Definition: Then Zipporah took a sharp stone, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast [it] at his feet, and said, Surely a bloody husband [art] thou to me.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Exodus 4:25. It’s a really important and disturbing verse in the Bible, and it speaks about a very difficult moment for Moses. Here's what it means in simple terms: What happened? A Child is Born: The story begins with Pharaoh refusing to let Moses go to see the newborn Hebrew baby. Zipporah’s Role: Zipporah, a woman of great importance and status, takes charge of the baby. The Cutting: She then cuts off the baby's foreskin (the first part of the penis) with a sharp stone. It’s a very painful and symbolic act. The Statement: She then says, "Surely you are a bloody husband to me." What does it mean? This verse is incredibly powerful because it describes a moment of intense grief and betrayal. Here's what it suggests: A Violation of God’s Law: The core of the verse is that this act – cutting off the baby’s foreskin – was a direct violation of God’s law, which specifically commanded that the boy’s blood was to be sprinkled on the altar as a sign of atonement for sin. It was a way of showing remorse and acknowledging the transgression. A Symbolic Representation of Betrayal: The phrase "bloody husband" isn't meant literally. It symbolizes a betrayal of the covenant God made with Israel – a promise of protection and blessing. The act represents a breaking of trust and faith. Moses’ Reaction: It highlights Moses’ profound grief and anger. He is devastated by this event, recognizing that his son has been taken away and that his relationship with God has been broken. Important Context (Briefly): This passage happened after Pharaoh had killed all the Hebrew boys. The story of Moses fleeing into the desert emphasizes the seriousness of the situation – he was facing a major crisis in his life, and the loss of his son was a devastating blow. In essence, this verse is a dramatic portrayal of a moment of profound grief and a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God’s law. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Exodus 4? Discuss the significance of this event in relation to the larger story of the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness?