Clicky

Who Was Moses’ Second Wife? – Viral Believer
Skip to content

Who Was Moses’ Second Wife?

Introduction

Moses, the great prophet and lawgiver of Israel, holds a prominent place in the hearts and minds of many believers. Known for his humility and leadership, Moses’ story is a testament to the transformative power of God’s grace.

One aspect of his life that is not as well-known, however, is his marital history. While it is widely acknowledged that Moses was married to Zipporah, there is less certainty about his second wife.

This blog post will explore the biblical evidence surrounding Moses’ second wife, seeking to illuminate this lesser-known facet of his life.

Understanding the relationships and family dynamics of key biblical figures can help us better appreciate the human experience and divine guidance that shaped their lives.

In the case of Moses, examining his marriages allows us to consider the impact that different cultural backgrounds and experiences might have had on his life and leadership. Let’s delve into the scripture to learn more about Moses’ second wife.

Moses’ First Marriage: Zipporah

Before discussing Moses’ second wife, it is important to review his first marriage. Moses married Zipporah, the daughter of Jethro (also called Reuel), the priest of Midian (Exodus 2:16-21; Exodus 3:1, NKJV).

Zipporah bore Moses two sons, Gershom and Eliezer (Exodus 18:3-4, NKJV). While they initially accompanied Moses on his journey to Egypt, Zipporah and her sons were later sent back to Midian for their safety (Exodus 4:18-26, NKJV).

They eventually rejoined Moses in the wilderness after the Israelites had been liberated from Egyptian bondage (Exodus 18:1-6, NKJV).

Moses’ Second Wife: The Ethiopian Woman

The only direct mention of Moses’ second wife in the Bible occurs in Numbers 12:1 (NKJV): “Then Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married; for he had married an Ethiopian woman.”

The identity of this woman is not explicitly revealed in the text, leading to various interpretations and speculations among scholars and theologians.

Possibility 1: The Ethiopian Woman is Zipporah

Some argue that the Ethiopian woman mentioned in Numbers 12:1 is actually Zipporah, Moses’ first wife. The basis for this argument is that Midian, where Zipporah was from, was closely associated with the region of Cush, which encompassed parts of modern-day Ethiopia.

As such, the term “Ethiopian” may be a geographical reference rather than an indication that Moses married a second time.

This interpretation is supported by the fact that the Hebrew word for “Ethiopian” in this verse, “Kushite,” can be translated as “Cushite” – a term used to describe people from Cush, which included the region where the Midianites lived.

Furthermore, since there is no other biblical reference to Moses marrying another woman, some scholars maintain that the Ethiopian woman is Zipporah and that the marriage in question is Moses’ union with her.

Possibility 2: The Ethiopian Woman is a Different Wife

Another perspective is that the Ethiopian woman mentioned in Numbers 12:1 is a distinct individual from Zipporah. This view is based on the assumption that the term “Ethiopian” refers to someone from a different ethnic and cultural background than the Midianites.

The fact that Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses for marrying this woman might suggest that she was not Zipporah, as they would have already been familiar with her.

The Bible does not provide further details about this Ethiopian woman, including her name, background, or any children she may have had with Moses. As a result, this interpretation relies on speculation and inference to fill in the gaps.

Despite the lack of concrete information, it remains a possibility that Moses married a second wife who was of Ethiopian descent.

Lessons from Moses’ Marriages

Regardless of whether the Ethiopian woman was Zipporah or another wife, there are valuable lessons to be gleaned from Moses’ marital relationships.

Cultural Diversity and Unity in God’s Family

Moses’ marriages to women from different cultural backgrounds can be seen as an early demonstration of the unity that God desires for His people, transcending ethnic and cultural barriers.

This idea is further emphasized in the New Testament, where the apostle Paul teaches that in Christ, there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile, slave and free, male and female (Galatians 3:28, NKJV). By marrying women from diverse backgrounds, Moses foreshadowed the inclusive nature of God’s kingdom.

The Importance of Godly Leadership

Moses’ marriages also serve as a reminder of the importance of godly leadership in the family. Despite the challenges that Moses faced as a husband and father, he remained faithful to God and His calling.

He led the Israelites out of Egypt and through the wilderness, demonstrating the qualities of a servant leader who prioritized the well-being of his people over his own comfort or prestige.

Conclusion

The question of who Moses’ second wife was remains open to interpretation, with some scholars believing that the Ethiopian woman mentioned in Numbers 12:1 is Zipporah, while others assert that she was a separate individual.

Regardless of her identity, Moses’ marriages provide valuable insights into the nature of God’s love, which transcends cultural and ethnic boundaries, and the importance of godly leadership in the family.

As we reflect on Moses’ life and his relationships, we are reminded of the importance of seeking God’s guidance in our own lives and following His will, even when it is difficult or unpopular.

We can also take comfort in the fact that, like Moses, we serve a God who is faithful and merciful, guiding us through the challenges and uncertainties we face in our own journeys.

In the end, the identity of Moses’ second wife may remain a mystery. However, the lessons we can learn from his marriages and his life as a whole serve as a powerful testimony to the transformative power of God’s grace and the beauty of unity in His kingdom.

As we strive to follow in Moses’ footsteps, may we always seek to embody the love, humility, and faithfulness that characterized his life and leadership.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.