Meaning of Exodus 2:22

This verse marks a pivotal moment in Moses' life, highlighting his profound sense of alienation and displacement as he resides in Midian. The naming of his son, Gershom, meaning "a stranger there" or "foreigner in a foreign land," is not merely a personal declaration but a theological statement reflecting his experience of being an outsider, separated from his people and his homeland by circumstance and divine calling. This act of naming encapsulates his present reality, a stark contrast to the privileged upbringing he had in Egypt, and foreshadows the long period of exile and preparation that would precede his return to lead the Israelites out of bondage.

Context and Background

Following his flight from Egypt after killing an Egyptian overseer, Moses found refuge in Midian, a land east of the Sinai Peninsula. There, he encountered Jethro, a priest of Midian, and eventually married Jethro's daughter, Zipporah. The birth of their son, Gershom, occurs during this period of exile. Moses' life in Midian was one of pastoral simplicity, a stark departure from the opulence and political intrigue of the Egyptian court. This quiet existence provided him with time for reflection and, implicitly, for a deeper understanding of his identity and his people's plight from a distance.

Key Themes and Messages

• Alienation and Exile: The primary theme is Moses' feeling of being a foreigner. This is not just a geographical displacement but also a spiritual and existential one. He is separated from his birth family and his people, living among a foreign culture and worshipping different deities, or at least a different understanding of the divine.
• Identity Formation: The naming of Gershom is a conscious act of defining himself and his situation. It signifies that his identity is now intrinsically linked to his experience of being an outsider.
• Divine Providence: While Moses expresses a personal sentiment, the broader narrative implies that this period of exile is part of God's plan for Moses' preparation. His time in Midian would equip him with the skills, patience, and humility necessary for the monumental task of leading the Israelites.

Spiritual Significance and Application

The experience of Gershom's naming resonates with the spiritual journey of believers. Many individuals, at various points in their lives, experience a sense of being "strangers" or "sojourners" in the world. This can manifest as feeling out of place in secular society, grappling with a sense of purpose that transcends material pursuits, or undergoing periods of spiritual dryness and isolation. The verse encourages introspection on one's own sense of belonging and identity, prompting a consideration of whether our true citizenship lies elsewhere, as described in Philippians 3:20: "But our citizenship is in heaven." It also highlights that periods of seeming obscurity or exile can be times of profound spiritual growth and preparation for future service.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse is a crucial bridge between Moses' early life and his prophetic calling. It establishes the context for God's appearance to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3), where God reveals Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and commissions Moses to return to Egypt. Moses' initial reluctance, partly stemming from his self-perceived inadequacy and his life as a foreigner, is directly addressed by God. The birth of Gershom and the naming serve as a marker of Moses' transition from a fugitive prince to a future leader, a period where his identity was being forged in the crucible of exile.

Analogies

• A Seed Underground: Just as a seed must be buried in the earth, seemingly lost and isolated, to sprout and grow, Moses' time in Midian can be seen as a period of being buried in obscurity, preparing him for his eventual emergence as the deliverer of Israel.
• An Exile Preparing for Return: Imagine a prince in exile, living a humble life, but always with the knowledge of his royal heritage and the hope of reclaiming his throne. Moses, though living as a shepherd, carries the latent identity of an Israelite, a man chosen by God.

Relation to Other Verses

• Genesis 15:13: God tells Abraham, "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 foreshadows the broader Israelite experience of exile and oppression, of which Moses' personal experience is a microcosm.
• Hebrews 11:13-16: This passage in the Hall of Faith refers to the patriarchs as "foreigners and strangers on earth" who were looking for a heavenly country. Moses' experience as Gershom's father aligns with this theme of sojourning and longing for a true homeland.
• Philippians 3:20: As mentioned, this verse speaks of believers having their "citizenship in heaven," echoing the sentiment of being a stranger in a foreign land when one's ultimate allegiance and hope lie elsewhere.
• Exodus 3:1-10: The context of God's call at the burning bush directly follows this period. God's declaration, "I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt... and I have heard their cry," demonstrates that God was aware of their suffering even while Moses was in exile, and that Moses' time away was divinely orchestrated.