Meaning of Exodus 18:3

The naming of Gershom in Exodus 18:3, "for Moses said, 'I have become a foreigner in a foreign land'," profoundly illustrates Moses' lived experience of displacement and alienation. Having fled Egypt after killing an Egyptian overseer, Moses found refuge in Midian, a land not his own, where he married Zipporah and raised his family. The name Gershom, derived from the Hebrew root ger, meaning "stranger" or "sojourner," and sham, meaning "there," directly articulates this sense of being an outsider. This act of naming is not merely a personal reflection but also a theological statement, acknowledging God's providence in placing him in this foreign land and the inherent vulnerability and dependence that accompanies such a status.

Context and Background

Following his flight from Egypt, Moses settled in Midian, a region east of the Sinai Peninsula. He became a shepherd for Jethro (also called Reuel), a priest of Midian, and married Jethro's daughter, Zipporah. It was during this period of exile and pastoral life that Moses experienced the burning bush encounter, where God called him to return to Egypt and lead the Israelites to freedom. The birth of his sons, Gershom and Eliezer (mentioned in the following verse), occurred during this time in Midian before Moses' monumental return to Egypt. The naming of Gershom, therefore, is a direct consequence of his initial displacement and the circumstances that led to his life in Midian.

Key Themes and Messages

The primary theme is alienation and exile. Moses' declaration highlights the profound sense of not belonging. This experience shaped his identity and his perspective on the Israelites' own impending journey of liberation from Egyptian bondage, a land where they too were foreigners. Another significant theme is divine providence. While the circumstances were born of Moses' actions, God used this period of exile to prepare him for his leadership role. The naming of Gershom also underscores the importance of memory and identity, as the name serves as a constant reminder of his past and his present state.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, the verse speaks to the human condition of often feeling like a stranger or sojourner in this world, even for those deeply embedded in their cultures. Believers are often described as "aliens and strangers" in the spiritual sense (1 Peter 2:11), living by heavenly principles in an earthly realm. Moses' experience teaches us to acknowledge our dependence on God, especially during times of displacement or when facing unfamiliar circumstances. It also encourages empathy for those who are marginalized or feel like outsiders.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

The experience of exile and being a stranger is a recurring motif in the Bible. Abraham was called to leave his homeland and sojourn in a foreign land, promised a future inheritance (Genesis 12:1). The Israelites themselves spent generations as sojourners in Egypt before their exodus. This narrative arc of displacement, divine intervention, and eventual redemption is central to the biblical story. Moses' personal experience with Gershom's naming foreshadows and mirrors the larger national experience of the Israelites.

Analogies

One analogy for the naming of Gershom is like a refugee who, upon arriving in a new country, names their child "New Hope" or "Land of Refuge" to signify their journey and their dependence on the new environment for survival and a future. Another might be a soldier deployed to a foreign land, whose child's name reflects the transient nature of their current existence and the longing for home.

Relation to Other Verses

This verse resonates with several other biblical passages:

• Genesis 15:13: "Then the Lord said to Abram, 'Know for certain that for four hundred years your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated.'" This verse directly prefigures the experience Moses and his people would face.
• Hebrews 11:9: "By faith he made his dwelling in the land of promise, as in a foreign country, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise." This New Testament passage highlights the faith of the patriarchs in living as sojourners, a concept mirrored in Moses' own life.
• 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 directly applies the concept of being a spiritual "foreigner and exile" to New Testament believers.