Exodus and wilderness · around 1485-1445 BC
Jethro in the Bible
The priest of Midian, Moses’ father-in-law. Name meaning: A name the Bible does not comment on. The priest of Midian is called Reuel in Exodus 2:18 and Jethro in Exodus 3:1; Numbers 10:29 mentions a Hobab, “son of Reuel”
A priest of Midian, Jethro welcomes Moses when he flees Egypt, gives him his daughter Zipporah, and entrusts his flock to him for many years. When Israel camps near the mountain of God, he comes to find his son-in-law, blesses the LORD, acknowledges that He is “greater than all gods” (Exod 18:11), and advises Moses to share the burden of judging the people.
Key moments
- He invites Moses to a meal and gives him his daughter Zipporah Exodus 2:20–21
- Moses is tending his flock when God calls him Exodus 3:1
- He lets Moses go: “Go in peace” Exodus 4:18
- He acknowledges that the LORD is greater than all gods Exodus 18:11
- He offers a burnt offering and sacrifices to God Exodus 18:12
- He advises Moses to share the burden of judging Exodus 18:21–22
- He returns to his own land Exodus 18:27
Strengths
- Hospitality
- Practical wisdom
- Caring honesty
- Joy for others
Weaknesses
The Bible records no fault in Jethro. It also does not say what he knew of the LORD before meeting Moses: he is “the priest of Midian” (Exod 3:1), and it is only after hearing Moses’ accounts that he declares, “Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods” (Exod 18:11).
Lessons for today
- Wise counsel can come from an unexpected source: Moses, Israel’s leader, listens to his father-in-law and does “all that he had said” (Exod 18:24).
- No one should carry the burden of ministry alone: share it with capable men who fear God, are honest, and hate greed (Exod 18:18, 21).
- Welcoming a stranger can change a life: Jethro’s invitation turns Moses the fugitive into a son-in-law and a shepherd (Exod 2:20-21).
- Rejoice in the good God does for others and say so out loud, as Jethro did: “Blessed be the LORD” (Exod 18:9-10).
Now I know that the Lord is greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them.
Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:
And Moses’ father in law said unto him, 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.
People around Jethro
- Moses — Son-in-law, whom he welcomes in Midian and advises in the wilderness
- Zipporah — His daughter, Moses’ wife
- Gershom and Eliezer — His grandsons, sons of Moses and Zipporah
- Aaron — Shares a meal with him after his sacrifice
- Hobab — Son of Reuel the Midianite, called Moses’ father-in-law (Num 10:29)
Stories with Jethro
Quiz: how well do you know Jethro?
In which land did Moses take refuge after fleeing from Pharaoh?
Moses “dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well.” There the priest of the land gave him his daughter as a wife. Exodus 2:15
Which of the Midianite priest’s daughters did Moses marry?
The priest of Midian “gave Moses Zipporah his daughter.” Zilpah and Bilhah were the servants of Leah and Rachel. Exodus 2:21
What advice did Jethro give Moses when he saw him judging the people alone?
Jethro told him to provide able men and place them as rulers of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens: “So shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.” Exodus 18:21–22
There are many more questions like these in Bible Academy, each with its explanation and verse. Start your free trial.