Exodus 18:1 Study Bible: Now Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses' father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses, and for Israel his people, how that the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt.

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Now Moses' father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian, heard about all that God had done for Moses and His people Israel, and how the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt.

Study Bible

Now Jethro
The name "Jethro" is derived from the Hebrew root "יתר" (yeter), meaning "abundance" or "excellence." Jethro is a significant figure, not only as Moses' father-in-law but also as a priest of Midian. His role as a priest suggests a position of spiritual leadership and wisdom, which is later demonstrated in his counsel to Moses. Historically, the Midianites were a nomadic people, and Jethro's connection to them highlights the diverse interactions between different cultures and faiths in the ancient Near East.

the priest of Midian
This phrase indicates Jethro's religious role among the Midianites. The Midianites were descendants of Abraham through Keturah, and their religious practices would have been influenced by their patriarchal heritage. Jethro's priesthood suggests a monotheistic or henotheistic belief system, which aligns with the worship of the God of Abraham. His position as a priest underscores the idea that God's revelation and truth can be found outside the immediate Israelite community, a theme that resonates with the universal scope of God's plan.

and father-in-law of Moses
This relationship is crucial in understanding the familial and social dynamics at play. Moses' marriage to Zipporah, Jethro's daughter, represents a union that bridges different cultures and faiths. The father-in-law relationship also implies a level of respect and authority, as Jethro later advises Moses on governance. This connection emphasizes the importance of family and mentorship in leadership and spiritual growth.

heard about everything God had done for Moses and His people Israel
The phrase "heard about" suggests the widespread impact of God's actions, reaching beyond the immediate Israelite community. The deeds of God, particularly the deliverance from Egypt, were not only miraculous but also served as a testimony to surrounding nations. This hearing implies that God's works are meant to be known and acknowledged by all, reinforcing the idea of His sovereignty and power.

and how the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt
This phrase encapsulates the central theme of the Exodus narrative: deliverance and redemption. The term "LORD" (YHWH) is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His faithfulness and commitment to His people. The act of bringing Israel out of Egypt is a foundational event in the history of Israel, symbolizing liberation from bondage and the beginning of a journey towards the Promised Land. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's ability to save and transform, a message that continues to inspire faith and hope in believers today.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jethro
The priest of Midian and Moses' father-in-law. He is a significant figure who provides wise counsel to Moses.

2. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt.

3. Midian
A region where Jethro lived, located in the northwestern part of the Arabian Peninsula.

4. God's Deliverance
The miraculous events through which God brought the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage.

5. Israel
The chosen people of God, whom He delivered from slavery in Egypt.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Godly Counsel
Jethro's role as a wise counselor to Moses emphasizes the value of seeking and heeding godly advice.

Family Relationships in Ministry
Moses' relationship with Jethro illustrates the importance of maintaining strong family ties, even amidst ministry responsibilities.

Recognizing God's Work
Jethro's acknowledgment of God's deeds encourages believers to recognize and celebrate God's work in their lives and communities.

The Role of Testimony
Jethro heard about God's actions, underscoring the power of testimony in spreading the knowledge of God's greatness.

Intergenerational Faith
The connection between Jethro and Moses highlights the importance of passing down faith and wisdom across generations.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jethro's role as a priest of Midian influence his interactions with Moses and the Israelites?

2. In what ways can we seek and apply godly counsel in our own lives, as Moses did with Jethro?

3. How can we ensure that our family relationships support and enhance our ministry efforts?

4. What are some practical ways to share testimonies of God's work in our lives with others?

5. How can we foster intergenerational faith and wisdom within our own families and communities?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 3:1
This passage introduces Jethro as Moses' father-in-law and the priest of Midian, establishing his role in Moses' life.

Exodus 4:18
Moses seeks Jethro's permission to return to Egypt, showing respect and familial ties.

Numbers 10:29-32
Jethro's descendants, the Kenites, are invited to join the Israelites, indicating the lasting relationship between Jethro's family and Israel.

Acts 7:29-30
Stephen's speech references Moses' time in Midian, highlighting the significance of this period in Moses' life.

Sermons

The Claims of Home	H.T. Robjohns	Exodus 18:1-5
Ashamed of Parents	J. Carstairs.	Exodus 18:1-6
Character not Deteriorated by Honour	W. M. Taylor, D. D.	Exodus 18:1-6
Family Gatherings	J. S. Exell, M. A.	Exodus 18:1-6
Jethro's Visit - Moses in His Domestic Relations	D. Young	Exodus 18:1-12
The Consolations of Those Who Suffer Loss for the Kingdom of God	J. Urquhart	Exodus 18:1-12
The Visit of Jethro	J. Orr	Exodus 18:1-13

People

Aaron, Egyptians, Eliezer, Gershom, Jethro, Moses, Pharaoh, Zipporah

Places

Egypt, Midian, Rephidim

Topics

Egypt, Father-in-law, Heareth, Jethro, Law, Midian, Mid'ian, Moses's, News, Priest

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Exodus 18:1

5433 occupations

Library

The Ideal Statesman [Footnote: Preached on Occasion of Mr. Gladstone's Death. ]
'Thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them.'--EXODUS xviii. 21. You will have anticipated my purpose in selecting this text. I should be doing violence to your feelings and mine if I made no reference to the event which has united the Empire and the world in one sentiment. The great tree has fallen, and the crash has for the moment silenced all the sounds of the forest. Wars abroad and controversies at home are …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Gershom and Eliezer
'The name of the one [of Moses' sons] was Gershom ... and the name of the other was Eliezer....'--EXODUS xviii. 3, 4. In old times parents often used to give expression to their hopes or their emotions in the names of their children. Very clearly that was the case in Moses' naming of his two sons, who seem to have been the whole of his family. The significance of each name is appended to it in the text. The explanation of the first is, 'For he said, I have been an alien in a strange land'; and that …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Origin and Growth of Law.
MOSES' WORK AS JUDGE AND PROPHET.--Ex. 18; 1-27; 33:5-11. Parallel References. Hist. Bible I, 198-203. Prin. of Politics, Ch. VI. Maine, Ancient Law. Jehovah spake to Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend--Ex. 33: 11. And Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. And they judged the people at all seasons: the hard cases they brought unto Moses, but every small …
Charles Foster Kent—The Making of a Nation

The Development of the Earlier Old Testament Laws
[Sidenote: First the principle, and then the detailed laws] If the canon of the New Testament had remained open as long as did that of the Old, there is little doubt that it also would have contained many laws, legal precedents, and ecclesiastical histories. From the writings of the Church Fathers and the records of the Catholic Church it is possible to conjecture what these in general would have been. The early history of Christianity illustrates the universal fact that the broad principles are …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

That the Ruler Relax not his Care for the Things that are Within in his Occupation among the Things that are Without, nor Neglect to Provide
The ruler should not relax his care for the things that are within in his occupation among the things that are without, nor neglect to provide for the things that are without in his solicitude for the things that are within; lest either, given up to the things that are without, he fall away from his inmost concerns, or, occupied only with the things that are within bestow not on his neighbours outside himself what he owes them. For it is often the case that some, as if forgetting that they have …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Opposition to Messiah Ruinous
Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel T here is a species of the sublime in writing, which seems peculiar to the Scripture, and of which, properly, no subjects but those of divine revelation are capable, With us, things inconsiderable in themselves are elevated by splendid images, which give them an apparent importance beyond what they can justly claim. Thus the poet, when describing a battle among bees, by a judicious selection of epithets …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

Easter Tuesday
Second Sermon. Same Text. Acts 13, 26-39. THE WORD AND THE RESURRECTION.[1] [Footnote 1: This sermon appeared first in the Church Postil, the Explanation of the Epistle and Gospel Texts from Easter to Advent. Printed by Hans Lufft, Wittenberg, 1559.] 1. This sermon was preached by Paul in the synagogue at Antioch of Pisidia, where were gathered with the Jews some Greek converts. Wherever in a city Jews were to be found, there also were their synagogues in which they taught and preached; and many …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

After the Scripture.
"In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God created He him."--Gen. v. 1. In the preceding pages we have shown that the translation, "in Our image," actually means, "after Our image." To make anything in an image is no language; it is unthinkable, logically untrue. We now proceed to show how it should be translated, and give our reason for it. We begin with citing some passages from the Old Testament in which occurs the preposition "B" which, in Gen. i. 27, stands before image, where …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
ONLY those who have made study of it can have any idea how large, and sometimes bewildering, is the literature on the subject of Jewish Proselytes and their Baptism. Our present remarks will be confined to the Baptism of Proselytes. 1. Generally, as regards proselytes (Gerim) we have to distinguish between the Ger ha-Shaar (proselyte of the gate) and Ger Toshabh (sojourner,' settled among Israel), and again the Ger hatstsedeq (proselyte of righteousness) and Ger habberith (proselyte of the covenant). …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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