Who was Gershom in the Bible?

Gershom is a significant yet often overlooked figure in the Bible. As the firstborn son of Moses, his life provides insights into Moses’ personal journey, his struggles, and the broader narrative of God’s deliverance of Israel. The meaning of his name, his role in the biblical story, and his legacy all contribute to our understanding of God’s plan and purpose. In this article, we will explore the biblical references, his significance in Moses’ life, and his role in Israel’s history.

Gershom’s Birth and Name Meaning

The first mention of Gershom is found in Exodus 2:22, where he is born to Moses and Zipporah, the daughter of Jethro (also known as Reuel), the priest of Midian. Moses had fled Egypt after killing an Egyptian and had taken refuge in Midian, where he married Zipporah. The Bible states:

“And she bore him a son, and he called his name Gershom, for he said, ‘I have been a stranger in a foreign land.'” (Exodus 2:22, NKJV)

The name “Gershom” comes from the Hebrew root “ger,” meaning “stranger” or “sojourner.” Moses’ naming of his son reflects his own experience of being a foreigner in Midian, having fled Egypt to escape Pharaoh’s wrath. This name serves as a personal testimony to Moses’ life as an exile and a sojourner.

His Role in Moses’ Life

Although Gershom is not a central figure in the biblical narrative, his presence is a reminder of Moses’ life in Midian before his divine calling to lead Israel. Gershom and his younger brother, Eliezer, are mentioned in Exodus 18:3-4 when Jethro brings Moses’ family to him in the wilderness after the Exodus:

“With her two sons, of whom the name of one was Gershom (for he said, ‘I have been a stranger in a foreign land’) and the name of the other was Eliezer (for he said, ‘The God of my father was my help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh’).” (Exodus 18:3-4, NKJV)

This passage reiterates the significance of Gershom’s name, emphasizing Moses’ alienation from his people before God called him to deliver Israel. While Eliezer’s name reflects God’s deliverance, Gershom’s name serves as a reminder of Moses’ years of exile.

The Incident of Circumcision

A pivotal moment involving Gershom occurs in Exodus 4:24-26. As Moses was on his way to Egypt to confront Pharaoh, God sought to kill him. Zipporah intervened by circumcising their son and touching Moses’ feet with the foreskin, saying,

“Surely you are a husband of blood to me!” (Exodus 4:25, NKJV)

This incident is somewhat mysterious, but it highlights the importance of circumcision as a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham’s descendants (Genesis 17:10-14). It is possible that Moses had neglected to circumcise Gershom, and this act of obedience by Zipporah averted God’s judgment. The event underscores the seriousness of God’s covenant and the necessity of obedience to His commands.

His Descendants and Legacy

Gershom’s descendants are mentioned in later biblical records. In 1 Chronicles 23:14-16, we learn that his son Shebuel became a leader among the Levites:

“Now the sons of Moses the man of God were reckoned to the tribe of Levi. The sons of Moses were Gershom and Eliezer. Of the sons of Gershom, Shebuel was the first.” (1 Chronicles 23:14-16, NKJV)

Although Moses was from the tribe of Levi, his descendants did not hold the same priestly status as those from Aaron’s lineage. However, they still played important roles in the service of the Lord. Gershom’s descendants were entrusted with responsibilities in the tabernacle, ensuring that the worship of God remained orderly and according to His instructions.

A Controversial Connection: Gershom and Idolatry

Another mention of Gershom’s lineage appears in Judges 18:30, where a priest named Jonathan, identified as the “son of Gershom,” is associated with idolatry. The passage states:

“Then the children of Dan set up for themselves the carved image; and Jonathan the son of Gershom, the son of Manasseh, he and his sons were priests to the tribe of Dan until the day of the captivity of the land.” (Judges 18:30, NKJV)

Some manuscripts indicate that “Manasseh” was originally “Moses,” suggesting that this Jonathan was a descendant of Gershom, the son of Moses. If this is the case, it would indicate a tragic departure from the true worship of God within Moses’ lineage. This serves as a warning that even those from godly families must remain faithful to God’s commandments.

Lessons from Gershom’s Life

1. The Importance of Identity and Calling

Gershom’s name signifies Moses’ identity as a sojourner. His story reminds us that believers are also sojourners in this world, called to a heavenly home (Hebrews 11:13-16). Just as Moses named his son based on his experience, we should remember that our ultimate citizenship is in heaven.

2. Obedience to God’s Covenant

The circumcision incident highlights the necessity of obeying God’s commands, even when they seem difficult or inconvenient. God takes His covenant seriously, and His people must walk in obedience. Neglecting even seemingly minor aspects of God’s law can have significant consequences.

3. A Caution Against Spiritual Compromise

If Jonathan, the descendant of Gershom, did indeed become a priest of idolatry, it serves as a warning that faithfulness to God is not guaranteed by lineage alone. Each person must choose to follow God wholeheartedly. Spiritual decline can occur even among those with a rich heritage of faith if they do not remain steadfast in God’s truth.

4. The Role of Family in Faithfulness

The story of Gershom and his descendants underscores the importance of passing down faith through generations. While Moses was a great leader, some of his descendants strayed from God’s commandments. This highlights the necessity for parents to actively teach their children the ways of the Lord (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).

Conclusion

Gershom is a relatively minor character in the Bible, but his life and lineage provide valuable lessons. His name reflects Moses’ personal struggles, his family’s experiences reveal the importance of covenant faithfulness, and his descendants demonstrate the consequences of spiritual compromise. Through this story, we see reminders of obedience, identity, and the need for unwavering faithfulness to God. His story serves as a call for each believer to remain committed to God’s truth and to pass down a legacy of faithfulness to future generations.