The name “Sephora” is a common variant of the biblical figure Zipporah, whose Hebrew name Tzipporah means “bird.” Zipporah is introduced in the Book of Exodus as the wife of Moses, the central figure chosen to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. She is a non-Israelite woman who plays a significant role in the early stages of Moses’ mission. Her story highlights the complex personal life of the prophet and the importance of foreign women in the biblical narrative.
Identity and Life in Midian
Zipporah originated in the land of Midian. She was one of the seven daughters of Jethro, who is also referred to as Reuel, the priest of Midian. The Midianites were a nomadic, non-Hebrew culture.
Moses first encountered Zipporah and her sisters at a well after he fled Egypt. The sisters were being harassed by local shepherds who tried to prevent them from watering their father’s flock. Moses intervened, defending the women and drawing water for their animals, which led to an invitation to their home.
Jethro welcomed Moses, and Moses eventually married Zipporah, settling into life as a shepherd. Zipporah bore Moses two sons during this time. The first son was named Gershom, meaning “a foreigner there,” reflecting Moses’ status as an exile. The second son was named Eliezer, meaning “God is my help.”
The Circumcision Incident at the Inn
The most dramatic episode involving Zipporah occurs as Moses, Zipporah, and their sons travel back to Egypt to begin the Exodus mission (Exodus 4:24-26). While stopped at a lodging place, the biblical text states that the Lord met Moses and sought to kill him. This confrontation is strongly suggested to be due to Moses’ failure to circumcise his son.
Circumcision was the physical sign of the covenant God established with Abraham, and neglecting this rite was a violation. Zipporah, perceiving the mortal danger, acted immediately. She took a sharp flint stone and performed the circumcision on her son, likely Eliezer.
Following the act, Zipporah touched the foreskin to Moses’ feet. She then uttered the phrase, “Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me.” This phrase is interpreted by many scholars as Zipporah declaring that the blood of the circumcision had saved Moses’ life, securing him by the covenant. Her swift action averted the divine threat, and the Lord let Moses alone.
The Cushite Wife Controversy and Legacy
A later passage in the Book of Numbers introduces a controversy when Moses’ siblings, Miriam and Aaron, criticize him for marrying a “Cushite woman” (Numbers 12:1). The central debate is whether this Cushite woman is Zipporah or a second, unnamed wife Moses married later.
Some scholars argue Zipporah is the Cushite woman, suggesting the term was used interchangeably with Midianite. Others propose Moses took a second wife after Zipporah returned to Midian, as it is unlikely Miriam and Aaron would suddenly object to Zipporah after decades of marriage.
Regardless of the identity, the criticism highlights the tension surrounding Moses’ marriage to a foreigner. God immediately intervened, punishing Miriam with a skin disease, which affirmed Moses’ authority and defended his choice of wife. Zipporah’s courage and understanding of the covenant were instrumental in preserving Moses’ life and ensuring the continuation of the Exodus mission. Her final appearance is her reunion with Moses in the wilderness, brought by her father Jethro.