Exodus 18:3: “And her two sons, one of whom was named Gershom, for Moses said, ‘I have become a foreigner in a foreign land.'”
Extended Explanation
Exodus 18:3 refers to the two sons of Moses and Zipporah, focusing on the meaning behind the name of the first son, Gershom. The name “Gershom” is derived from the Hebrew words “ger,” meaning “sojourner” or “foreigner,” and “sham,” meaning “there.” The name reflects Moses’ own experience of living as a foreigner in Midian after fleeing from Egypt. It is a personal reminder of the period in Moses’ life when he was separated from his people and was a stranger in a land that was not his own.
The naming of Gershom encapsulates Moses’ feelings of alienation and displacement during his time in Midian. It also subtly points to the larger narrative of the Israelites, who were themselves foreigners and slaves in Egypt before their deliverance.
Historical Context
The naming of Gershom occurred during Moses’ forty-year exile in Midian after he fled from Pharaoh. During this time, Moses worked as a shepherd for his father-in-law, Jethro, and started a family with Zipporah. The name Gershom reflects Moses’ identity crisis and his journey from being a prince of Egypt to a shepherd in a foreign land. This period of Moses’ life was one of preparation, where God was shaping him to become the leader who would later deliver Israel from bondage.
The historical significance lies in the fact that Moses’ experience as a foreigner would later resonate with the entire nation of Israel, who, too, were strangers in a land not their own and were awaiting deliverance.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse touches on themes of identity, belonging, and God’s guidance in times of displacement. Moses’ naming of his son as a reminder of his status as a foreigner points to the broader biblical narrative where God often uses periods of exile and displacement to shape and prepare His people. It reflects the idea that our identity is ultimately found not in our physical location but in our relationship with God. For Moses, his time as a foreigner was a formative period that deepened his reliance on God.
This theme of being a foreigner also speaks to the Christian experience of living in the world while ultimately belonging to God’s kingdom. It reminds us that, like Moses, we may often feel out of place in this world, but God is with us, guiding us through every season.
Literary Analysis
Literarily, Exodus 18:3 serves to deepen our understanding of Moses’ character and his journey. The verse is both personal and symbolic, capturing Moses’ internal struggles during his time in Midian. The naming of Gershom is a literary device that reveals Moses’ state of mind and provides insight into the broader narrative of Israel’s sojourn in Egypt. This naming also foreshadows the larger theme of deliverance, as Moses would soon be called to lead his people out of their own foreign land.
Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 2:22: “Zipporah gave birth to a son, and Moses named him Gershom, saying, ‘I have become a foreigner in a foreign land.'” This verse provides the initial context for the naming of Gershom.
- Hebrews 11:13: “All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.” This New Testament reference connects the theme of being a foreigner to the broader experience of faith.
- 1 Peter 2:11: “Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.” This verse echoes the idea of Christians being foreigners in the world, much like Moses in Midian.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christians, Exodus 18:3 is a reminder of our own journey through life as foreigners in a spiritual sense. Just as Moses felt out of place in Midian, Christians often feel out of place in a world that does not align with God’s kingdom values. This verse encourages believers to find their identity in God, regardless of where they are physically or how out of place they may feel. It also highlights the importance of trusting God during times of uncertainty and displacement, knowing that He has a plan and purpose for every season of life.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse shows God’s intimate involvement in the lives of His people, even in times of exile and displacement. God was with Moses during his time as a foreigner in Midian, just as He is with His people today, guiding and preparing them for what lies ahead. The verse reassures us that God’s love does not waver, even when we feel lost or out of place. Instead, His love accompanies us through every trial and period of waiting, shaping us for His purposes.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Exodus 18:3 connects to Jesus Christ in the theme of being a foreigner. Jesus Himself experienced displacement when He left the glory of heaven to live on earth as a man. He was, in many ways, a foreigner in this world, misunderstood and rejected by many. In Matthew 8:20, Jesus said, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head,” reflecting His status as an outsider. Just as Moses’ experience as a foreigner prepared him to deliver Israel, Jesus’ experience prepared Him to deliver humanity from sin.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How have you experienced feelings of being a foreigner or outsider in your life, and how has God used those experiences to shape you?
- What can we learn from Moses’ naming of Gershom about how we view our own identity and belonging?
- In what ways does this verse encourage you to trust God during seasons of displacement or uncertainty?
- How does Jesus’ experience as a “foreigner” on earth help us understand our own spiritual journey?
This verse offers deep insights into identity, belonging, and the way God uses every season of our lives to prepare us for His purposes. It reminds us that, like Moses, we are never truly alone, even when we feel out of place in this world.