How many wives did Moses have?

The story of Moses, one of the most significant figures in the Old Testament, is rich with detail and complexity. As the leader who guided the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage and received the Ten Commandments from God, Moses's life is chronicled primarily in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Among the many aspects of his life, the question of how many wives Moses had is one that has intrigued scholars and faithful alike.

The biblical text provides us with clear references to two women who were wives of Moses: Zipporah and a Cushite woman. To understand this fully, we must delve into the scriptural accounts and the historical and cultural contexts that surround these references.

Zipporah: The Midianite Wife

The first and most well-documented wife of Moses is Zipporah, the daughter of Jethro (also called Reuel), the priest of Midian. The story of Moses and Zipporah begins in Exodus 2:16-22. After Moses fled from Egypt to escape Pharaoh's wrath for killing an Egyptian, he settled in the land of Midian. There, he encountered Jethro's daughters at a well, helped them water their flock, and was subsequently invited to Jethro's home. Moses agreed to stay with Jethro, and in time, he married Zipporah.

"Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father's flock. Then the shepherds came and drove them away; but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock. When they came to Reuel their father, he said, 'How is it that you have come so soon today?' And they said, 'An Egyptian delivered us from the hand of the shepherds, and he also drew enough water for us and watered the flock.' So he said to his daughters, 'And where is he? Why is it that you have left the man? Call him, that he may eat bread.' Then Moses was content to live with the man, and he gave Zipporah his daughter to Moses. And she bore him a son, and he called his name Gershom; for he said, 'I have been a stranger in a foreign land.'" (Exodus 2:16-22, NKJV)

Zipporah bore Moses two sons, Gershom and Eliezer (Exodus 18:3-4). Her role is further highlighted in Exodus 4:24-26, where she performs a circumcision on their son to save Moses from divine punishment. This act underscores her importance and the pivotal role she played in Moses's life.

The Cushite Woman

The second reference to a wife of Moses is found in Numbers 12:1. This passage mentions a Cushite (or Ethiopian) woman, which has led to much debate among scholars and theologians. The verse reads:

"Then Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married; for he had married an Ethiopian woman." (Numbers 12:1, NKJV)

The identity of this Cushite woman is not explicitly stated, and there are several interpretations of this text. One perspective is that this Cushite woman is indeed a second wife, separate from Zipporah. This interpretation suggests that Moses married this woman after the death or departure of Zipporah, or perhaps while Zipporah was still alive. The Cushites were a people from the region of modern-day Sudan, known for their dark skin, which could have been a point of contention for Miriam and Aaron, leading to their criticism of Moses.

Another perspective is that the Cushite woman is actually Zipporah herself. This interpretation hinges on the idea that "Cushite" could be used to describe Zipporah due to her foreignness or possibly a different aspect of her identity that was highlighted in this context. However, this view is less commonly held due to the clear distinction usually made between Midianites and Cushites in the biblical text.

Cultural and Historical Context

Understanding the cultural and historical context of Moses's time is crucial for interpreting these passages. Polygamy was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures, including among the Israelites. Many prominent biblical figures, such as Abraham, Jacob, and David, had multiple wives. Therefore, the notion of Moses having more than one wife would not have been unusual or controversial in his cultural context.

Moreover, the marriage alliances often had significant social, political, and religious implications. Marrying women from different tribes or nations could strengthen alliances, secure peace, and integrate different groups into the Israelite community. Moses's marriage to a Cushite woman, if indeed a separate individual from Zipporah, might have had such implications.

Theological Implications

The accounts of Moses's wives also carry theological implications. The criticism of Moses by Miriam and Aaron in Numbers 12:1-15 leads to a divine response that underscores Moses's unique relationship with God. God defends Moses and afflicts Miriam with leprosy for her criticism, highlighting the seriousness of challenging God's chosen leader.

"Then the LORD came down in the pillar of cloud and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam. And they both went forward. Then He said, 'Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD, make Myself known to him in a vision; I speak to him in a dream. Not so with My servant Moses; He is faithful in all My house. I speak with him face to face, even plainly, and not in dark sayings; And he sees the form of the LORD. Why then were you not afraid to speak against My servant Moses?'" (Numbers 12:5-8, NKJV)

This passage not only addresses the issue of Moses's marriage but also reinforces his prophetic authority and the special nature of his communication with God. It serves as a reminder that God's choices and actions, including His selection of leaders and their personal lives, are not to be questioned lightly.

Conclusion

In summary, the biblical text clearly identifies Zipporah as a wife of Moses and also mentions a Cushite woman, leading to the conclusion that Moses had at least two wives. Zipporah, the Midianite, is well-documented in the narrative, while the Cushite woman's identity remains more ambiguous. Whether the Cushite woman is another wife or a different description of Zipporah, the text highlights the complexities and cultural norms of the time.

The story of Moses's wives, like many aspects of his life, is rich with historical, cultural, and theological significance. It invites us to consider the broader context of biblical narratives and the ways in which God's plans unfold through the lives of His chosen instruments. Through these accounts, we gain a deeper understanding of the human experiences and divine interactions that shape the biblical story.