Why Did Moses Send Zipporah Away?

Why Did Moses Send Zipporah Away?

The Old Testament narrative in Exodus provides a glimpse into the life of Moses and his wife Zipporah. The story of Moses sending Zipporah away is a complex and intriguing one, involving practical, cultural, and spiritual considerations. This article explores the reasons behind Moses' decision and its broader implications.

Context and Background

According to the narrative in Exodus 18:2-4, after Moses fled Egypt and married Zipporah, they had two sons. At a certain point during their journey to Egypt, Moses sent Zipporah and their sons back to her father Jethro in Midian. The exact reasons for this decision are not explicitly detailed in the text, but several interpretations have been suggested.

Practical Reasons

Moses was on a dangerous mission to confront Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of Egypt. It may have been seen as safer for Zipporah and the children to stay with her family during this tumultuous time. This practical decision ensured the safety and well-being of the children and Zipporah, especially given the dangers Moses faced.

Cultural Considerations

Some interpretations suggest that there may have been cultural differences between Moses and Zipporah's Midianite background and the Hebrew people. These differences could have influenced his decision to send Zipporah away. The narrative does not directly provide details on these cultural differences, but it is a plausible explanation for the separation.

Focus on Leadership

Moses might have wanted to focus on his leadership role and responsibilities without the added burden of family concerns during the critical moments of leading the Israelites. This decision allowed him to be fully devoted to his mission, ensuring that he was not distracted by personal-family matters.

Religious and Spiritual Considerations

There are additional religious and spiritual considerations that played a role in Moses' decision. According to some interpretations, Zipporah's questioning of God and Moses, along with her negative attitude during their journey in the desert, may have contributed to Moses' decision. Moses may have feared that her words and actions might influence the children and potentially taint their spiritual purity.

After the Giving of the Torah, God commanded that the Israelites could return to their family lives, but Moses could not. This suggests a complex relationship between Moses and his family, one that was deeply intertwined with religious and spiritual obligations.

Special Circumstances of Prophecy

Moses was not like other prophets. He needed to be "on call" 24/7 for a prophetic experience, requiring him to be perpetually prepared and pure. Sexual family life caused ritual impurity, and if a prophet needed to have a prophetic experience, they required purification.

Since Moses needed to remain perpetually pure, he could no longer maintain a normal family life. This decision was not a result of a lack of love or care for Zipporah, but rather a necessity for his prophetic role. Zipporah and the children returned to Moses after the successful Exodus, indicating their reunion and the end of the initial separation.

Conclusion

While Moses sent Zipporah away for various reasons, including practical, cultural, and spiritual considerations, the decision ultimately reflected his commitment to his prophetic and leadership roles. This separation serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between personal and spiritual responsibilities in religious contexts.