a. Examine the events that led to the marriage between Moses and Zipporah.
b. Examine two reasons for which people seek asylum.
(a)
The marriage between Moses and Zipporah is a significant event in the life of Moses. It occurs during his forty-year sojourn in the land of Midian. Following his flight from Egypt to escape the wrath of Pharaoh, Moses’ act of chivalry at a well in Midian served as the catalyst for his integration into the family of Jethro (also known as Reuel), the priest of Midian.
The journey toward this union began when Moses, after killing an Egyptian taskmaster to defend a Hebrew, realised that his actions had become public knowledge. Fearing execution by Pharaoh, Moses fled from Egypt. He travelled across the desert and eventually arrived in the land of Midian, where he sat down by a well to rest.
While Moses was at the well, the seven daughters of Jethro, the priest of Midian, arrived to draw water and fill the troughs to water their father’s flock. However, some local shepherds arrived and rudely drove the women away so they could water their own livestock first.
Moses, demonstrating his innate sense of justice and bravery, stood up and defended the women. He not only protected them from the shepherds but also took over the task of drawing water for them, ensuring their flock was well-fed.
When the sisters returned home much earlier than usual, their father, Reuel, expressed surprise. They explained that an "Egyptian" had delivered them from the hands of the shepherds and had even drawn enough water for the entire flock.
Reuel rebuked his daughters for their lack of hospitality, asking, "Where is he? Why have you left the man? Invite him to eat bread." Consequently, Moses was invited to their home, where he was warmly received.
Moses agreed to stay and dwell with Reuel. In appreciation of Moses’ character, assistance, and presence, Reuel gave his daughter, Zipporah, to Moses in marriage. This union marked a transition in Moses' life from a prince of Egypt to a humble shepherd in the wilderness. The marriage produced two sons: Gershom, whose name signifies Moses' status as a stranger in a foreign land, and Eliezer.
The events leading to this marriage illustrate the providence of God in providing Moses with a refuge and a family during his exile. Zipporah would later play a vital role in Moses’ spiritual journey, particularly during the "circumcision at the inn," proving that this union was not merely social but strategically significant for Moses’ future leadership of Israel.
(b)
Asylum is a form of protection granted by a nation to individuals who have fled their own country due to a well-founded fear of persecution or serious harm. According to international law, specifically the 1951 Refugee Convention, every individual has the right to seek safety in another country when their own state is unable or unwilling to protect their fundamental human rights.
One of the primary reasons individuals seek asylum is political persecution. This occurs when a government or a powerful group targets an individual because of their political opinions, activism or opposition to the ruling regime. Individuals may face arbitrary arrest, illegal detention, torture, or even extrajudicial killing for exercising their right to freedom of expression or assembly.
When a person’s political activities make it impossible for them to live safely within their borders, they flee to a democratic or neutral nation. Here, they apply for asylum to secure legal status and protection from being forcibly returned (non-refoulement) to a country where their life is in danger.
Another common reason for seeking asylum is the threat of violence based on an individual’s identity, specifically their religion or ethnicity. In many parts of the world, minority groups face systematic discrimination or violent conflict. This can take the form of "ethnic cleansing," where a specific group is forcibly removed or exterminated, or state-sponsored religious intolerance, where practising a certain faith is criminalised.
For individuals in these circumstances, seeking asylum is a matter of survival. They seek refuge in countries that uphold religious freedom and pluralism, hoping to rebuild their lives without the threat of genocide or communal violence.
In summary, people seek asylum primarily as a desperate measure to preserve their lives and liberty. Whether fleeing political oppression or identity-based violence, the request for asylum is a plea for the basic human right to safety. International cooperation remains essential to ensure that such vulnerable persons are treated with dignity and given a chance to live in peace.
Contributions ({{ comment_count }})
Please wait...
Modal title
Report
Block User
{{ feedback_modal_data.title }}