Exodus 2:22 – “Zipporah gave birth to a son, and Moses named him Gershom, saying, ‘I have become a foreigner in a foreign land.'”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Exodus 2:22 captures a deeply personal moment in Moses’ life. After settling in Midian and marrying Zipporah, the daughter of Reuel, Moses becomes a father. He names his son Gershom, which reflects his feelings of being a stranger in a land that is not his own. The name Gershom comes from the Hebrew word meaning “a foreigner there” or “sojourner,” indicating Moses’ sense of displacement. This verse highlights Moses’ ongoing struggle with his identity—although he has found a new life in Midian, he still feels the weight of being an outsider. This sense of being a foreigner in a foreign land foreshadows the broader experience of the Israelites in Egypt and their future journey to the Promised Land.
Historical Context
At this point in the story, Moses is living in Midian after fleeing Egypt to escape Pharaoh’s wrath. Midian was a region located in the northwestern part of the Arabian Peninsula, inhabited by descendants of Abraham through his son Midian. Moses, raised as an Egyptian prince, is now a shepherd in a foreign land, far removed from his former life. The birth of his son and the name he chooses reflect the reality of his circumstances—Moses is living in exile, away from his people and the land of his birth.
The name Gershom serves as a reminder of the transient nature of Moses’ situation. Despite the stability he has found in Midian through his marriage and new family, he still identifies as a sojourner. This status of being in-between worlds is a significant theme in Moses’ life and the larger narrative of the Israelites, who themselves would wander in the wilderness before entering the Promised Land.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Exodus 2:22 speaks to the human experience of exile and the longing for a true home. Moses’ naming of his son Gershom reflects a deep sense of not belonging, which is a common theme throughout Scripture. This verse reminds us that God’s people often live as strangers in a world that is not their ultimate home. The feeling of being a foreigner is not just a physical reality for Moses but also a spiritual one, pointing to the broader biblical theme of God’s people being sojourners on the earth, longing for their true home with God.
This verse also highlights God’s faithfulness in providing for His people, even in times of exile. Although Moses feels like a stranger, God has given him a family and a place of refuge. It is a reminder that even in our times of displacement or uncertainty, God is with us, providing for our needs and preparing us for His purposes.
Literary Analysis
From a literary perspective, Exodus 2:22 serves as a reflective moment in the narrative. The naming of Gershom is significant because it gives insight into Moses’ internal world—his feelings of alienation and his recognition of his status as an outsider. The verse also functions as a thematic link to the broader story of the Israelites, who will later be delivered from Egypt and journey through the wilderness as sojourners. The use of the name Gershom encapsulates the tension Moses feels between his past life in Egypt and his current life in Midian, a tension that will eventually propel him back to Egypt to fulfill God’s calling.
Biblical Cross-References
- Hebrews 11:13-16: These verses speak about the faith of the patriarchs, who lived as strangers and exiles on the earth, longing for a better country—a heavenly one. This reflects Moses’ experience of living as a foreigner in Midian.
- 1 Peter 2:11: Peter urges believers to live as “foreigners and exiles,” abstaining from sinful desires that wage war against the soul. This reinforces the idea that Christians are sojourners in this world, much like Moses was in Midian.
- Genesis 23:4: Abraham refers to himself as a “foreigner and stranger” when seeking to purchase land to bury Sarah, highlighting the ongoing biblical theme of God’s people living as sojourners.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Exodus 2:22 serves as a reminder that our ultimate home is not in this world. Just as Moses lived as a foreigner in Midian, we are called to live as sojourners, recognizing that our true citizenship is in heaven. This verse encourages believers to embrace their identity as God’s people, living in a world that is not our final destination. It also challenges us to trust in God’s provision and faithfulness, even when we feel out of place or uncertain about our future.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s loving care for Moses, even as he lives in a foreign land. Although Moses feels like a stranger, God has provided him with a family, a home, and a purpose. God’s love is evident in the way He meets Moses in his exile, providing for his needs and preparing him for the work ahead. This verse shows that God is present with us in our times of displacement or uncertainty, offering us His love and provision, no matter where we are.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Moses’ experience as a foreigner in a foreign land parallels the life of Jesus, who left the glory of heaven to dwell among us. Jesus lived as a sojourner on earth, experiencing rejection and alienation, ultimately giving His life to reconcile us to God. Just as Moses named his son Gershom to reflect his status as a foreigner, Jesus embraced His role as a servant and a stranger, identifying with our weaknesses and taking on our burdens (Philippians 2:5-8). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus has made a way for us to enter our true home with God.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Moses’ experience of living as a foreigner in Midian resonate with your own sense of belonging or displacement in the world?
- What does this verse teach us about finding our identity and security in God, even when we feel out of place?
- How can we, as Christians, live faithfully as sojourners in a world that is not our final home?
- In what ways does Jesus’ life and ministry reflect the themes of exile and belonging that are present in Moses’ story?