Biblical Profile: Jethro (Reuel)

Jethro (Reuel)

Jethro, also called Reuel (Exod 2:16-18; Num 10:29), was “the priest of Midian” (Exod 2:16). Moses rescued Jethro’s seven daughters from the rough treatment of other shepherds at a well and helped them water their flocks. At home they told their father of this surprising encounter with “an Egyptian.” Jethro responded gratefully by inviting Moses for a meal, and Moses proceeded to settle there. At a later point, Jethro gave his daughter Zipporah to Moses in marriage.

While Moses was still living in Midian near his father-in-law, he encountered God at the burning bush (Exod 3:1-2). Before leaving for Egypt, Moses asked Jethro’s permission to go; he later sent his family to stay with Jethro during the Exodus.

When Moses and the Israelites were in the wilderness, Jethro returned with Moses’ family. Jethro, having heard of Yahweh’s deliverance of his people from Egypt, acknowledged him as the God of all gods. He worshiped Yahweh with a burnt offering and sacrifices, thereby identifying himself with Israel (18:11). In response, Israel’s leaders joined him for “a sacrificial meal in God’s presence” (18:12).

Jethro saw that Moses was overwhelmed with caring for the vast numbers of Israelites, so he gave Moses good administrative advice about organizing the people more efficiently and about judging disputes among the people (18:13-23). Moses listened to this counsel and appointed able men to assist him as leaders and judges over the people (18:24-27). Jethro returned to Midian and seems not to have interacted further with Israel, but his son (Num 10:29-33) and other descendants later settled with the Israelites (Judg 1:16; 4:11).

Passages for Further Study

Exod 2:16-25; 3:1; 18:1-27; Num 10:29; Judg 1:16; 4:11