Why Did God Try to Kill Moses Catholic

Introduction:

In the Book of Exodus, there is a perplexing passage in Chapter 4:24-26 that recounts an incident where God tries to kill Moses. This particular event has sparked curiosity and raised many questions among scholars and believers alike. To shed light on this biblical account, we will explore various interpretations and provide insight on why God tried to kill Moses.

1. The Context of the Passage:

Before we delve into the specifics of the passage, it is crucial to understand its context. In Exodus 4, God chooses Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. However, Moses is hesitant and raises objections, citing his inability to speak eloquently. In response, God reassures him and provides Aaron as his spokesperson. It is within this context that the incident in question occurs.

2. Interpretations and Explanations:

a. Omission of Circumcision:

One interpretation suggests that Moses, who was of Hebrew descent but raised in Pharaoh’s palace, had neglected to circumcise his son, as mandated by God in Genesis 17:10-12. Therefore, it is postulated that God’s attempt to kill Moses was a disciplinary action due to this omission. The act of circumcision was considered a sign of the covenant between God and the Hebrew people.

b. Bloodguilt and Involuntary Manslaughter:

Another viewpoint proposes that God’s anger towards Moses stems from the incident recounted in Exodus 2:11-12, where Moses kills an Egyptian taskmaster who was mistreating a Hebrew slave. It is suggested that despite Moses’ righteous intentions, he still bore the bloodguilt of this act of involuntary manslaughter. Therefore, God’s attempt to kill him was a reckoning for his unacknowledged sin.

c. Spiritual Awakening:

Some scholars posit that God’s intention was not to literally kill Moses but to bring about a spiritual awakening within him. It is believed that by threatening Moses with death, God aimed to make Moses confront his own flaws and shortcomings, thus leading him to a deeper level of self-awareness and reliance on God’s guidance.

3. Zipporah’s Intervention:

In the passage, Moses’ wife, Zipporah, is pivotal in averting his imminent death. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, she takes quick action by circumcising their son and touching Moses’ feet with the removed foreskin. This act is seen as a symbolic fulfillment of the covenant and a means of appeasing God’s anger.

4. Lessons and Teachings:

a. Obedience and Covenant:

One lesson derived from this episode is the importance of obedience to God’s commands. Moses’ negligence regarding the circumcision of his son serves as a reminder that adherence to the covenant is paramount in one’s relationship with God. It emphasizes the significance of upholding one’s responsibilities within the divine framework.

b. A Call to Self-Reflection:

The incident serves as a call to introspection for believers, encouraging them to examine their own lives for areas of disobedience or unaddressed sin. It reminds individuals of the need to cultivate humility, self-awareness, and a willingness to confront their shortcomings in order to grow in their relationship with God.

c. Divine Mercy and Forgiveness:

Despite the severity of God’s initial response, the passage also highlights His mercy and forgiveness. Zipporah’s intervention and the subsequent sparing of Moses’ life demonstrate God’s willingness to extend His grace, even in the face of human failings. It serves as a testament to His enduring love for His chosen servant.

Conclusion:

The incident in Exodus 4:24-26, where God tries to kill Moses, remains a thought-provoking and enigmatic passage. Various interpretations attempt to make sense of this event, including the omission of circumcision, acknowledgment of bloodguilt, and a call to spiritual awakening. Zipporah’s intervention underscores the significance of obedience, covenant, self-reflection, and divine mercy. Ultimately, this passage imparts valuable lessons to believers as they navigate their own faith journeys.