Exodus 18:10
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 18:10
10 And Jethro said, Blessed be the LORD, who hath delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of Pharaoh, who hath delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians.
Chapter Context
Exodus 18 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of grace, prayer, worship. 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 foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. 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 18:10
10 And Jethro said, Blessed be the LORD, who hath delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of Pharaoh, who hath delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians.
Analysis
And Jethro said, Blessed be the LORD, who hath delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians—Jethro's blessing formula 'Blessed be the LORD' (בָּרוּךְ יְהוָה, barukh YHWH) is first use of this liturgical phrase in Scripture, setting pattern for worship. His blessing specifically names YHWH, not generic deity, showing he worships Israel's covenant God. The dual deliverance—'out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of Pharaoh'—distinguishes nation (Egyptians) from ruler (Pharaoh), comprehensively acknowledging complete liberation. The phrase 'who hath delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians' adds third emphasis on rescue. This triple deliverance statement builds to crescendo of praise, modeling worship's multiplication of God's mercies.
Historical Context
Jethro's blessing represents a Midianite priest's acknowledgment of YHWH's supremacy. As descendant of Abraham through Keturah, Jethro likely worshipped God but now explicitly recognizes YHWH's covenant name and power.
Reflection
- What does Jethro blessing YHWH specifically teach about the particularity of true worship?
- How does threefold emphasis on deliverance model worship that multiplies recounting God's mercies?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- Blessing: Genesis 14:20, 2 Samuel 18:28, Luke 1:68