Exodus 18:1
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 18:1
1 When Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses' father in law, heard of all that God had done for Moses, and for Israel his people, and that the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt;
Chapter Context
Exodus 18 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of covenant, love, truth. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-27: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 18:1
1 When Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses' father in law, heard of all that God had done for Moses, and for Israel his people, and that the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt;
Analysis
When Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses' father in law, heard of all that God had done for Moses—Jethro's arrival introduces wisdom from outside Israel's covenant community. His title 'priest of Midian' (כֹּהֵן מִדְיָן, kohen midyan) indicates he served God (likely as descendant of Abraham through Keturah, Gen 25:2) though not within Israel's priesthood. The phrase 'heard of all that God had done' shows that exodus news spread internationally, fulfilling God's purpose to make His name known (Ex 9:16). Jethro's response to hearing—coming to Moses—models faith: hearing about God's works leads to seeking God's people. His bringing Zipporah and sons reconnects Moses' family fractured by calling (Ex 4:25-26).
Historical Context
Jethro (also called Reuel, Ex 2:18) had given Moses refuge and his daughter Zipporah during Moses' 40 years in Midian. His arrival reunites Moses with family after approximately two years.
Reflection
- How does Jethro's faith from outside Israel's covenant preview Gentile inclusion in God's redemption?
- What does news of exodus spreading to surrounding nations teach about God's fame-spreading purposes?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References God: Psalms 44:1, Zechariah 8:23, Acts 14:27
- References Lord: Joshua 2:10, Psalms 34:2, 78:4, 106:2
- Word: Exodus 3:1
- Parallel theme: Exodus 2:16, Psalms 105:43