Exodus 4:26 in the King James Version of the Bible states, "So he let him go: then she said, A bloody husband thou art, because of the circumcision." This verse is part of the story of Moses and his encounter with God at the burning bush. God had appeared to Moses and commanded him to go to Egypt to lead the Israelites out of slavery. However, Moses was hesitant and reluctant to fulfill this task, so God allowed his wife Zipporah to help him understand the seriousness of the divine mission.

In this verse, the “he” mentioned refers to Moses, and the “she” refers to Zipporah, his wife. After Moses had received the call from God, Zipporah took up a razor and performed a circumcision on their son as a sign of obedience to God's covenant with Abraham. However, when she did this, there was a complication, and it seems that Moses was unable to continue this act himself, so he “let him go.” The Hebrew here is obscure and the identity of the "him" is not entirely certain, but it may refer to God releasing Moses from the obligation of circumcision, given the urgency of the situation.

The significance of this verse lies in the reaction of Zipporah, who recognized that circumcision was symbolically a bloody and painful act. The word “bloody” and the imagery of the act itself demonstrate the seriousness and cost of following God's commands. Zipporah was aware of the importance of this covenant and the necessity for her husband to fulfill his obligations to God. Her exclamation to Moses, "A bloody husband thou art, because of the circumcision," emphasizes the gravity of their situation and Moses’ call to leadership.

This verse also serves to highlight the theme of obedience and the sacrifices required in fulfilling God's will. Both Moses and Zipporah were obedient to God’s command through the act of circumcision, despite the pain and difficulty it entailed. This willingness to obey God’s instructions, even when they seem uncomfortable or challenging, is a significant lesson that is relevant to all believers. It communicates the idea that obedience to God is essential even when it requires personal sacrifice and discomfort.

The context of Exodus 4:26 is within the larger narrative of the call of Moses and the divine commission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. This verse occurs at a crucial moment when the significance of the covenant between God and the Israelites is emphasized through the act of circumcision. It serves to underscore the divine purpose and the seriousness of the mission that Moses was embarking on.

Symbolically, the act of circumcision signifies a rite of passage and a symbol of God's covenant with His people. It was a physical sign that set apart the Israelites as the chosen people of God. In this verse, the act of circumcision is a powerful reminder of the Israelites’ identity and their calling to be a holy and set-apart nation. It also points to the importance of obedience to God’s commands as a means of honoring the covenant and demonstrating faithfulness to God.

In conclusion, Exodus 4:26 from the King James Version of the Bible contains rich symbolism and themes of obedience, sacrifice, and the divine covenant. The verse serves as a poignant reminder of the cost and significance of following God’s will, and it showcases the willingness of both Moses and Zipporah to obey God’s commands. This verse is a powerful part of the narrative of Moses and the Israelites, and it carries profound truths that continue to resonate with believers today.