Gershom

Gershom is the firstborn son of Moses, the great prophet and leader of Israel, and his wife Zipporah, the daughter of Jethro, the priest of Midian. The name "Gershom" is significant, as Moses himself explains its meaning in Exodus 2:22 : "I have become a foreigner in a foreign land." This reflects Moses' life at the time, having fled from Egypt and settled in Midian. Gershom's birth marks a period of transition and preparation in Moses' life, as he would later be called by God to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage.

Gershom's early life is not extensively detailed in the Scriptures, but he is mentioned in the context of Moses' family. In Exodus 18, when Jethro visits Moses in the wilderness, he brings along Zipporah and her two sons, Gershom and Eliezer. This reunion occurs after the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and the crossing of the Red Sea, highlighting the familial bonds and support Moses received during his leadership.

Eliezer

Eliezer is the second son of Moses and Zipporah. His name means "My God is help," which Moses explains in Exodus 18:4 : "The God of my father was my helper and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh." This name serves as a testament to God's providence and protection over Moses' life, especially during his flight from Egypt.

Eliezer, like his brother Gershom, is not the focus of extensive biblical narratives. However, his inclusion in the genealogies and family records underscores the importance of Moses' lineage and the continuation of his family line. In 1 Chronicles 23:15-17 , Eliezer is mentioned as the father of Rehabiah, indicating the perpetuation of Moses' descendants among the Levites.

Role and Significance

While Gershom and Eliezer do not play prominent roles in the biblical narrative, their existence is crucial for understanding the personal life of Moses. Their names reflect Moses' experiences and the divine interventions in his life. The sons of Moses are part of the broader narrative of God's covenantal faithfulness to Israel, as Moses himself is a central figure in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

The presence of Gershom and Eliezer in the biblical record also highlights the human aspect of Moses' life, reminding readers that even the greatest leaders in Scripture had families and personal challenges. Their account is a testament to the faithfulness of God in the lives of His servants and their families.