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Exodus 18:3 - Stranger in foreign land

Exodus 18:3 - שמות 18:3

Hebrew Text

וְאֵת שְׁנֵי בָנֶיהָ אֲשֶׁר שֵׁם הָאֶחָד גֵּרְשֹׁם כִּי אָמַר גֵּר הָיִיתִי בְּאֶרֶץ נָכְרִיָּה׃

English Translation

and her two sons; of whom the name of the one was Gershom (for he said, I have been an alien in a strange land:)

Transliteration

Ve'et shnei vaneha asher shem ha'echad Gershom ki amar ger hayiti be'eretz nochriyah.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֵ֖ת שְׁנֵ֣י בָנֶ֑יהָ אֲשֶׁ֨ר שֵׁ֤ם הָֽאֶחָד֙ גֵּֽרְשֹׁ֔ם כִּ֣י אָמַ֔ר גֵּ֣ר הָיִ֔יתִי בְּאֶ֖רֶץ נׇכְרִיָּֽה׃
וְאֵ֖ת שְׁנֵ֣י בָנֶ֑יהָ אֲשֶׁ֨ר שֵׁ֤ם הָֽאֶחָד֙ גֵּֽרְשֹׁ֔ם כִּ֣י אָמַ֔ר גֵּ֣ר הָיִ֔יתִי בְּאֶ֖רֶץ נׇכְרִיָּֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Explanation of the Verse

The verse states: "וְאֵת שְׁנֵי בָנֶיהָ אֲשֶׁר שֵׁם הָאֶחָד גֵּרְשֹׁם כִּי אָמַר גֵּר הָיִיתִי בְּאֶרֶץ נָכְרִיָּה" ("and her two sons; of whom the name of the one was Gershom, for he said, I have been an alien in a strange land"). This refers to Moshe Rabbeinu naming his firstborn son Gershom while he was in Midian.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Shemot 2:22) explains that Moshe named his son Gershom to commemorate his status as a stranger in a foreign land. The name גֵּרְשֹׁם (Gershom) is derived from the root גֵּר (ger), meaning "stranger" or "sojourner," and שָׁם (sham), meaning "there." Thus, the name signifies, "I was a stranger there." Rashi emphasizes that Moshe acknowledged his temporary status in Midian, recognizing that his true home was among Bnei Yisrael.

Ibn Ezra's Insight

Ibn Ezra (Shemot 2:22) adds that Moshe's choice of name reflects his humility and awareness of his circumstances. Despite being raised in Pharaoh's palace, Moshe did not forget his origins as a Hebrew, and his time in Midian reinforced his identity as a stranger in exile.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:32) elaborates that Moshe's naming of Gershom was prophetic. It foreshadowed the future exile and redemption of the Jewish people, as they too would be strangers in foreign lands before returning to Eretz Yisrael. The name serves as a reminder of the Jewish people's historical experiences of displacement and divine salvation.

Halachic Perspective

Rambam (Hilchos Melachim 5:10-11) discusses the importance of remembering one's status as a stranger, as this fosters empathy and righteousness. Moshe's naming of Gershom exemplifies this principle, teaching that even great leaders must remain mindful of their humble beginnings and the struggles of others.

Key Lessons

  • Identity and Humility: Moshe's naming of Gershom underscores the importance of remembering one's roots and maintaining humility, even in leadership.
  • Empathy for Strangers: The Torah repeatedly commands kindness to strangers (e.g., "Love the stranger" in Devarim 10:19), and Moshe's experience reinforces this value.
  • Divine Providence: The name Gershom hints at the broader narrative of Jewish history, where periods of exile are followed by redemption.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 12a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the naming of Gershom, explaining the significance of his name as reflecting Moses' experience in a foreign land.
📖 Megillah 13a
The verse is mentioned in relation to the story of Moses and his family, emphasizing the theme of exile and foreignness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Moses name his son Gershom?
A: Moses named his son Gershom (from the Hebrew 'ger sham,' meaning 'a stranger there') because he was a stranger in Midian when his son was born. This reflects his feeling of being an outsider in a foreign land (Exodus 18:3). Rashi explains that this name served as a reminder of Moses' exile from Egypt and his temporary dwelling in Midian.
Q: What is the significance of Moses mentioning he was a stranger in a foreign land?
A: Moses' statement highlights his humility and recognition of his temporary status in Midian. The Midrash teaches that this acknowledgment reflects his trust in Hashem's plan, knowing that his true home was with the Jewish people, whom he would later lead out of Egypt. It also serves as a lesson in gratitude and awareness of one's circumstances.
Q: How does the name Gershom connect to Jewish identity?
A: The name Gershom symbolizes the Jewish experience of exile and belonging. Throughout Jewish history, many Jews have lived as strangers in foreign lands, yet maintained their identity. Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that remembering our status as 'guests' in this world helps us focus on spiritual growth and our ultimate connection to Hashem.
Q: Why does the Torah mention Moses' son's name in this verse?
A: The Torah mentions Gershom's name to emphasize Moses' personal journey before leading the Jewish people. According to the Talmud (Berachot 7a), names in the Torah often carry deep meaning, and Gershom's name reflects Moses' transition from exile to leadership. It also shows that even great leaders experience challenges before fulfilling their destiny.