Now Moses' father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian, heard about all that God had done for Moses and His people Israel, and how the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt. Now Moses’ father-in-law Jethro,Jethro was Moses’ father-in-law through Zipporah, whom Moses married during his years in Midian. Called Reuel in the account of Moses’ arrival in Midian, he was the head of a household that received and sheltered Moses when he fled from Egypt. His presence joins Moses’ earlier life in exile with Israel’s new life as a redeemed people. Exo 3:1 Meanwhile, Moses was shepherding the flock… the priest of Midian, Midian descended from Abraham through Keturah and occupied territory associated with the wilderness regions south and east of Canaan. As a priest and clan leader, Jethro held spiritual and social authority among his people. The Lord would use this Midianite priest to bless Moses with needed counsel, showing that God’s wisdom and providence were not confined by Israel’s boundaries. Exo 2:16 Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters,… heard about all that God had done for Moses and His people Israel, Reports of the plagues, the deliverance at the sea, and Israel’s preservation in the wilderness had reached surrounding peoples. God’s works for Israel were public displays of His power, faithfulness, and commitment to His covenant promises. Moses’ personal deliverance and Israel’s national deliverance were inseparably connected to the Lord’s saving purpose. Jos 2:10-11 For we have heard how the LORD dried up the waters… and how the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt. Israel’s departure from Egypt was the defining act of redemption in the Old Testament: the Lord had broken Pharaoh’s power and claimed His people for Himself. The Exodus revealed the LORD as the covenant God who saves those under bondage and brings them into fellowship and service. It also anticipates the greater redemption accomplished through Christ, who delivers His people from slavery to sin. Exo 12:51 And on that very day the LORD brought the Israelites out… Persons / Places / Events 1. JethroThe priest of Midian and Moses' father-in-law. He is a significant figure who provides wise counsel to Moses. 2. Moses The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt. 3. Midian A region where Jethro lived, located in the northwestern part of the Arabian Peninsula. 4. God's Deliverance The miraculous events through which God brought the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage. 5. Israel The chosen people of God, whom He delivered from slavery in Egypt. Teaching Points The Importance of Godly CounselJethro's role as a wise counselor to Moses emphasizes the value of seeking and heeding godly advice. Family Relationships in Ministry Moses' relationship with Jethro illustrates the importance of maintaining strong family ties, even amidst ministry responsibilities. Recognizing God's Work Jethro's acknowledgment of God's deeds encourages believers to recognize and celebrate God's work in their lives and communities. The Role of Testimony Jethro heard about God's actions, underscoring the power of testimony in spreading the knowledge of God's greatness. Intergenerational Faith The connection between Jethro and Moses highlights the importance of passing down faith and wisdom across generations. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jethro's role as a priest of Midian influence his interactions with Moses and the Israelites?2. In what ways can we seek and apply godly counsel in our own lives, as Moses did with Jethro? 3. How can we ensure that our family relationships support and enhance our ministry efforts? 4. What are some practical ways to share testimonies of God's work in our lives with others? 5. How can we foster intergenerational faith and wisdom within our own families and communities? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 3:1This passage introduces Jethro as Moses' father-in-law and the priest of Midian, establishing his role in Moses' life. Exodus 4:18 Moses seeks Jethro's permission to return to Egypt, showing respect and familial ties. Numbers 10:29-32 Jethro's descendants, the Kenites, are invited to join the Israelites, indicating the lasting relationship between Jethro's family and Israel. Acts 7:29-30 Stephen's speech references Moses' time in Midian, highlighting the significance of this period in Moses' life.
People Aaron, Egyptians, Eliezer, Gershom, Jethro, Moses, Pharaoh, ZipporahPlaces Egypt, Midian, RephidimTopics Egypt, Father-in-law, Heareth, Jethro, Law, Midian, Mid'ian, Moses's, News, PriestDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 18:1Library The Ideal Statesman [Footnote: Preached on Occasion of Mr. Gladstone's Death. ]'Thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them.'--EXODUS xviii. 21. You will have anticipated my purpose in selecting this text. I should be doing violence to your feelings and mine if I made no reference to the event which has united the Empire and the world in one sentiment. The great tree has fallen, and the crash has for the moment silenced all the sounds of the forest. Wars abroad and controversies at home are … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Gershom and Eliezer The Origin and Growth of Law. The Development of the Earlier Old Testament Laws That the Ruler Relax not his Care for the Things that are Within in his Occupation among the Things that are Without, nor Neglect to Provide Opposition to Messiah Ruinous Easter Tuesday After the Scripture. Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes Exodus Links Exodus 18:1 NIVExodus 18:1 NLT Exodus 18:1 ESV Exodus 18:1 NASB Exodus 18:1 KJV Exodus 18:1 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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