Who Was Jethro in the Bible — In Biblical Context

The Biblical Context

Jethro, also called Reuel, was the priest of Midian and the father of Zipporah, whom Moses married after fleeing Egypt. When Moses arrived in Midian after killing the Egyptian taskmaster, he sat by a well and defended Jethro's seven daughters from shepherds who drove them away. Jethro invited Moses to stay and eventually gave him Zipporah as his wife. The name Jethro means 'excellence' or 'abundance,' while Reuel means 'friend of God.' His dual names may reflect different roles or traditions. Years later, after the exodus, Jethro heard what God had done for Israel and came to meet Moses in the wilderness, bringing Zipporah and Moses' two sons with him. Their reunion was joyous: 'And Moses went out to meet his father in law, and did obeisance, and kissed him; and they asked each other of their welfare; and they came into the tent.' Jethro then offered a sacrifice to God and acknowledged the Lord's greatness: 'Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them.' But Jethro's most significant contribution came when he observed Moses judging the people from morning till evening. He asked, 'What is this thing that thou doest to the people? why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand by thee from morning unto even?' Moses explained that the people came to him to inquire of God and settle disputes. Jethro replied with practical wisdom: 'The thing that thou doest is not good. Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone.' He advised Moses to teach the people God's statutes and then appoint 'able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness' to judge smaller matters, bringing only the most difficult cases to Moses. Moses 'hearkened to the voice of his father in law, and did all that he had said.' This administrative reform was foundational for Israel's governance. Jethro then returned to his own land. His brief appearance demonstrates that God can use wisdom from unexpected sources. A Midianite priest gave organizational advice that shaped Israel's judicial system.

Where It Sits in Scripture

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