The Bible is full of such moments, and they often hinge on the quick thinking and bravery of… well, usually women.
Think about Moses. We know him as the great leader, the lawgiver, the one who spoke to God face-to-face. But early in his story, he's just a guy, newly married to Zipporah, daughter of Jethro (also called Reuel), a Midianite priest. He's tending his father-in-law's flocks, a far cry from the palaces of Egypt.
Now, the text we have doesn't explicitly say Moses is about to perish here. But bear with me. It sets the stage for a later, much more dramatic, near-death experience found in Exodus 4:24-26. This passage, frankly, is weird. God confronts Moses, seemingly intent on killing him! Why? Because Moses hasn't circumcised his son.
But let’s back up and look at how Zipporah even came to be in Moses' life. Ginzberg, in his Legends of the Jews, builds up the backstory, painting a picture of Zipporah's intelligence and courage. Jethro had seven daughters, but no wife to manage the household. As we see here, Zipporah saw an opportunity to both protect her sisters and show her own worth.
She suggests a switch: "Would it were thy will to hearken unto my counsel. Thou hast no wife, but only seven daughters. Dost thou desire my six sisters to preside over thy household? Then shall I go abroad with the sheep. If not, let my sisters tend the flocks, and I shall take care of the house."
Jethro agrees, impressed by her wisdom. "Thou hast spoken well. Thy six sisters shall go forth with the sheep, and thou shalt abide in the house and take care of it, and all that belongeth to me therein."
So, what does this have to do with Moses almost dying? Well, it establishes Zipporah as a woman of action, someone who is not afraid to take charge.
Later, when God comes after Moses, it is Zipporah who understands what must be done. She swiftly circumcises her son and touches Moses’ feet with the foreskin, saying, "Surely a bridegroom of blood art thou to me" (Exodus 4:25). And just like that, the danger passes.
Now, the why of this whole circumcision episode is debated endlessly by commentators. Was it a test of Moses' obedience? A clash between different religious customs? Did Zipporah resent the act, as some interpretations suggest? The Torah doesn't spell it out.
But one thing is clear: Zipporah's quick thinking saved Moses' life. Without her intervention, who knows what would have happened? Perhaps there would be no Exodus, no Ten Commandments, no foundational story of the Jewish people.
It's a powerful reminder that even the greatest leaders depend on the courage and wisdom of those around them – especially the women. And it highlights a beautiful theme that runs throughout Jewish tradition: that life, even in the face of divine wrath, is precious and worth fighting for. What do you think? Are there other unsung heroes in the Torah that we overlook?