Eliezer: Son of Moses
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Eliezer, the second son of Moses, is a relatively lesser-known figure in the biblical narrative. His name, Eliezer, means "God is my help," reflecting the providential care and divine assistance experienced by Moses throughout his life. Eliezer's account is primarily found in the Old Testament, and he is mentioned in a few key passages that provide insight into his life and significance.

Biblical References and Context

Eliezer is first mentioned in the Book of Exodus. After Moses fled Egypt to escape the wrath of Pharaoh, he settled in the land of Midian, where he married Zipporah, the daughter of Jethro, the priest of Midian. During his time in Midian, Moses and Zipporah had two sons. The first son was named Gershom, and the second was Eliezer. The naming of Eliezer is recorded in Exodus 18:4: "The other son was named Eliezer, because Moses had said, 'The God of my father was my helper and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh.'" .

Eliezer's birth and naming are significant as they reflect Moses' acknowledgment of God's deliverance and protection during his flight from Egypt. The name Eliezer serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and the divine help that Moses experienced in his life.

Role and Significance

While Eliezer does not play a prominent role in the biblical narrative, his existence is a reminder of the familial and personal aspects of Moses' life. As the son of one of the most significant figures in biblical history, Eliezer represents the continuation of Moses' lineage and the fulfillment of God's promises to Moses and his family.

Eliezer's mention in the genealogical records underscores the importance of family heritage and the transmission of faith from one generation to the next. In 1 Chronicles 23:15-17, Eliezer is listed among the descendants of Levi, highlighting his place within the Levitical lineage: "The sons of Moses: Gershom and Eliezer. The descendants of Eliezer: Rehabiah was the first. Eliezer had no other sons, but the sons of Rehabiah were very numerous." .

Theological Implications

Eliezer's life, though not extensively detailed in Scripture, carries theological implications. His name and the circumstances of his birth serve as a reminder of God's providence and the importance of recognizing divine assistance in times of need. The legacy of Eliezer, as part of the Levitical line, also points to the broader theme of God's covenant faithfulness to His people and the role of the priestly line in maintaining the spiritual heritage of Israel.

In summary, Eliezer, the son of Moses, is a figure whose life and name encapsulate the themes of divine help and covenant faithfulness. Though his account is not elaborated upon in great detail, his presence in the biblical narrative contributes to the understanding of God's ongoing relationship with His chosen leaders and their families.
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Exodus 18:4
And the name of the other was Eliezer; for the God of my father, said he, was my help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh:
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1 Chronicles 23:15,17
The sons of Moses were, Gershom, and Eliezer.
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Library

Gershom and Eliezer
... 'And the name of the second was Eliezer, for, he ... ours; and in higher fashion with
regard to the former of them than was experienced by Moses. ... But the Son of man ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/gershom and eliezer.htm

Chapter xv
... Nor did it first take its beginning with Moses and the exodus from Egypt. ...
Luther misreads ben-m??sheq and gives Eliezer a son. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xv.htm

How Servile Fear Remains Together with Holy Love.
... to choose a wife for his only son Isaac: Eliezer ... Yet as Eliezer after his return
remained in the house ... so that though these fears, as another Moses and another ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xvii how servile fear.htm

Although the Jews, Then, Pride Themselves on Circumcision, they ...
... of Exodus, where the angel before the circumcision of Eliezer [4234] was able to
work against [4235] Moses, but could do nothing after his son was circumcised. ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xlviii although the jews.htm

How we are to Conform Ourselves to God's Will Signified unto us by ...
... of the slime of the earth, as Moses says, breathed ... to be the spouses of his
well-beloved son. And, as regards Eliezer, since he cannot otherwise distinguish ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter x how we are.htm

Book 12 Footnotes
... 2; 24., was of old by some taken for his son. ... And perhaps this Eliezer of Damascus
is that very ... not be improper to observe further, that Moses Chorenensis, in ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 12 footnotes.htm

Home as a Stewardship.
... Such was Eliezer in the house of Abraham; and such ... compensation which stimulated
the mother of Moses to accede ... for the "hire," if she could but save her son! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/philips/the christian home/chapter vi home as a.htm

It is Almost Incredible to Relate How the Hebrews who had Come ...
... it to be brought up as her own son, giving the ... This Moses, when he had come to manhood,
saw a Hebrew ... in marriage, who bore him two sons, Gersam and Eliezer. ...
/.../severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xiii it is almost.htm

Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud
... How does Rabbi Eliezer indicate them ... Then came he and said "about midnight" (that
is, Moses said so ... David had a sign, for Rabbi Acha, the son of Bisna, said that ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/appendix 2 extracts from the.htm

Of the Zeal or Jealousy which we have for Our Lord.
... [473] Eliezer would have ... to arrange the marriage of an eternal union between his
Son our Saviour ... What the zeal of Moses for his people, for whom he is willing ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xiv of the zeal.htm

Resources
Old Testament Individuals ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org

What is the significance of Damascus in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Zipporah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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