This final part of the chapter includes at least three sections.
1. Moses returns to Egypt with his father-in-law’s consent (18), followed by God confirming that decision (19) and declaring Pharaoh’s future stubbornness, which will lead to the plagues, with the last one causing the death of the firstborn.
2. The second describes a confusing situation in which the Lord tries to kill Moses. This led Zipporah, his wife, to quickly circumcise their son and call Moses a ‘bridegroom of blood’ after touching him with his son’s blood (24-26). This unusual practice, related to Moses and the rite of circumcision, is not entirely clear to the authors of the text. Verse 26b attempts to explain the ritual but ultimately fails to do so.
3. The third section describes Moses and Aaron’s meeting with the Israelite authorities, who urged them to prepare for their meeting with Pharaoh. God will take care of his people; he has taken note of their oppression (31). This is the key that must also inspire the faith of our peoples. God is with us; he notices us and cares for us.