The verse repeats the naming of Gershom, emphasizing that even as Moses reunites with his family, the lingering identity of being a "sojourner in a foreign land" remains deeply imprinted on his heart and his sons' names. This isn't just a historical detail; it’s a profound reminder that the journey of faith often involves a sense of being strangers in this world, with a heavenly home yet to come.
along with her two sons. The name of the one was Gershom (for he said, “I have been a sojourner in a foreign land”), and the name of the other, Eliezer (for he said, “The God of my father was my help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh”).
English Standard Version (ESV)
Moses' father-in-law, Jethro, has just arrived at the Israelite camp with Moses' wife, Zipporah, and their two sons. This reunion happens after God's mighty deliverance of Israel from Egypt, and Jethro is eager to hear all about it and worship the God of Israel. The naming of Gershom, a stranger in a foreign land, reflects Moses' own experience and foreshadows the Israelites' future journey.
Why would Moses name his son 'Gershom,' meaning 'a stranger here'? What deep truth was he trying to embed in his son's identity from birth?
The name Gershom itself is a powerful declaration. Moses chose it, saying, 'I have been a sojourner in a foreign land.' This wasn't just a description of his life; it was a theological statement.
Remembering the Journey
Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, arrives with Moses' wife and sons. What does this reunion signify, and how does it show God working through unlikely means?
Jethro's arrival is more than just a family reunion; it's a pivotal moment where God's people intersect with a Gentile leader who recognizes the power of the Lord.
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A Bridge Between Worlds
Understand the original words
gēr · Hebrew Noun
A person living temporarily in a land not their own; it conveys the status of being an alien or stranger, often used to describe Israel’s historical identity or the believer’s state as a pilgrim on earth.
The naming of Gershom highlights Moses' identity as an exile who found refuge in Midian, underscoring his deep connection to God's promises even while living in a foreign land.
c. 1446 BC
Israel's Exodus from Egypt
God dramatically delivers the Israelites from over 400 years of slavery in Egypt, leading them through the Red Sea and into the wilderness.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
Moses' Father-in-Law Visits
Jethro, Moses' father-in-law and priest of Midian, hears about the Exodus and brings Moses' wife Zipporah and their two sons to visit him in the wilderness.
c. 1446 BC
Gershom's Name Given
Moses names his firstborn son Gershom, signifying 'I have been a sojourner in a foreign land,' reflecting his own experience fleeing Egypt and living in Midian.
c. 1446 BC
Jethro Advises Moses
After witnessing Moses' overwhelming judicial duties, Jethro offers wise counsel, leading to the establishment of a system of judges to share the burden.
c. 1446 BC
Jethro's Worship at Sinai
Jethro offers sacrifices and worship to God alongside Moses, Aaron, and the elders, acknowledging the Lord's greatness above all gods.
This passage directly repeats the naming of Gershom and its meaning, emphasizing Moses' ongoing sense of being an outsider even after his return to Egypt.
Hebrews 11:13This verse speaks of the patriarchs who, like Moses, confessed themselves 'strangers and exiles on earth,' aligning with the sentiment behind naming Gershom.
Genesis 17:8God promised Abraham and his descendants the land of Canaan to possess as an everlasting possession, establishing the concept of a promised homeland that contrasts with being a sojourner.
1 Peter 2:11Peter exhorts believers to abstain from fleshly lusts, referring to them as 'sojourners and pilgrims,' which echoes the identity Moses imprinted on his son.
clarkeExodus 18:3: "And her two sons; of which the name of the one was Gershom; for he said, I have been an alien in a strange land:"
The name of the one was Gershom - See Clarke's note on Exodus 2:22 .
pooleExodus 18:3: "And her two sons; of which the name of the one was Gershom; for he said, I have been an alien in a strange land:"
No text from Poole on this verse.
The verse repeats the naming of Gershom, emphasizing that even as Moses reunites with his family, the lingering identity of being a "sojourner in a foreign land" remains deeply imprinted on his heart and his sons' names. This isn't just a historical detail; it’s a profound reminder that the journey of faith often involves a sense of being strangers in this world, with a heavenly home yet to come.
Moses' father-in-law, Jethro, has just arrived at the Israelite camp with Moses' wife, Zipporah, and their two sons. This reunion happens after God's mighty deliverance of Israel from Egypt, and Jethro is eager to hear all about it and worship the God of Israel. The naming of Gershom, a stranger in a foreign land, reflects Moses' own experience and foreshadows the Israelites' future journey.
Moses' father-in-law, Jethro, has just arrived at the Israelite camp with Moses' wife, Zipporah, and their two sons. This reunion happens after God's mighty deliverance of Israel from Egypt, and Jethro is eager to hear all about it and worship the God of Israel. The naming of Gershom, a stranger in a foreign land, reflects Moses' own experience and foreshadows the Israelites' future journey.
"along with her two sons. The name of the one was Gershom (for he said, “I have been a sojourner in a foreign land”), and the name of the other, Eliezer (for he said, “The God of my father was my help, and delivered me from the sword of Pha…" — The verse repeats the naming of Gershom, emphasizing that even as Moses reunites with his family, the lingering identity of being a "sojourner in a foreign land" remains deeply imprinted on his heart…
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Last reviewed October 2026
