Topical Encyclopedia
The sons of Moses, the great prophet and leader of Israel, are mentioned in several passages of the Bible. Moses, who led the Israelites out of Egypt and received the Law from God on Mount Sinai, had two sons with his wife Zipporah, the daughter of Jethro (also known as Reuel), the priest of Midian. These sons are named Gershom and Eliezer.
GershomGershom is the firstborn son of Moses and Zipporah. His name is explained in
Exodus 2:22, where Moses says, "I have become a foreigner in a foreign land," reflecting Moses' life in Midian after fleeing from Egypt. The name Gershom is derived from the Hebrew word "ger," meaning "sojourner" or "foreigner." Gershom's birth is significant as it marks a period of Moses' life where he lived away from his people, the Israelites, and served as a shepherd under his father-in-law Jethro.
EliezerEliezer is the second son of Moses and Zipporah. His name means "My God is help," which is explained in
Exodus 18:4: "The God of my father was my helper and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh." This name reflects Moses' gratitude for God's protection and deliverance during his flight from Egypt. Eliezer's birth is not detailed in the narrative as much as Gershom's, but his name carries a significant theological meaning, emphasizing God's providence and assistance.
Role and LegacyThe sons of Moses do not play prominent roles in the biblical narrative compared to their father. However, they are mentioned in the context of the Levitical priesthood and the organization of the Israelite tribes. In
1 Chronicles 23:15-17, the descendants of Moses are counted among the Levites, specifically through the line of Gershom. This passage highlights the continuation of Moses' lineage within the tribe of Levi, which was set apart for religious duties and service to the Lord.
In
Judges 18:30, there is a reference to a descendant of Moses, Jonathan, who served as a priest for the tribe of Dan. This passage has been the subject of much discussion, as it illustrates the complexities of Israelite worship practices during the period of the Judges.
SignificanceThe sons of Moses, while not central figures in the biblical narrative, represent the continuation of Moses' legacy and the fulfillment of God's promises to him. Their names and the brief mentions of their roles serve as reminders of God's faithfulness and the importance of family lineage in the history of Israel. The inclusion of Moses' descendants among the Levites underscores the enduring impact of Moses' leadership and his family's ongoing service to God and the Israelite community.
