Topical Bible: Priest: Before Moses: Jethro

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Jethro, also known as Reuel, is a significant figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the life of Moses. He is introduced in the Book of Exodus as the priest of Midian and the father-in-law of Moses. Jethro's role as a priest before the establishment of the Levitical priesthood under Moses provides insight into the religious practices and leadership structures that existed among the Midianites and other ancient Near Eastern peoples.

Background and Identity

Jethro is first mentioned in Exodus 2:16-18, where he is identified as the priest of Midian. The Midianites were a nomadic people descended from Midian, a son of Abraham by his concubine Keturah (Genesis 25:1-2). Jethro's dual identity as both a priest and a shepherd is evident when Moses, fleeing from Egypt, encounters Jethro's daughters at a well and assists them in watering their flock. In gratitude, Jethro invites Moses to dwell with him, eventually giving his daughter Zipporah to Moses in marriage (Exodus 2:21).

Role as Priest

Jethro's role as a priest is significant, as it indicates the presence of organized religious practices among the Midianites. Although the specific nature of his priesthood is not detailed in the biblical text, it is clear that Jethro held a position of spiritual authority. His priestly status is further emphasized in Exodus 18, where he visits Moses in the wilderness after the Exodus from Egypt. During this visit, Jethro offers sacrifices to God, and Aaron and the elders of Israel join him in a meal before God (Exodus 18:12: "Then Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, brought a burnt offering and sacrifices to God, and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat bread with Moses’ father-in-law in the presence of God").

Counsel to Moses

Jethro's wisdom and leadership are highlighted in his counsel to Moses regarding the administration of justice among the Israelites. Observing that Moses was overwhelmed by the demands of judging the people, Jethro advised him to appoint capable men as leaders over groups of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens to share the burden of leadership (Exodus 18:17-23: "But Moses’ father-in-law said to him, 'What you are doing is not good. Surely you will wear out—both yourself and these people with you—because the task is too heavy for you. You cannot handle it alone.'"). This advice not only alleviated Moses' burden but also established a more efficient system of governance, demonstrating Jethro's practical wisdom and understanding of leadership dynamics.

Spiritual Influence

Jethro's interaction with Moses and the Israelites underscores the broader theme of God's revelation and work among various peoples outside the immediate covenant community of Israel. His acknowledgment of the LORD's supremacy after hearing of the deliverance from Egypt (Exodus 18:10-11: "Jethro declared, 'Blessed be the LORD, who has delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and of Pharaoh, and who has rescued the people from the hand of the Egyptians. Now I know that the LORD is greater than all other gods, for He did this when they treated Israel arrogantly.'") reflects a recognition of God's power and sovereignty, contributing to the understanding of God's universal reach and the acknowledgment of His deeds by those beyond Israel.

Jethro's presence in the biblical narrative as a priest before the formal establishment of the Israelite priesthood provides a glimpse into the diverse expressions of faith and leadership in the ancient world. His interactions with Moses highlight the importance of wise counsel, shared leadership, and the acknowledgment of God's work among all nations.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 2:16
Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father's flock.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Moses.
... taking care of the flocks of a priest called Jethro ... things; and he treated the poor
Israelites worse than before. But Moses had faith in God; so he was able to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/wee ones bible stories/moses.htm

The Story of Moses, the Child who was Found in the River
... Then, too, the sons of Israel, before they came to Egypt ... of a man named Jethro, who
was a priest in the ... Moses stayed with Jethro and married one of his daughters ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of moses the.htm

Here Next Followeth the History of Moses
... The priest of Midian had seven daughters which came thither for to draw water, and
to fill the vessels for ... Then our Lord said to Moses: Go before the people ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here next followeth the history.htm

Exodus
... and the plagues, and the prominence of Aaron the priest in the ... name Jehovah throughout
Genesis, because he considers it unknown before the time of Moses. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/exodus.htm

The Development of the Earlier Old Testament Laws
... all cases of dispute were thus laid before God and ... torah of truth was in the mouth
of the priest... ... are vividly presented in Jethro's words to Moses in verses ...
/.../viii the development of the.htm

Blessed is He who Atoned Your Sins, that Ye Might Receive his Body ...
... 7. To the sons of Lot Moses said,""Give us water for money ... fishes and drew them
up,"and they were brought near before our Lord:"Our priest has taken ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn vii blessed is he.htm

Appendix viii. Rabbinic Traditions About Elijah, the Forerunner of ...
... a Priest - nay, as the great High-Priest of Messianic ... of the Angel whom God had sent
before Israel to ... Israel, and determined him to give to Moses Zipporah for ...
/.../appendix viii rabbinic traditions about.htm

Circumcision, Temple Service, and Naming of Jesus.
... Originally the firstborn or eldest son was priest of the ... in peace" (Leshalom), as
Jethro said to Moses; to the ... Christ in his arms and salvation before his eyes ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xii circumcision temple service and.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... Of Hundreds, Who Lived Without Order Before; And How ... CHAPTER 6. Concerning The
Tabernacle Which Moses Built In ... Garments Of The Priests, And Of The High Priest. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

The Blessing of God on Filial Piety.
... shame them into contrition, by setting before them the ... from Hobab, the son of Jethro,
Moses' father in ... foot of Mount Sinai, that Midianitish priest, or prince ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxiii the blessing of.htm