Daily devotion – Moses big mistake that nearly cost his life.
Exodus 4:24–26 is one of the most unusual and confronting passages in the life of Moses:
“And it came to pass by the way in the inn, that the LORD met him, and sought to kill him.” – Exodus 4:24
At first glance these verses can seem shocking. Why would God call Moses to deliver Israel and then suddenly seek to kill him? The answer lies in Moses’ disobedience concerning circumcision.
God had clearly commanded Abraham generations earlier:
Genesis 17:10–11
“This is My covenant which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every male child among you shall be circumcised; and you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you.”
Circumcision was not a minor cultural tradition; it was the sign of God’s covenant with His people. For Moses to neglect this command in his own family was a serious matter, especially considering he was about to stand before Pharaoh as God’s representative.
It appears from the language of the passage that Zipporah strongly opposed circumcision. Her words, “Surely a bloody husband art thou to me,” reveal resentment toward the act. Moses had likely compromised under pressure within the home and failed to obey the Lord fully. That compromise nearly cost him his life.
This teaches us a powerful lesson: God desires obedience before service. Moses could not effectively lead the nation spiritually while neglecting clear obedience in his own household.
Joshua later took a very different stand:
Joshua 24:15
“But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
Joshua spoke with conviction and spiritual leadership. He understood that a servant of God cannot remain neutral or compromised in matters the Lord has spoken clearly about.
The New Testament carries the same principle for spiritual leadership:
1 Timothy 3:4–5
“One who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?)”
The servant of the Lord must first walk in obedience at home. Public ministry can never replace private obedience. God is not merely interested in giftedness, ability, or outward success — He desires holiness, submission, and faithfulness.
This passage is also a reminder of God’s mercy. Though the Lord dealt seriously with Moses, He also provided a way for restoration through obedience. The moment the matter was dealt with, Moses was spared.
How gracious God is to lovingly discipline His servants rather than cast them aside. His correction is not meant to destroy us, but to bring us back into fellowship, obedience, and usefulness.
May we learn from Moses that partial obedience is still disobedience, and may we determine in our hearts, like Joshua:
“As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”