◄ Exodus 18:4 ►
The other son was named Eliezer, for Moses had said, "The God of my father was my helper and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh."
Study Bible
The other son was named Eliezer
The name "Eliezer" is of Hebrew origin, meaning "God is my help." This name is significant as it reflects Moses' personal experience of divine assistance. In the Hebrew context, names often carry deep meanings and are reflective of circumstances or divine attributes. Eliezer's name serves as a testament to God's providence and faithfulness in Moses' life, particularly during his escape from Egypt. This naming underscores the importance of recognizing and remembering God's interventions in our lives.

for Moses had said
This phrase indicates that the naming of Eliezer was not arbitrary but was a deliberate act by Moses. It reflects the practice of naming children in a way that commemorates significant events or divine encounters. Moses' statement is a personal testimony, a verbal acknowledgment of God's role in his life. It serves as a reminder to future generations of the importance of attributing our successes and deliverances to God's hand.

The God of my father
This phrase connects Moses to the patriarchal faith of his ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It emphasizes the continuity of God's covenantal relationship with His people. By invoking "The God of my father," Moses acknowledges the historical faithfulness of God to his lineage. This connection to the patriarchs reinforces the idea that God's promises and help are not just for individuals but are part of a larger, ongoing relationship with His chosen people.

was my helper
The term "helper" in Hebrew is "ezer," which conveys the idea of assistance and support. This word is used in various contexts in the Old Testament to describe God's role in providing aid and deliverance. In this context, it highlights God's active involvement in Moses' life, providing the necessary support to overcome challenges. This assurance of divine help is a source of comfort and strength for believers, reminding them that God is ever-present in times of need.

and delivered me
The concept of deliverance is central to the narrative of Exodus. The Hebrew word for "delivered" is "natsal," which means to snatch away or rescue. This term is often used in the context of salvation and liberation. Moses' deliverance from Pharaoh's sword is a precursor to the greater deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's ability to save and protect His people from seemingly insurmountable dangers.

from the sword of Pharaoh
The "sword of Pharaoh" symbolizes the oppressive power and threat of Egypt. Pharaoh's sword represents the might of the world's greatest empire at the time, yet it was no match for God's power. This phrase underscores the theme of divine sovereignty over earthly powers. It reassures believers that no matter how formidable the opposition, God's deliverance is sure and His protection is unfailing. Moses' escape from Pharaoh's sword is a testament to God's supremacy and His commitment to His covenant people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The central figure in this passage, Moses is the leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His people from Egyptian bondage. He is reflecting on God's deliverance in naming his son.

2. Eliezer
The second son of Moses, whose name means "God is my help." His name serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and deliverance.

3. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt who sought to kill Moses, representing the oppressive force from which God delivered Moses and the Israelites.

4. God (Yahweh)
The God of Israel, who is acknowledged by Moses as his helper and deliverer, emphasizing His role in the salvation history of Israel.

5. Midian
The region where Moses fled after escaping from Egypt, where he started a new life and family, and where he named his son Eliezer.
Teaching Points
God as Our Helper
Just as Moses named his son Eliezer to commemorate God's help, we should remember and acknowledge God's assistance in our lives. Reflect on times when God has been your helper and deliverer.

The Power of Names
Names in the Bible often carry significant meaning and reflect God's work in a person's life. Consider how you can use names or symbols in your life to remember God's faithfulness.

Deliverance from Oppression
Moses' deliverance from Pharaoh's sword is a powerful reminder of God's ability to rescue us from seemingly insurmountable challenges. Trust in God's power to deliver you from your own "Pharaohs."

Faith in God's Promises
Moses' faith in God's promises is evident in his naming of Eliezer. Strengthen your faith by recalling God's promises and how He has fulfilled them in your life.

Legacy of Faith
Moses' naming of his son serves as a legacy of faith for future generations. Consider how you can leave a legacy of faith for your family and community.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the meaning of Eliezer's name ("God is my help") reflect Moses' personal experiences and relationship with God?

2. In what ways can you relate to Moses' acknowledgment of God as a helper in your own life? Can you identify specific instances where God has been your deliverer?

3. How do the themes of deliverance and divine help in Exodus 18:4 connect with other biblical accounts of God's intervention?

4. What are some practical ways you can commemorate God's faithfulness in your life, similar to how Moses named his son Eliezer?

5. How can the account of Moses and his family inspire you to build a legacy of faith and trust in God's promises for future generations?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 49:25
This verse speaks of God as a helper, similar to how Moses acknowledges God in naming Eliezer. It highlights God's role as a provider and protector.

Psalm 54:4
This Psalm echoes the sentiment of God being a helper, reinforcing the theme of divine assistance and deliverance.

Acts 7:29-30
Stephen recounts Moses' flight to Midian and his life there, providing a New Testament connection to Moses' time in Midian and the birth of his sons.
Sermons
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
Deliver, Delivered, Eliezer, Elie'zer, Father's, Helper, Kept, Named, Pharaoh, Pharaoh's, Safe, Saved, Sword
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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