Forgotten Texts: The Theology of Zipporah’s Rite: Divine Threat, Circumcision, Covenant, and Female Agency in Exodus 4:24–26

Why did God suddenly seek to kill Moses immediately after commissioning him at the burning bush? Why did Zipporah's swift action avert divine judgment? Exodus 4:24–26 remains one of the most enigmatic and least-preached passages in the Hebrew Bible. This study offers a theological and exegetical examination of the narrative, exploring the relationship between covenant obedience, circumcision, leadership, divine holiness, and female agency. Particular attention is given to the ambiguity of the Hebrew text, the meaning of Zipporah's declaration, "bridegroom of blood," the connection between circumcision and the Abrahamic covenant, and the episode's theological relationship to the Passover narrative. The article argues that Moses could not publicly represent God's covenant while his own household neglected its covenantal sign, and that Zipporah's decisive obedience preserved both Moses' life and Israel's future deliverance. The study also highlights Zipporah as one of the most significant yet frequently overlooked women in biblical theology.