Introduction
The life of Moses is a captivating story that has inspired millions of believers throughout history. As one of the most important figures in the Bible, his story is one of great faith, obedience, and trust in God. In this blog post, we will explore the life of Moses with a specific focus on his family life and his children. Delving into the scriptures, we will gather information from the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible to understand the context and significance of Moses’ family in the biblical narrative.
Moses’ life was marked by extraordinary events, including his miraculous rescue from the Nile River, his encounter with God at the burning bush, and his leadership of the Israelites through the wilderness to the Promised Land. However, amid these supernatural events and divine callings, Moses also had a personal life, complete with marriage and children. In this post, we will discuss how many children Moses had, as well as the role his family played in his life and mission.
Moses’ Marriage and Family Life
Viral Believer is reader-supported. We may earn a small fee from products we recommend at no charge to you. Read Our Affiliate Disclosuree
Moses’ wife, Zipporah, was the daughter of Jethro, the priest of Midian. According to the scriptures, Moses met Zipporah when he fled Egypt after killing an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew slave (Exodus 2:11-15). While Moses was resting by a well in Midian, he defended Jethro’s seven daughters from some shepherds who tried to drive them away from the well. In gratitude, Jethro invited Moses to his home and gave him his daughter Zipporah to be his wife (Exodus 2:16-21).
Moses’ Firstborn Son: Gershom
Scripture tells us that Moses and Zipporah had a son named Gershom. The name Gershom is significant, as it reflects Moses’ experience as a stranger in a foreign land. In Exodus 2:22 (NKJV), the Bible records, “And she bore him a son. He called his name Gershom, for he said, ‘I have been a stranger in a foreign land.'” Gershom’s name serves as a reminder of the challenges Moses faced during his time in Midian, as well as the faithfulness of God in providing for him and his family.
Moses’ Second Son: Eliezer
The Bible also reveals that Moses and Zipporah had a second son, named Eliezer. The birth of Eliezer is mentioned in Exodus 18:4 (NKJV), which reads, “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’).” Eliezer’s name, meaning “God is my help,” is a testament to God’s protection and provision for Moses and his family during their time in Midian.
The Role of Moses’ Family in His Life and Mission
Moses’ family played a vital role in his life and mission. His wife, Zipporah, demonstrated her faith and obedience to God when she circumcised their son Gershom, thereby saving Moses from divine punishment (Exodus 4:24-26). Furthermore, Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, provided valuable advice and support to Moses throughout his leadership of the Israelites. In Exodus 18:13-27, Jethro counseled Moses on how to delegate authority and establish a more efficient system of governance, which ultimately proved to be beneficial to the Israelites.
The Reunion of Moses and His Family
Interestingly, there is a point in the biblical narrative when Moses and his family are separated. After Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush, he returned to Egypt to lead the Israelites out of bondage. During this time, Zipporah and their sons remained in Midian (Exodus 4:19-20). It is not until later, after the Israelites successfully crossed the Red Sea and escaped the pursuing Egyptian army, that Moses and his family were reunited. In Exodus 18:1-7 (NKJV), we read that Jethro, Zipporah, and Moses’ sons traveled to the wilderness to meet Moses and the Israelites.
The reunion of Moses and his family was a joyful occasion, with Moses embracing his father-in-law and welcoming his wife and children. This moment underscores the importance of family connections and support in the midst of difficult circumstances. Despite the challenges they faced, Moses’ family remained a source of strength and encouragement for him as he carried out his divine mission.
The Legacy of Moses’ Children
Although the Bible does not provide extensive information about the lives of Gershom and Eliezer, there is evidence that they continued their father’s legacy. In 1 Chronicles 23:14-17, we learn that Gershom and Eliezer were among the Levites who served in the tabernacle during the time of King David. This indicates that Moses’ sons were part of the Levitical priesthood, a role that would have been passed down through the generations.
Furthermore, in Judges 18:30, we find mention of a man named Jonathan, who was a descendant of Gershom and served as a priest for the tribe of Dan. Although Jonathan’s actions in Judges 18 are not entirely commendable, his lineage as a descendant of Moses demonstrates the ongoing influence of Moses’ family in the religious life of the Israelites.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Moses and Zipporah had two sons, Gershom and Eliezer. Both sons played a significant role in Moses’ life, as they served as reminders of God’s faithfulness and protection during their time in Midian. Moreover, their names hold deep meaning, reflecting Moses’ experiences as a stranger in a foreign land and his reliance on God’s help.
Moses’ family also contributed to his mission in various ways, with his wife Zipporah demonstrating her faith and obedience to God, and his father-in-law Jethro offering valuable counsel and support. The reunion of Moses and his family after the exodus from Egypt highlights the importance of family connections and support during trying times.
Lastly, the legacy of Moses’ children lived on through the generations, with Gershom and Eliezer serving as Levites in the tabernacle and their descendants continuing in religious roles among the Israelites. This enduring legacy is a testament to the influence of Moses and his family, both in his lifetime and in the lives of those who came after him. As we reflect on the story of Moses, let us remember the significant role that family can play in our own lives, offering strength, encouragement, and support through the challenges we face.
