Exodus 18:3 - and her two sons. The name of one son was Gershom, for Moses said, “I have lived as a foreigner in a foreign land”.
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What does "Exodus 18:3" mean?
This verse (Exodus 18:3) is telling us about Moses' son, Gershom, and explains the meaning behind his name. Let's break it down:
"and her two sons." This refers to Moses' wife, Zipporah, and her two sons, Gershom and Eliezer (mentioned in the next verse).
"The name of one son was Gershom..." This identifies the first son.
"...for Moses said, “I have lived as a foreigner in a foreign land”." This provides the etymological reason for the name "Gershom." The name "Gershom" sounds similar to the Hebrew words that mean "a foreigner there" or "an exile there." Moses is explaining that he named his son Gershom because he, Moses, had been living as a stranger in the land of Midian.
In essence, the verse tells us:
Moses named his son Gershom to commemorate his experience of living as an alien or a foreigner in Midian. The name served as a constant reminder of his displacement and his reliance on God's protection in a foreign land. It reflects Moses' humility and his acknowledgment of being an outsider.
The naming of Gershom is significant because it highlights a key aspect of Moses' life before becoming the leader of the Israelites. He was an exile, separated from his people, finding refuge in a different culture. This experience likely shaped his understanding of marginalization and contributed to his compassion for the oppressed, qualities that would be essential in his role as liberator.
Exodus 18:3 - and her two sons. The name of one son was Gershom, for Moses said, “I have lived as a foreigner in a foreign land”.
What does "Exodus 18:3" mean?
This verse (Exodus 18:3) is telling us about Moses' son, Gershom, and explains the meaning behind his name. Let's break it down:
"and her two sons." This refers to Moses' wife, Zipporah, and her two sons, Gershom and Eliezer (mentioned in the next verse).
"The name of one son was Gershom..." This identifies the first son.
"...for Moses said, “I have lived as a foreigner in a foreign land”." This provides the etymological reason for the name "Gershom." The name "Gershom" sounds similar to the Hebrew words that mean "a foreigner there" or "an exile there." Moses is explaining that he named his son Gershom because he, Moses, had been living as a stranger in the land of Midian.
In essence, the verse tells us:
Moses named his son Gershom to commemorate his experience of living as an alien or a foreigner in Midian. The name served as a constant reminder of his displacement and his reliance on God's protection in a foreign land. It reflects Moses' humility and his acknowledgment of being an outsider.
The naming of Gershom is significant because it highlights a key aspect of Moses' life before becoming the leader of the Israelites. He was an exile, separated from his people, finding refuge in a different culture. This experience likely shaped his understanding of marginalization and contributed to his compassion for the oppressed, qualities that would be essential in his role as liberator.