Topical Encyclopedia Raguel, also known as Reuel, is a significant yet somewhat enigmatic figure in the Old Testament. He is identified as the father-in-law of Moses, the great prophet and leader of the Israelites. Raguel is a Midianite priest, and his relationship with Moses is primarily documented in the Book of Exodus.Name and Identity The name Raguel, or Reuel, means "friend of God" or "God is a friend." This name reflects a positive relationship with the divine, which is fitting given his role as a priest. The dual naming of Raguel/Reuel has led to some debate among scholars, but it is generally accepted that these names refer to the same individual. Family and Role Raguel is introduced in the context of Moses' flight from Egypt. After Moses flees to Midian to escape Pharaoh's wrath, he encounters the daughters of Raguel at a well. Moses assists them, and they return to their father, who invites Moses to stay with them. This encounter is recorded in Exodus 2:18-21 : "When the daughters returned to their father Reuel, he asked them, 'Why have you returned so early today?' They answered, 'An Egyptian rescued us from the shepherds. He even drew water for us and watered the flock.' 'Where is he then?' their father asked. 'Why did you leave the man behind? Invite him to have something to eat.' Moses agreed to stay with the man, and he gave his daughter Zipporah to Moses in marriage." Raguel's daughter, Zipporah, becomes Moses' wife, and they have two sons, Gershom and Eliezer. Raguel's acceptance of Moses into his family and his role as a priest suggest that he was a man of considerable influence and hospitality. Priestly Role and Influence Raguel's designation as a priest of Midian indicates his religious significance. Although the specifics of Midianite religious practices are not detailed in the Bible, Raguel's priestly status implies a leadership role within his community. His wisdom and insight are further highlighted in Exodus 18, where he visits Moses in the wilderness after the Exodus from Egypt. During this visit, Raguel observes Moses' heavy burden of judging the people and offers sage advice. He suggests a system of delegation, advising Moses to appoint capable men to serve as judges for the people, thus easing his load. This counsel is recorded in 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. Now listen to me; I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their disputes to Him. Teach them the statutes and laws, and show them the way to live and the work they must do. Furthermore, select capable men from among the people—God-fearing, trustworthy men who are averse to dishonest gain. Appoint them over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. Have these men judge the people at all times. Then they can bring you only the difficult cases, but they can judge the easy cases themselves. In this way, you will lighten your load, and they will bear it with you. If you follow this advice, and God so directs you, then you will be able to endure, and all these people will go home in peace.'" Moses heeds Raguel's advice, demonstrating the respect and trust he has for his father-in-law's wisdom. This episode underscores Raguel's role as a wise counselor and his positive influence on the nascent Israelite community. Legacy Raguel's legacy is primarily seen through his impact on Moses and, by extension, the Israelite nation. His counsel helped shape the administrative structure of the Israelite community, allowing Moses to focus on his prophetic and leadership duties. Raguel's account is a testament to the importance of wise counsel and the value of family relationships in the biblical narrative. Nave's Topical Index Numbers 10:29And Moses said to Hobab, the son of Raguel the Midianite, Moses' father in law, We are journeying to the place of which the LORD said, I will give it you: come you with us, and we will do you good: for the LORD has spoken good concerning Israel. Nave's Topical Index Strong's Hebrew 7467. Reuel -- "friend of God," Moses' father-in-law, also an ...... From the same as r'uw and 'el; friend of God; Reuel, the name of Moses' father-in-law, also of an Edomite and an Israelite -- Raguel, Reuel. see HEBREW ... /hebrew/7467.htm - 6k Library That Moses Kindly Received-His Father-In-Law, Jethro, when He came ... How Raguel Suggested to Moses to Set his People in Order, under ... Saul's War with the Amalekites, and Conquest of Them. Section 26-36. That the Son is the Co-Existing Word How those that Stirred up this Sedition were Destroyed, According ... The Antiquities of the Jews The Perpetual virginity of Blessed Mary. The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |