Topical Encyclopedia Moses' Sons: Gershom and EliezerMoses, the great prophet and leader of the Israelites, had two sons, Gershom and Eliezer, with his wife Zipporah. The account of Moses' family is primarily found in the books of Exodus and 1 Chronicles. Gershom Gershom was the firstborn son of Moses and Zipporah. His name, meaning "a stranger there," reflects Moses' experience in a foreign land. In Exodus 2:22 , it is recorded, "And she gave birth to a son, and Moses named him Gershom, saying, 'I have become a foreigner in a foreign land.'" This name signifies Moses' life in Midian, where he fled after killing an Egyptian and where he lived as a shepherd under the care of his father-in-law, Jethro (also known as Reuel). Eliezer Eliezer, the second son, is mentioned in Exodus 18:4 , where his name is explained: "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.'" Eliezer's name, meaning "God is my help," commemorates God's deliverance of Moses from Pharaoh's wrath and highlights the divine protection over Moses' life. The sons of Moses are mentioned again in 1 Chronicles 23:15-17 , which states, "The sons of Moses: Gershom and Eliezer. The descendants of Gershom: Shubael was the first. The descendants of Eliezer: Rehabiah was the first. Eliezer had no other sons, but the sons of Rehabiah were very numerous." This passage indicates the continuation of Moses' lineage through his sons, particularly through Eliezer's descendants. Moses' Wife: Zipporah Zipporah, the wife of Moses, was the daughter of Jethro, the priest of Midian. Her introduction occurs in Exodus 2:21 , where it is noted, "Moses agreed to stay with the man, and he gave his daughter Zipporah to Moses in marriage." Zipporah played a significant role in Moses' life, particularly during a critical moment on their journey back to Egypt. In Exodus 4:24-26 , a mysterious and pivotal event occurs: "Now at a lodging place along the way, the LORD confronted Moses and was about to kill him. But Zipporah took a flint knife, cut off her son's foreskin, and touched it to Moses' feet. 'Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me,' she said. So the LORD let him alone. (At that time she said 'bridegroom of blood,' referring to the circumcision.)" This passage highlights Zipporah's quick action to circumcise their son, which appeased the LORD's anger and saved Moses' life. This act underscores the importance of covenantal obedience and Zipporah's role in ensuring the safety and continuation of Moses' mission. Zipporah's relationship with Moses is further illustrated in Exodus 18, where she reunites with Moses after he leads the Israelites out of Egypt. Jethro brings Zipporah and her sons to Moses in the wilderness, as recorded in Exodus 18:2-6 . This reunion signifies the restoration of Moses' family unit during a time of significant leadership and responsibility. In summary, Moses' family, consisting of his wife Zipporah and sons Gershom and Eliezer, played a crucial role in his life and ministry. Their accounts, interwoven with Moses' own journey, reflect themes of faith, deliverance, and covenantal faithfulness. Subtopics Iconoclasm: Destroyed by Moses Moses is a Herdsman for Jethro in the Desert of Horeb Moses with Aaron Assembles the Leaders of Israel Moses with his Wife and Sons, he Leaves Jethro to Perform his Mission in Egypt Moses: A Levite and Son of Amram Moses: Appoints Joshua As his Successor Moses: Benedictions of Last Benediction Upon the Twelve Tribes Moses: Benedictions of Upon the People Moses: Character of Called the Man of God Moses: Character of Complainings of Moses: Character of God Spoke To, As a Man to his Friend Moses: Character of Impatience of Moses: Character of Magnanimity of, Toward Eldad and Medad Moses: Character of Magnified of God Moses: Character of Meekness of Moses: Character of Obedience of Moses: Character of Respected and Feared Moses: Character of Unaspiring Moses: Commissioned As Leader of the Israelites Moses: Composes a Song for the People of Israel on Their Deliverance from Pharaoh Moses: Crosses the Red Sea; Pharaoh and his Army are Destroyed Moses: Discovered and Adopted by the Daughter of Pharaoh Moses: Has the Vision of the Burning Bush Moses: Hidden in a Small Basket Moses: His Controversy With his Wife on Account of Circumcision Moses: His Loyalty to his Race Moses: His Rod Miraculously Turned Into a Serpent, and his Hand Was Made Leprous, and Then Restored Moses: Institutes a System of Government Moses: Jealousy of Aaron and Miriam Toward Moses: Joined by his Family in the Wilderness Moses: Joins Himself to Jethro, Priest of Midian Moses: Learned in all the Wisdom of Egypt Moses: Meets Aaron in the Wilderness Moses: Mourning For, Thirty Days in the Plains of Moab Moses: Not Permitted to Enter Canaan, But Views the Land from Atop Mount Pisgah Moses: People Complain Against Moses and Aaron Moses: Present With Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration Moses: Rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Against Moses: Receives Comfort and Assurance from the Lord Moses: Rejected by Pharaoh; Hardships of the Israelites Increased Moses: Renews his Appeal to Pharaoh Moses: Reproves Aaron For: Irregularity in the offerings Moses: Reproves Aaron For: Making the Golden Calf Moses: Secures the Deliverance of the People and Leads Them out of Egypt Moses: Takes the Life of an Egyptian Taskmaster Moses: Under Divine Direction Brings Plagues Upon the Land of Egypt Mutiny: Israelites Against Moses Related Terms |