Exodus 18:11
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 18:11
11 Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them.
Chapter Context
Exodus 18 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of obedience, judgment, love. 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 contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. 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 18:11
11 Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them.
Analysis
Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them—Jethro's confession 'Now I know' (עַתָּה יָדַעְתִּי, attah yada'ti) indicates experiential knowledge gained through witnessing God's works. The declaration that 'the LORD is greater than all gods' (כִּי־גָדוֹל יְהוָה מִכָּל־הָאֱלֹהִים, ki-gadol YHWH mikol-ha'elohim) is comparative monotheism moving toward absolute monotheism—YHWH surpasses all false gods. The phrase 'for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly' (כִּי בַדָּבָר אֲשֶׁר זָדוּ עֲלֵיהֶם, ki vadavar asher zadu alehem) means Egypt's proud oppression became the very means of their judgment—drowned in waters meant to drown Hebrew babies. This lex talionis (law of retaliation) shows God's justice. Jethro's confession prefigures Gentile acknowledgment of YHWH's supremacy.
Historical Context
As a Midianite priest, Jethro's confession represents a religiously educated person's deliberate choice to acknowledge YHWH above all deities worshipped in ancient Near East.
Reflection
- How does Jethro's 'now I know' teach that intellectual belief becomes genuine faith through witnessing God's works?
- What does Egypt's proud oppression becoming their judgment teach about God's poetic justice?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References God: Exodus 15:11, 1 Chronicles 16:25, 2 Chronicles 2:5, Psalms 95:3, 97:9, 135:5
- Parallel theme: Nehemiah 9:10, Psalms 119:21, Daniel 4:37, Luke 1:51