Definition: And her two sons; of which the name of the one [was] Gershom; for he said, I have been an alien in a strange land:
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Exodus 18:3. It’s a really interesting and slightly mysterious part of the story! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Story: This verse comes after Pharaoh’s people are being tricked by Moses into believing that Aaron, his brother, is the true God. They're trying to trick him into giving them a sacrifice. What Happened Next: “And her two sons; of which the name of the one [was] Gershom…” This means there were two sons – Gershom and Assim. The word “of” is used here, meaning "belonging to." So, we’re talking about Gershom and Assim. “…for he said, I have been an alien in a strange land.” This is the key part! Gershom (the elder son) was very upset that he was being treated like a stranger. He felt like he didn't belong, like he wasn’t truly God’s chosen one. So, what does this tell us? It suggests a sense of doubt and insecurity . Gershom feels like he’s not valued or recognized as the true leader or representative of God's people. He is questioning his own position and identity. It’s a moment of vulnerability and a feeling of being out of place. Important Note: The Hebrew word “alien” (אֵלֶה) doesn’t have a direct translation in English, but it carries a weight of being different and not fully accepted. It speaks to a feeling of being isolated or unwanted. In essence, this verse highlights a moment of emotional struggle within Gershom as he grapples with his identity and place in the world. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the context of this verse within the larger story of Exodus? Talk about the significance of Gershom's role in the story?