“And the name of the other was Eliezer; for the God of my father, said he, was mine help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh.”
This verse is part of the narrative of Moses and his journey with the Israelites in the book of Exodus. To fully understand the significance of Exodus 18:4, it is helpful to provide some context.
In the preceding chapters of Exodus, we learn about Moses’ role as the chosen leader of the Israelites and how he led them out of slavery in Egypt. The Israelites had crossed the Red Sea and were journeying toward Mount Sinai, guided by the Lord’s presence in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.
In Exodus 18, Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, comes to visit him in the wilderness. Jethro observes how Moses was single-handedly handling all the disputes and judgments of the people, which was causing Moses to become overwhelmed. Jethro advises Moses to delegate some of his responsibilities to capable individuals to ease his burden.
Now let’s focus on Exodus 18:4 itself. The verse mentions the name of Moses’ second son, Eliezer. Moses named him Eliezer because, as Moses explains, “the God of my father was my help and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh.” Here, Moses is acknowledging the faithfulness and deliverance of God in his life.
The name “Eliezer” means “God is my help” or “God’s help.” By naming his son Eliezer, Moses was expressing gratitude to God for His intervention in delivering Moses from the sword of Pharaoh. This likely refers to the incident when Moses had to flee from Egypt after he killed an Egyptian who was mistreating an Israelite (Exodus 2:11-15). God protected Moses and ensured his safety during that challenging time.
The name Eliezer also reflects Moses’ deep reliance on God’s help throughout his life. It serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and the crucial role He played in Moses’ journey, both as a leader and as an individual. By naming his son Eliezer, Moses declares that it was God who rescued him from danger and guided him along the path of his calling.
This verse not only sheds light on Moses’ personal gratitude and faith but also reminds us of the importance of acknowledging God’s intervention and assistance in our lives. It serves as a testament to God’s deliverance, protection, and provision for His people.
In summary, Exodus 18:4 highlights Moses’ acknowledgment of God’s deliverance and help in his life. By naming his son Eliezer, Moses expressed gratitude for God’s intervention in rescuing him from the sword of Pharaoh and emphasized his continued reliance on God’s assistance. It serves as a reminder of the faithfulness of God and the importance of recognizing His presence and provision in our own lives.
