Exodus 18:4
And the name of the other was Eliezer; for the God of my father, said he, was mine help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh:
Original Language Analysis
וְשֵׁ֥ם
And the name
H8034
וְשֵׁ֥ם
And the name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
1 of 10
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
הָֽאֶחָ֖ד
of the other
H259
הָֽאֶחָ֖ד
of the other
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
2 of 10
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
אֱלִיעֶ֑זֶר
was Eliezer
H461
אֱלִיעֶ֑זֶר
was Eliezer
Strong's:
H461
Word #:
3 of 10
eliezer, the name of a damascene and of ten israelites
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 10
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אֱלֹהֵ֤י
for the God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֤י
for the God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
5 of 10
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
אָבִי֙
of my father
H1
אָבִי֙
of my father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
6 of 10
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
וַיַּצִּלֵ֖נִי
and delivered
H5337
וַיַּצִּלֵ֖נִי
and delivered
Strong's:
H5337
Word #:
8 of 10
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense
Cross References
Hebrews 13:6So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.Acts 12:11And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.2 Timothy 4:17Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
Historical Context
Eliezer's birth in Midian marked God's protection of Moses during his fugitive years. The name testified to God's faithfulness even when Moses lived outside the covenant community in Egypt.
Questions for Reflection
- How do the two sons' names (stranger and God-helps) summarize the tension of living by faith?
- What does Moses invoking 'God of my father' teach about covenant identity transcending geography?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And the name of the other was Eliezer; for the God of my father, said he, was mine help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh—Eliezer's name (אֱלִיעֶזֶר, 'God is help') contrasts with Gershom's alienation theme—though stranger, Moses found divine help. The naming reference 'God of my father' invokes patriarchal covenant (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob), showing Moses' connection to Israel's lineage despite Midian residence. The phrase 'delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh' likely refers to Moses' flight after killing the Egyptian (Ex 2:15). These two names encapsulate Moses' theology: alienation (Gershom) met by divine rescue (Eliezer). Together they preview Israel's story: though exiled, God delivers. Christ fulfills both names: Immanuel ('God with us') joins our exile and delivers from death.