Exodus 18:9
And Jethro rejoiced for all the goodness which the LORD had done to Israel, whom he had delivered out of the hand of the Egyptians.
Original Language Analysis
עַ֚ל
H5921
עַ֚ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַטּוֹבָ֔ה
for all the goodness
H2896
הַטּוֹבָ֔ה
for all the goodness
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
5 of 13
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָשָׂ֥ה
had done
H6213
עָשָׂ֥ה
had done
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
7 of 13
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
יְהוָ֖ה
which the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
which the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
8 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לְיִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
to Israel
H3478
לְיִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
to Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
9 of 13
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הִצִּיל֖וֹ
whom he had delivered
H5337
הִצִּיל֖וֹ
whom he had delivered
Strong's:
H5337
Word #:
11 of 13
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense
Historical Context
Jethro's joy represents first recorded instance of a non-Israelite rejoicing at Israel's redemption, previewing the Gentile inclusion theme that runs through Scripture culminating in Revelation 7:9.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Jethro's joy over Israel's salvation teach about participating in others' spiritual blessings?
- How does hearing testimonies producing joy and worship model proper response to God's works?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And Jethro rejoiced for all the goodness which the LORD had done to Israel—Jethro's response to hearing God's works is joy (וַיִּחַדְּ, vayichad, 'rejoiced, was glad'). The phrase 'all the goodness which the LORD had done' (כָּל־הַטּוֹבָה אֲשֶׁר־עָשָׂה יְהוָה, kol-hatovah asher-asah YHWH) shows he recognizes Israel's deliverance as divine goodness, not merely political liberation. The specific mention 'whom he had delivered out of the hand of the Egyptians' identifies exodus as gracious rescue. Jethro's joy over Israel's salvation prefigures Gentile rejoicing at gospel news (Luke 10:17, Acts 11:18). His immediate worship response (v.10-12) shows that hearing God's works should lead to praising God. This models proper response: testimonies produce joy that issues in worship.