Exodus 18:3
ESV
along with her two sons. The name of the one was Gershom (for he said, "I have been a sojourner in a foreign land"),
NIV
and her two sons. One son was named Gershom, for Moses said, "I have become a foreigner in a foreign land";
NASB
and her two sons, one of whom was named Gershom, for Moses said, 'I have been a stranger in a foreign land.'
CSB
along with her two sons, one of whom was named Gershom (because Moses had said, "I have been a resident alien in a foreign land")
NLT
(Moses’ first son was named Gershom, for Moses had said when the boy was born, 'I have been a foreigner in a foreign land.'
KJV
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:
NKJV
with her two sons, of whom the name of one was Gershom (for he said, “I have been a stranger in a foreign land”)
What does Exodus 18:3 mean?
Please see our chapter commentary on Exodus 18; verse-level content coming soon!Exodus 18:1–12 records the happy reunion of Moses with his wife, sons, and father-in-law. They share news, sacrifices to God, and food as they celebrate all that the Lord has done.
Moses' father-in-law Jethro (Exodus 4:18) has heard everything which happened to free the Hebrews from slavery (Exodus 12:40–41). He visits Israel, bringing Moses' family along. The two men share a happy reunion. After hearing more about the Lord's work, Jethro offers sacrifices. The next day, he notices that Moses is overwhelmed by making decisions for the people. Jethro suggests Moses appoint levels of leaders who can make lesser verdicts. Moses can then focus on teaching the people God's primary commands and resolving disputes which others cannot judge. This frees Moses to only arbitrate difficult situations.
