Gershom, the firstborn son of Moses and Zipporah, plays a relatively minor yet significant role in the Bible. Though he is not as widely discussed as other biblical figures, Gershom’s life is intertwined with pivotal moments in the history of Israel, particularly in relation to Moses’ leadership and the Israelites’ journey to freedom from Egypt. While Gershom himself does not emerge as a central character in the biblical narrative, the events surrounding his birth, his name, and his inclusion in the Exodus story provide important theological and historical insights.
This article will explore who Gershom is in the Bible, examining his genealogy, the meaning behind his name, his connection to Moses’ call, and his role in the broader context of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt. By unpacking the key moments that involve Gershom, we will explore the theological lessons that can be derived from his life and consider his place in God’s unfolding plan of redemption.
1. Gershom’s Birth and Meaning of His Name
Gershom is introduced in the book of Exodus as the firstborn son of Moses and Zipporah. The circumstances surrounding his birth are described briefly in Exodus 2:22, which states, “She gave birth to a son, and Moses named him Gershom, saying, ‘I have become an alien in a foreign land.’” The name “Gershom” is significant because it reflects the alienation that Moses felt after fleeing Egypt and settling in the land of Midian.
The name “Gershom” is derived from the Hebrew words ger (meaning “foreigner” or “sojourner”) and sham (meaning “there”). Thus, Gershom’s name can be translated as “a foreigner there” or “a stranger in a foreign land.” This name is deeply symbolic, as it reflects Moses’ sense of exile after he fled Egypt to escape Pharaoh’s wrath. Moses, once an Egyptian prince, had become a foreigner in the land of Midian, far removed from his people and his calling. The name Gershom serves as a reminder of Moses’ personal journey of alienation and separation from his homeland, but also as a symbol of God’s faithfulness to him even in exile.
2. Gershom’s Role in Moses’ Life
Although Gershom does not play a central role in the Exodus narrative, his presence in Moses’ life is significant. The birth of Gershom occurred during a time when Moses was in exile, living as a shepherd in the land of Midian. The events surrounding Gershom’s birth highlight the tension Moses felt between his identity as a Hebrew and his life in exile. Gershom’s birth is also part of the broader theme of Moses’ personal transformation, as he moves from a fugitive on the run to the leader of God’s people.
In Exodus 4:20, Moses, along with his wife Zipporah and their two sons (including Gershom), begins the journey back to Egypt after receiving God’s commission to lead the Israelites out of bondage. The inclusion of Gershom and his brother Eliezer in the Exodus journey underscores their importance in Moses’ family and their connection to the larger narrative of God’s covenant with Israel. While Gershom’s role in the actual deliverance of Israel is not highlighted, he remains an important figure in the story of Moses’ obedience to God’s calling.
3. Gershom’s Name and Its Theological Significance
The name “Gershom” carries profound theological meaning, especially when considered in the broader context of the Bible. As mentioned earlier, the name means “a stranger in a foreign land,” and it reflects the tension Moses experienced in his own life. This tension can be seen as a reflection of the greater story of the Israelites’ journey toward the Promised Land.
Alienation and Exile: The name Gershom embodies the theme of alienation and exile, which is a recurring motif throughout the Bible. Moses, as a young man, was raised in Egypt but fled after committing an act of violence. His sense of being a stranger in Midian mirrors the Israelite experience of exile in Egypt. Gershom’s name serves as a reminder of the Israelites’ own journey of being sojourners in a foreign land for many years. It emphasizes their longing for deliverance and their eventual return to the land promised to their forefathers.
God’s Faithfulness in Exile: While Gershom’s name highlights Moses’ alienation, it also points to God’s faithfulness during periods of exile. Though Moses was separated from his people and his homeland, God remained with him in Midian and called him back to lead Israel out of Egypt. Gershom’s name, therefore, can be seen as a testimony to God’s work in the midst of seemingly hopeless situations. Even in exile, God is present and is preparing His people for a future deliverance.
Symbol of Redemption: Gershom’s name also foreshadows the eventual redemption of Israel. As Moses, the leader of the Israelites, faced his own time of exile and alienation, so too would the Israelites face years of slavery in Egypt before God delivered them. Gershom, as Moses’ firstborn, symbolizes the first step in God’s redemptive plan for Israel—a plan that would culminate in the Exodus. His name serves as a reminder that God’s redemptive purposes often begin in seemingly insignificant ways, with a single individual, in a foreign land, but with a view toward a greater destiny.
4. Gershom and the Exodus Narrative
While Gershom’s role in the Exodus narrative is not as prominent as that of his father, Moses, his presence is significant in a few key moments.
The Journey to Egypt
In Exodus 4:18-20, Moses, after receiving God’s call at the burning bush, returns to Midian to seek permission from his father-in-law, Jethro, to return to Egypt. Jethro blesses Moses, and Moses, accompanied by Zipporah and Gershom, embarks on the journey to Egypt. Though this event does not elaborate much on Gershom’s actions, it establishes that Gershom was part of the family unit that would eventually become central to the Exodus. Gershom’s presence with Moses marks a transition in Moses’ life—from being a shepherd in Midian to becoming the leader of the Israelites.
The Circumcision Incident
In Exodus 4:24-26, we encounter a mysterious and somewhat cryptic event involving Moses, Zipporah, and Gershom. As Moses and his family are on their way to Egypt, God seeks to kill Moses, and Zipporah, in a dramatic act, circumcises their son (presumably Gershom), touching Moses’ feet with the foreskin and saying, “Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me.” This incident is difficult to understand, but it likely relates to Moses’ failure to circumcise his son as required by the Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 17:9-14). Zipporah’s action, therefore, ensures that Moses’ family remains faithful to God’s covenant, preventing Moses from facing God’s wrath and allowing the journey to continue.
The circumcision episode highlights the importance of obedience to God’s covenant, even in the most personal and familial aspects of life. Gershom, though a mere child at this time, is linked to the story of the covenant through his circumcision. This event underscores the significance of Moses’ household in fulfilling God’s redemptive plan, and Gershom’s role, though not explicitly detailed, is critical to the unfolding story.
Gershom’s Role After the Exodus
Gershom’s role in the narrative following the Exodus is not as clearly outlined in the biblical text. However, it is worth noting that Gershom is mentioned again in Exodus 18:1-12 when Jethro, Zipporah’s father, brings Zipporah and her children to Moses in the wilderness. This meeting marks a moment of reconciliation and joy, as Moses shares with Jethro all that God has done for Israel. Gershom’s presence in this scene highlights the continuing importance of Moses’ family in the overall narrative of Israel’s journey.
5. Gershom in Later Biblical Traditions
Gershom does not have a prominent role in later biblical traditions or narratives. He is not mentioned in the book of Joshua, and there is no further detailed account of his life after the Exodus. However, Gershom’s descendants are briefly mentioned in later genealogical records.
In 1 Chronicles 23:15-16, Gershom is listed as one of the sons of Moses, and his descendants are given specific roles in the temple service. His lineage is connected to the Levites, who played a central role in the religious life of Israel. Although Gershom himself does not emerge as a major figure, his descendants continued to serve in significant roles within the community of Israel.
Conclusion
Gershom’s role in the Bible, while not as prominent as that of his father, Moses, or other significant biblical figures, is still essential to understanding the broader narrative of Israel’s redemption. His name, “a stranger in a foreign land,” symbolizes the themes of alienation and exile that are central to the Exodus story. Gershom’s birth represents a key moment in Moses’ life, a time of transition and preparation for the great mission ahead. Gershom’s presence in the biblical narrative also underscores the importance of family, covenant, and obedience to God’s commands.
Gershom’s legacy, though subtle, reminds us that even those who seem to be on the periphery of the biblical story are part of God’s larger redemptive plan. His name reflects the tension of exile and the hope of redemption, themes that resonate throughout the Bible and that ultimately point toward the fulfillment of God’s promises to His people.
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