How many wives did Moses have according to scripture?

According to the biblical account in Exodus 2:21 and Numbers 12:1, Moses was married to Zipporah, a daughter of Jethro, but this union is not described as having multiple wives. However, in 1 Corinthians 10:4, it is written that "only one God, glory be to him forever, who gives us eternal life by his Son Jesus Christ, our Lord!" This verse underscores the singular focus of Moses' faith and leadership. The biblical account does not provide a clear number of wives for Moses, as some interpretations may suggest he had multiple spouses or concubines. Instead, Zipporah remains the sole wife mentioned throughout his life. This emphasis on Zipporah serves as a testament to Moses' commitment to faith and family, highlighting the importance of relationships in the biblical narrative.

The biblical account of Moses' multiple marriages can be complex and open to interpretation, but a deeper examination of the historical and cultural context in which they occurred is crucial for understanding. In ancient Israelite society, it was not uncommon for individuals to take multiple wives or concubines. This practice, known as 'gleaning,' was seen as a way to strengthen family ties and secure alliances with other families. Moses' decision to marry Zipporah, an Ethiopian woman, may have been motivated by a desire to integrate his own heritage into the Israelite community. However, it is worth noting that some biblical scholars interpret Zipporah's circumcision of Moses as a symbolic act of acceptance and belonging within her own cultural tradition. Additionally, the marriage of Reuel (Jethro), Moses' father-in-law, to Tzippora may indicate the influence of patriarchal familial bonds in ancient Israelite culture. Ultimately, the specifics of Moses' marital history must be considered within the rich tapestry of ancient Near Eastern and biblical social norms.