in the biblical texts. As a result, her death remains an unanswered question within the biblical account, and there are no specific biblical references to provide insight into this aspect of her life.<\/p>\n The significance of women in Moses’ life, from his courageous mother Jochebed to the defiant midwives and the compassionate daughter of Pharaoh, reveals the profound roles they played in the saga of the Israelites. <\/p>\n Zipporah, in particular, emerges as a central figure in Moses’ journey. Her marriage to Moses and the enigmatic incident of circumcision underscore her unique role as a spiritual companion and guide. She understood the profound connection between God and Israel, symbolized by the act of circumcision, and took it upon herself to ensure its continuity.<\/p>\n Yet, the biblical account leaves us with questions. How old was Zipporah when she married Moses? Did they share a lasting love or a pragmatic union?<\/p>\n Who was Moses\u2019 second wife? Was it a Cushite woman? A woman who remains a mysterious figure in the narrative. <\/p>\n As we search for answers, we are met with silence, a reminder that the Bible often focuses on the main storyline, leaving the details of secondary characters like Moses’ wife shrouded in mystery.<\/p>\n Ready to delve even deeper into the life of Moses and the book of Exodus? Join Dr. Bart D. Ehrman’s enlightening course ‘Finding Moses<\/a>‘ for scholarly exploration<\/strong>. Expand your knowledge and uncover the layers of this ancient narrative and a fascinating Biblical figure! Click the link below and start on this captivating intellectual journey! <\/p>\n NOW AVAILABLE!<\/p>\n Finding Moses: What Scholars Know About The Exodus & The Jewish Law<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/u><\/b>Riveting and controversial, the “FINDING MOSES” lecture series takes you on a deep dive into the stories of Moses, the exodus, and a whole lot more…<\/span><\/p>\n __CONFIG_colors_palette__{“active_palette”:0,”config”:{“colors”:{“62516”:{“name”:”Main Accent”,”parent”:-1}},”gradients”:[]},”palettes”:[{“name”:”Default Palette”,”value”:{“colors”:{“62516”:{“val”:”rgb(255, 133, 34)”,”hsl”:{“h”:26,”s”:0.99,”l”:0.5667}}},”gradients”:[]}}]}__CONFIG_colors_palette__ <\/span> LEARN MORE<\/strong><\/span><\/span> <\/a> Moses’ Wife: Zipporah’S UNTOLD STORY in the Bible Written by Marko Marina, Ph.D. Author | Historian Author | Historian | BE Contributor Verified! See our guidelines Verified! See our editorial guidelines Edited by Laura Robinson, Ph.D. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily match my […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":11332,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","tve_updated_post":" Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily match my own. - Dr. Bart D. Ehrman<\/p><\/div> In the annals of history, specific names stand like beacons, their stories woven into our collective consciousness. Moses, the revered leader who led the Israelites out of Egypt, is undoubtedly one such luminary figure. Yet, behind every great man, there often lies an equally remarkable woman.<\/strong><\/em> In this article, we delve into the life of Moses\u2019 wife Zipporah.<\/p> While Moses' life<\/a> has been well-documented, we'll provide just enough context to set the stage, allowing us to focus primarily on the life and legacy of Zipporah. Together, we'll unveil the woman who shared her life with one of history's most iconic figures, a woman whose own story deserves recognition in its own right.<\/p><\/div> Moses' family is one of the most enigmatic subjects in the Bible. While the Scriptures provide extensive details about the life and leadership of this great figure among the Israelites, they offer remarkably sparse insights into his family members. This conspicuous absence of information adds an intriguing layer of mystery and encourages various modern interpretations. <\/p> Yet, upon closer examination, we discover that his wife was not the sole pivotal woman in his journey<\/strong>. The influence and significance of women in Moses' life played a crucial role in the liberation of the Israelites<\/a>.<\/p><\/div>![\"Who](\"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Who-Was-Moses-Wife-2.png\" "\\"Who")
<\/span><\/p>\nThe Importance of Women in Moses\u2019 Life<\/h2>\n
\n
Moses Flees from Egypt and Meets Zipporah<\/h2>\n
![\"Finding](\"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Finding-Moses-Course-.png\" "\\"Finding")
<\/a><\/span> <\/p>\nMoses\u2019 Wife and Her Essential Role in the Story of Moses<\/h2>\n
\n
Who Was Moses\u2019 Second Wife: A Mysterious Account<\/h2>\n
\n
![\"Who](\"https:\/\/www.bartehrman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Who-did-Moses-Marry.png\" "\\"Who")
<\/span><\/p>\nZipporah\u2019s Later Life and Death: Mystery Continues <\/em><\/h2>\n
Conclusion: One Remarkable Life Filled With Mystery<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/span> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Moses' Wife: Zipporah'S UNTOLD STORY in the Bible<\/h2><\/div>
<\/span><\/div>The Importance of Women in Moses\u2019 Life<\/h2><\/div>