Exodus 4:24-26 ESV

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 4:24

It came to pass by the way in the inn . "Inns," in our sense of the word, were unknown in the East for many ages after the time of Moses, and are still of very rare occurrence. Khans or caravanserais take their place. These are unfurnished buildings, open to all travellers, who thus obtain shelter gratis? but must provide themselves with food, bedding, and all other necessaries. It is questioned, however, if even such a place as this is here meant. Probably, the malon of Moses' time was... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 4:24

Neglect of the covenant on its human side. In Genesis 17:1-27 . we find the covenant between God and Abram stated with great particularity and emphasis. On God's side there were large promises to Abram of an' abundant posterity and an everlasting possession, and on man's side there was to be the faithful and regular practice of circumcision. Moses was going to Egypt now in virtue of this very covenant, and as the agent of God to advance it considerably towards its full effect; and yet,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 4:24-26

The transition is abrupt from the promise of triumph over Pharaoh to the threat of instant death. But we must bear in mind that some days may have elapsed between the two, and that the sin which provoked the menace was probably not committed at the date of the promise. The narrative of Exodus 4:24-26 is obscure from its brevity; but the most probable explanation of the circumstances is, that Zipporah had been delivered of her second son, Eliezer, some few days before she set out on the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 4:24-26

One small duty neglected may frustrate the whole purpose of a life. To an Israelite the circumcision of his male children on the eighth day was a plain practical duty, resting upon a positive precept, which was unambiguous and peremptory. (See Genesis 17:10-14 .) Moses, probably in deference to the wishes of his wife, who disliked the custom, had allowed his son, Eliezer, to remain uncircumcised beyond the appointed time, perhaps making the excuse to himself that during a journey such a... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 4:24-27

Interpretation of providence. This mysterious passage in the life of Moses suggests various reflections. The facts are few. Moses, probably in deference to Zipporah's abhorrence of the rite, had neglected the circumcision of his child. This, in so eminent a servant of God, was a sin which could not be winked at. Least of all could it be overlooked at a time when the covenants were undergoing a species of resurrection, and when Moses was on his way to Egypt for the very purpose of giving... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 4:24-31

The three meetings. I. THE LORD 'S MEETING WITH MOSES ( Exodus 4:24-26 ). 1 . Moses' sin. 2 . The reason of the omission, weak yielding to the prejudices of his Midianitish wife. 3 . His guilt. God looked beyond the sign to that which it signified and partially accomplished—the claiming of the life for himself and righteousness. Moses' disobedience was therefore murder by neglect, and life shall answer for life. The guilt of the unfaithful watchmen in Zion ( ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 4:25

Zipporah took a sharp stone . Literally "a stone." Stone knives were commonly used in Egypt for making the incisions necessary when bodies were embalmed, and were regarded as purer than iron or bronze ones. Joshua ordered the preparation of stone knives for the circumcision of those born in the wilderness ( Joshua 5:2 ); and the Jews seem to have used stone for circumcision for many ages, though before the compilation of the Talmud they had changed their practice. Cast it at his feet. Not,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 4:26

So he let him go . i.e . "God let Moses go"—allowed him to escape death, accepted Zipporah's tardy act as a removal of the cause of offence, and gave her husband back to her. Then she said, etc. This is not a second address of Zipporah to Moses, conceived in the same terms, but an explanation of her previous address. She called him "a bloody husband because of the circumcision." Literally, "of the circumcisions." The two circumcisions, of Gershom in Midian, and of Eliezer on the way to... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Exodus 4:24

In the inn - Or “resting place.” See Genesis 42:27 note.Met him, and sought to kill him - Moses was attacked by a sudden and dangerous illness, which he knew was inflicted by God. The word “sought to kill” implies that the sickness, whatever might be its nature, was one which threatened death had it not been averted by a timely act. Zipporah believed that the illness of Moses was due to his having neglected the duty of an Israelite, and to his not having circumcised his own son; the delay was... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Exodus 4:25

Sharp stone - Not “knife,” as in the margin. Zipporah used a piece of flint, in accordance with the usage of the patriarchs. The Egyptians never used bronze or steel in the preparation of mummies because stone was regarded as a purer and more sacred material than metal.Cast it at his feet - Showing at once her abhorrence of the rite, and her feeling that by it she had saved her husband’s life.A bloody husband - Literally, “a husband of blood,” or “bloods.” The meaning is: The marriage bond... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 4:24

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 4:24

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 4:24-26

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 4:24-26

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 4:24-27

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 4:24-31

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 4:25

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 4:26

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Exodus 4:24

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Exodus 4:25

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