Exodus 18:3-4
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)
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While the name Gershom and its meaning are repeated from an earlier mention, this particular context highlights that the memory of being an alien—a sojourner in a foreign land—was important enough for Moses to imbue his son with that identity, even as he now led his people toward their promised home. This suggests that even amid triumphant deliverance, the echoes of past struggles and the transient nature of earthly life were deeply impressed upon Moses's heart and mind.
Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, arrives with Moses' wife and their two sons, Gershom and Eliezer, after Moses had apparently sent them back to Midian previously. This reunion happens just as Jethro learns about God's mighty deliverance of Israel from Egypt, prompting him to offer praise and sacrifices to the Lord. The naming of Gershom reflects Moses' own sense of being a stranger in Midian, a sentiment that would continue to shape his identity and his focus on God's promises even after these astounding events.
Ever felt like you don't quite belong? The name Gershom carries a profound sense of displacement. It's more than just a label; it's a declaration of identity shaped by hardship.
Moses named his first son Gershom, a name that means 'a stranger there' or 'I have been a sojourner in a foreign land.'
A Memory of Exile
This name wasn't given lightly. It served as a constant reminder of Moses's own flight from Egypt and his forty years as an exile in Midian. It marked his experience of being an outsider, living among a people not his own, under circumstances that were far from ideal.
A Prophetic Glimpse
But the name carried even more weight. It wasn't just about Moses's experience, but a deeper truth about the Israelites' journey. Even in their homeland, they were often treated as foreigners or oppressors by other nations. And in a grander sense, for all God's people, this earth is not our permanent home. The name Gershom points to a future hope, a heavenly country, reminding us that we too are sojourners.
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It's a powerful reminder that our current circumstances, however settled they may seem, are not our final destination. Our true identity is rooted in God's promises, not in the lands we inhabit.
When Moses's wife, Zipporah, returns with their sons to her father, Jethro, a significant reunion takes place. What does this moment reveal about family and faith?
This encounter in Exodus 18 brings Moses's family back into his life after a period of separation.
Rekindling Family Ties
Jethro, Moses's father-in-law, brings Zipporah and their two sons, Gershom and Eliezer, to Moses in the wilderness. This reunion is crucial. It signifies the reconnection of Moses with his wife and children, whom he had seemingly left behind for his divine calling.
A Witness to God's Work
Jethro's reaction to the news of God's deliverance of Israel is profound. He rejoices and blesses the Lord, declaring, 'Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods' (Exodus 18:11). This shows that Zipporah and the boys likely carried the stories of God's mighty acts with them, influencing Jethro's understanding and faith. The naming of Gershom, as we've seen, likely stemmed from Moses's own experiences in Midian, a perspective that would have been shared within the family.
This reunion isn't just about Moses getting his family back; it's a testament to God's faithfulness in weaving together lives and faith across different backgrounds and experiences.
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.
c. 1440 BC
Moses flees Egypt to Midian
After killing an Egyptian overseer, Moses flees the land of his birth and finds refuge in Midian, eventually marrying Zipporah, daughter of Jethro, the priest of Midian.
c. 1435 BC— this verse
Birth of Gershom
Moses and Zipporah have their first son, Gershom. The name signifies Moses' status as a 'sojourner in a foreign land,' reflecting his exile from Egypt.
c. 1406 BC
Moses returns to Egypt
Called by God at the burning bush, Moses returns to Egypt with his family to confront Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of slavery.
c. 1406 BC
The Exodus from Egypt
Following the ten plagues, Pharaoh finally allows the Israelites to leave Egypt, marking the beginning of their journey to the Promised Land.
c. 1406 BC
Jethro visits Moses' camp
Hearing of God's deliverance of Israel, Jethro travels to the Israelite camp near Mount Sinai, bringing Moses' wife Zipporah and their two sons with him.
This verse reiterates God's promise to Abraham to give him and his descendants the land of Canaan, highlighting the concept of dwelling in a land that isn't inherently theirs, paralleling Gershom's name which signifies being a sojourner.
Hebrews 11:13This passage speaks of biblical figures who died without receiving the promised land, acknowledging that they lived as 'foreigners and exiles' on earth. This directly echoes the sentiment behind naming Gershom 'stranger in a foreign land' because they understood their ultimate home was not earthly.
Psalm 39:12This psalm pleads for God's attention, acknowledging that 'I am a sojourner with you, like all my fathers.' This shared human experience of being temporary residents on earth connects with the deep meaning Moses conveyed through his son's name.
1 Peter 2:11Peter exhorts believers to abstain from sinful desires, reminding them that they are 'sojourners and exiles' in the world. This shows how the concept of being a temporary resident, as reflected in Gershom's name, is a core spiritual identity for God's people throughout history.
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.
While the name Gershom and its meaning are repeated from an earlier mention, this particular context highlights that the memory of being an alien—a sojourner in a foreign land—was important enough for Moses to imbue his son with that identity, even as he now led his people toward their promised home. This suggests that even amid triumphant deliverance, the echoes of past struggles and the transient nature of earthly life were deeply impressed upon Moses's heart and mind.
Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, arrives with Moses' wife and their two sons, Gershom and Eliezer, after Moses had apparently sent them back to Midian previously. This reunion happens just as Jethro learns about God's mighty deliverance of Israel from Egypt, prompting him to offer praise and sacrifices to the Lord. The naming of Gershom reflects Moses' own sense of being a stranger in Midian, a sentiment that would continue to shape his identity and his focus on God's promises even after these astounding events.
Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, arrives with Moses' wife and their two sons, Gershom and Eliezer, after Moses had apparently sent them back to Midian previously. This reunion happens just as Jethro learns about God's mighty deliverance of Israel from Egypt, prompting him to offer praise and sacrifices to the Lord. The naming of Gershom reflects Moses' own sense of being a stranger in Midian, a sentiment that would continue to shape his identity and his focus on God's promises even after these astounding events.
"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…" — While the name Gershom and its meaning are repeated from an earlier mention, this particular context highlights that the memory of being an alien—a sojourner in a foreign land—was important enough…
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