“And her two sons; of which the name of the one was Gershom; for he said, I have been an alien in a strange land.”
Context: The book of Exodus recounts the story of the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt and their journey toward the Promised Land. In this verse, we find Moses’ family reuniting after he had fled from Egypt and settled in Midian.
Family Reunion: Moses had married Zipporah, the daughter of Jethro, the priest of Midian, during his time in Midian (Exodus 2:15-22). In this verse, Zipporah and her two sons, Gershom and Eliezer, are being brought to Moses by Jethro after he heard about the miraculous deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt.
Gershom’s Name: The name Gershom carries significant meaning. Moses named him Gershom because, as the verse states, he said, “I have been an alien in a strange land.” This name reflects Moses’ experience of being a stranger and foreigner in the land of Midian during his time of exile. It also signifies the sense of displacement and unfamiliarity he felt during his years away from his people.
Lessons from Gershom’s Name: Gershom’s name reminds us of Moses’ personal journey and his identification with the Israelites’ experiences as foreigners in Egypt. It underscores the importance of empathy and compassion towards strangers and those who are in unfamiliar territories. As believers, we are called to show kindness and understanding to immigrants, refugees, and those who are displaced, as God’s people have often been strangers in foreign lands.
Application: This verse prompts us to reflect on our attitude towards strangers and foreigners. We should be mindful of their experiences, offering hospitality, support, and friendship. Moreover, it serves as a reminder that our ultimate citizenship lies in the kingdom of God, and as we journey through this world, we are called to extend love and grace to those who are in need.
In summary, Exodus 18:3 presents a brief account of Moses’ family reunion and the naming of his son Gershom, which carries symbolic meaning related to Moses’ experience as a foreigner. This verse encourages us to exhibit empathy and compassion towards strangers and reminds us of our heavenly citizenship as we navigate through life.
