◄ Exodus 18:3 ►
along with her two sons. One son was named Gershom, for Moses had said, "I have been a foreigner in a foreign land."
Study Bible
along with her two sons
This phrase introduces the family of Moses, emphasizing the importance of family in the narrative of Exodus. The Hebrew word for "sons" is "בָּנִים" (banim), which not only refers to male offspring but also signifies the continuation of a family line and legacy. In the context of ancient Israel, sons were seen as a blessing and a means to carry on the family name and faith. This highlights the personal sacrifices Moses made in his mission, as he was separated from his family while leading the Israelites.

One was named Gershom
The name "Gershom" is derived from the Hebrew root "גֵּר" (ger), meaning "foreigner" or "sojourner." This name is significant as it reflects Moses' own experience of being a stranger in a foreign land, first in Egypt and then in Midian. Naming his son Gershom serves as a personal reminder of his journey and the divine providence that guided him through his trials. It also underscores the theme of identity and belonging, which is central to the narrative of the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land.

for Moses had said
This phrase indicates that the naming of Gershom was intentional and meaningful. It reflects Moses' introspection and acknowledgment of his life's journey. The act of naming in the Hebrew tradition often carried prophetic or commemorative significance, revealing insights into the character or destiny of the individual. Moses' statement here is a testament to his faith and recognition of God's hand in his life, even during times of displacement and uncertainty.

I have been a foreigner
The Hebrew word for "foreigner" is "גֵּר" (ger), which conveys the sense of being an outsider or one who resides temporarily in a land not their own. This resonates with the broader narrative of the Israelites, who were foreigners in Egypt and later sojourners in the wilderness. Moses' personal experience as a foreigner parallels the collective experience of his people, reinforcing the theme of reliance on God for identity and purpose.

in a foreign land
The phrase "foreign land" in Hebrew is "אֶרֶץ נָכְרִיָּה" (eretz nokhriyah), emphasizing the sense of alienation and separation from one's homeland. For Moses, this was both a physical and spiritual journey, as he navigated life in Midian away from his Hebrew roots. This experience of being in a foreign land is a metaphor for the spiritual journey of believers, who are called to live as "foreigners" in the world, with their true citizenship in heaven. It serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly life and the eternal promise of God's kingdom.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The central figure in the Book of Exodus, chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. In this verse, he reflects on his time in Midian.

2. Gershom
The first son of Moses and Zipporah. His name means "a stranger there," reflecting Moses' feelings of being a foreigner in Midian.

3. Zipporah
Moses' wife, the daughter of Jethro, the priest of Midian. She plays a supportive role in Moses' life and journey.

4. Midian
The land where Moses fled after killing an Egyptian. It is here that he marries Zipporah and starts a family.

5. Jethro
Moses' father-in-law, a priest of Midian, who later provides Moses with wise counsel on leadership.
Teaching Points
Identity in Christ
Just as Moses named his son Gershom to reflect his status as a foreigner, Christians are reminded that their ultimate identity is in Christ, not in earthly affiliations.

God's Sovereignty in Life's Transitions
Moses' time in Midian was a period of preparation. Trust in God's plan during times of transition and uncertainty.

Family as a Reflection of Spiritual Journey
The naming of Gershom shows how personal experiences and spiritual journeys can be reflected in family life and decisions.

Embracing the Role of a Sojourner
Like Moses, believers are called to live as sojourners in this world, focusing on their heavenly citizenship.

The Importance of Naming and Remembrance
Names in the Bible often carry significant meaning and serve as reminders of God's work and promises in our lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the naming of Gershom reflect Moses' personal journey and spiritual state at that time?

2. In what ways can we relate to Moses' experience of being a foreigner in a foreign land in our own spiritual walk?

3. How does the concept of being a "stranger" or "foreigner" in this world influence our daily decisions and priorities as Christians?

4. What lessons can we learn from Moses' time in Midian that apply to our own periods of waiting or transition?

5. How can we ensure that our family life reflects our spiritual journey and commitment to God, as seen in Moses' naming of his son?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 23:4
Abraham refers to himself as a foreigner and stranger among the Hittites, similar to Moses' sentiment in naming Gershom.

Hebrews 11:13
The patriarchs are described as strangers and exiles on the earth, echoing the theme of being foreigners in a land not their own.

Acts 7:29
Stephen recounts Moses' flight to Midian, highlighting his status as a foreigner and the birth of his sons.
Sermons
Gershom and EliezerAlexander MaclarenExodus 18:3
The Claims of HomeH.T. Robjohns Exodus 18:1-5
Ashamed of ParentsJ. Carstairs.Exodus 18:1-6
Character not Deteriorated by HonourW. M. Taylor, D. D.Exodus 18:1-6
Family GatheringsJ. S. Exell, M. A.Exodus 18:1-6
Jethro's Visit - Moses in His Domestic RelationsD. Young Exodus 18:1-12
The Consolations of Those Who Suffer Loss for the Kingdom of GodJ. Urquhart Exodus 18:1-12
The Visit of JethroJ. Orr Exodus 18:1-13
People
Aaron, Egyptians, Eliezer, Gershom, Jethro, Moses, Pharaoh, Zipporah
Places
Egypt, Midian, Rephidim
Topics
Alien, Foreign, Foreigner, Gershom, Named, Sojourner, Sons, Strange, Stranger
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 18:3-4

     5044   names, giving of

Library
The Ideal Statesman [Footnote: Preached on Occasion of Mr. Gladstone's Death. ]
'Thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them.'--EXODUS xviii. 21. You will have anticipated my purpose in selecting this text. I should be doing violence to your feelings and mine if I made no reference to the event which has united the Empire and the world in one sentiment. The great tree has fallen, and the crash has for the moment silenced all the sounds of the forest. Wars abroad and controversies at home are …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Gershom and Eliezer
'The name of the one [of Moses' sons] was Gershom ... and the name of the other was Eliezer....'--EXODUS xviii. 3, 4. In old times parents often used to give expression to their hopes or their emotions in the names of their children. Very clearly that was the case in Moses' naming of his two sons, who seem to have been the whole of his family. The significance of each name is appended to it in the text. The explanation of the first is, 'For he said, I have been an alien in a strange land'; and that …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Origin and Growth of Law.
MOSES' WORK AS JUDGE AND PROPHET.--Ex. 18; 1-27; 33:5-11. Parallel References. Hist. Bible I, 198-203. Prin. of Politics, Ch. VI. Maine, Ancient Law. Jehovah spake to Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend--Ex. 33: 11. And Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. And they judged the people at all seasons: the hard cases they brought unto Moses, but every small …
Charles Foster Kent—The Making of a Nation

The Development of the Earlier Old Testament Laws
[Sidenote: First the principle, and then the detailed laws] If the canon of the New Testament had remained open as long as did that of the Old, there is little doubt that it also would have contained many laws, legal precedents, and ecclesiastical histories. From the writings of the Church Fathers and the records of the Catholic Church it is possible to conjecture what these in general would have been. The early history of Christianity illustrates the universal fact that the broad principles are …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

That the Ruler Relax not his Care for the Things that are Within in his Occupation among the Things that are Without, nor Neglect to Provide
The ruler should not relax his care for the things that are within in his occupation among the things that are without, nor neglect to provide for the things that are without in his solicitude for the things that are within; lest either, given up to the things that are without, he fall away from his inmost concerns, or, occupied only with the things that are within bestow not on his neighbours outside himself what he owes them. For it is often the case that some, as if forgetting that they have …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Opposition to Messiah Ruinous
Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel T here is a species of the sublime in writing, which seems peculiar to the Scripture, and of which, properly, no subjects but those of divine revelation are capable, With us, things inconsiderable in themselves are elevated by splendid images, which give them an apparent importance beyond what they can justly claim. Thus the poet, when describing a battle among bees, by a judicious selection of epithets …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

Easter Tuesday
Second Sermon. Same Text. Acts 13, 26-39. THE WORD AND THE RESURRECTION.[1] [Footnote 1: This sermon appeared first in the Church Postil, the Explanation of the Epistle and Gospel Texts from Easter to Advent. Printed by Hans Lufft, Wittenberg, 1559.] 1. This sermon was preached by Paul in the synagogue at Antioch of Pisidia, where were gathered with the Jews some Greek converts. Wherever in a city Jews were to be found, there also were their synagogues in which they taught and preached; and many …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

After the Scripture.
"In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God created He him."--Gen. v. 1. In the preceding pages we have shown that the translation, "in Our image," actually means, "after Our image." To make anything in an image is no language; it is unthinkable, logically untrue. We now proceed to show how it should be translated, and give our reason for it. We begin with citing some passages from the Old Testament in which occurs the preposition "B" which, in Gen. i. 27, stands before image, where …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
ONLY those who have made study of it can have any idea how large, and sometimes bewildering, is the literature on the subject of Jewish Proselytes and their Baptism. Our present remarks will be confined to the Baptism of Proselytes. 1. Generally, as regards proselytes (Gerim) we have to distinguish between the Ger ha-Shaar (proselyte of the gate) and Ger Toshabh (sojourner,' settled among Israel), and again the Ger hatstsedeq (proselyte of righteousness) and Ger habberith (proselyte of the covenant). …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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