God was demonstrating that His righteousness and holiness do not change, no matter the circumstances. Circumcision was a sign of God's covenant relationship with Israel, established with Abraham. (Genesis 21:4)
Moses could not lead Israel with such a sin hanging over his head. It is not stated why Moses failed to circumcise the boy. Zipporah was far from impressed. Her attitude may have led to Moses sending her back to Jethro with the two boys. It's interesting that it was just one child not circumcised. Moses was not ignorant of God's requirements.
Moses could not lead Israel with such a sin hanging over his head. It is not stated why Moses failed to circumcise the boy. Zipporah was far from impressed. Her attitude may have led to Moses sending her back to Jethro with the two boys. It's interesting that it was just one child not circumcised. Moses was not ignorant of God's requirements.
All firstborns are meant to be given to God. That is why they need to be bought back with a sacrifice. Abraham was asked to sacrifice Isaac (even though he had Ishamel with Hagar, it was like Ishmael didnt count) but I do recall that Ishmael was circumcised when he was 13. Isaac was circumcised when he was eight days old. Well that was when it was supposed to happen.
Instead of sacrifice the firstborns, an animal (goat...or two pigeons) were acceptable. But the Israelites then were circumcising ALL their sons not just the firstborns and they still did the animal sacrifice anyway.