Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionThankfulness is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, reflecting a heart posture that acknowledges God's sovereignty, provision, and grace. One notable instance of thankfulness is demonstrated by Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses, who expressed gratitude to God for His mighty works and deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt. This entry explores the context and significance of Jethro's thankfulness to God, as recorded in the Scriptures. Biblical Context Jethro, also known as Reuel, was a priest of Midian and the father-in-law of Moses. His encounter with Moses and the Israelites is recorded in the Book of Exodus. After the Israelites' miraculous escape from Egypt and the crossing of the Red Sea, Moses led the people to the wilderness of Sinai. It was there that Jethro visited Moses, bringing with him Moses' wife, Zipporah, and their two sons. Expression of Thankfulness Upon hearing of the great deeds that the LORD had performed for Israel, Jethro's response was one of profound thankfulness and acknowledgment of God's power. In Exodus 18:9-12 , the Scripture records: "Jethro rejoiced in all the good things the LORD had done for Israel, whom He had delivered from the hand of the Egyptians. Jethro declared, 'Blessed be the LORD, who has delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and of Pharaoh, and who has delivered 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.' 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." Significance of Jethro's Thankfulness 1. Recognition of God's Supremacy: Jethro's declaration, "Now I know that the LORD is greater than all other gods," signifies a recognition of the LORD's supremacy over all deities. This acknowledgment is significant, especially coming from a Midianite priest, as it underscores the universal recognition of God's power and authority. 2. Communal Worship: Jethro's thankfulness led to communal worship, as he offered sacrifices to God. This act of worship was not done in isolation but involved Aaron and the elders of Israel, highlighting the communal aspect of gratitude and worship in the presence of God. 3. Model of Gratitude: Jethro serves as a model of gratitude for believers. His response to God's deliverance is immediate and heartfelt, demonstrating that thankfulness is an appropriate and necessary response to God's intervention and blessings. 4. Influence on Leadership: Following his expression of thankfulness, Jethro provided Moses with wise counsel on leadership and governance, suggesting the appointment of capable men to assist in judging the people (Exodus 18:13-26). This advice was instrumental in establishing an effective system of leadership among the Israelites, further demonstrating the positive outcomes of a thankful heart. Conclusion Jethro's thankfulness to God is a powerful example of recognizing and responding to God's mighty acts. His acknowledgment of God's supremacy, participation in communal worship, and subsequent influence on Israelite leadership underscore the importance of gratitude in the life of a believer. Through Jethro's example, the Scriptures invite all to cultivate a heart of thankfulness, recognizing God's hand in every aspect of life. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 18:10And Jethro said, Blessed be the LORD, who has delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of Pharaoh, who has delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians. Nave's Topical Index Library From the Close of the General Conference of 1792 to the Close of ... The Three Parables of the Gospel: of the Recovery of the Lost - of ... The First Apology of Justin, the Martyr Resources What does the Bible say about thankfulness/gratitude? | GotQuestions.orgWhy doesn't the Lord's Prayer include thanksgiving? shouldn't all our prayers include expressions of thankfulness? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about ingratitude/unthankfulness? | GotQuestions.org Thankfulness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Thankfulness of Hypocrites, Full of Boasting Thankfulness: Abound in the Faith With Thankfulness: Come Before God With Thankfulness: Expressed in Psalms Thankfulness: Habitually offer Thankfulness: Jesus Set an Example of Thankfulness: Ministers Appointed to offer, in Public Thankfulness: Offer Sacrifices of Thankfulness: Resolve to offer Thankfulness: Saints Exhorted To Thankfulness: Saul, to the Kenites Thankfulness: should Always Accompany Praise Thankfulness: should Always Accompany Prayer Thankfulness: should be Accompanied by Intercession for Others Thankfulness: should be offered for all People Thankfulness: should be offered for all Things Thankfulness: should be offered for Appointment to Spiritual Service Thankfulness: should be offered for Christ's Power and Reign Thankfulness: should be offered for Deliverance from Indwelling Sin, Through Christ Thankfulness: should be offered for Faith Exhibited by Others Thankfulness: should be offered for Love Exhibited by Others Thankfulness: should be offered for the Conversion of Others Thankfulness: should be offered for the Gift of Christ Thankfulness: should be offered for the Goodness and Mercy of God Thankfulness: should be offered for the Grace Bestowed on Others Thankfulness: should be offered for the Nearness of God's Presence Thankfulness: should be offered for the Reception and Effectual Working of the Word of God in Others Thankfulness: should be offered for the Supply of Our Bodily Needs Thankfulness: should be offered for the Triumph of the Gospel Thankfulness: should be offered for the Zeal Exhibited by Others Thankfulness: should be offered for Victory Over Death and the Grave Thankfulness: should be offered for Willingness to offer Our Property for God's Service Thankfulness: should be offered for Wisdom and Might Thankfulness: should be offered in Everything Thankfulness: should be offered in Private Worship Thankfulness: should be offered in Public Worship Thankfulness: should be offered in the Name of Christ Thankfulness: should be offered: Always Thankfulness: should be offered: As the Remembrance of God's Holiness Thankfulness: should be offered: Before Receiving Food Thankfulness: should be offered: On Behalf of God's Servants Thankfulness: should be offered: Through Christ Thankfulness: should be offered: To Christ Thankfulness: should be offered: To God Thankfulness: should be offered: Upon the Completion of Great Undertakings Thankfulness: should Enter God's Gates With Thankfulness: The Heavenly Host Engage In Thankfulness: The Israelites, to Joshua Thankfulness: The People of the Island of Melita (Malta), to Paul Thankfulness: The Spies, to Rahab Thankfulness: The Wicked Averse To Thankfulness: To God of Abraham Thankfulness: To God of Abraham's Servant (Eliezar) Thankfulness: To God of Deborah Thankfulness: To God of Hannah Thankfulness: To God of Jehoshaphat's Army Thankfulness: To God of Jethro Thankfulness: To God of Joseph Thankfulness: To God of Melchizedek Thankfulness: To God of Miriam Thankfulness: To God of Rachel Thankfulness: To God of Samuel Thankfulness: To God of the Jews Thankfulness: To God of the Levites Thankfulness: To God of the People of Israel Thankfulness: To God of the Queen of Sheba Thankfulness: To God of the Sailors Thankfulness: To God of the Shepherds Thankfulness: To God: Before Receiving Food, by Jesus Thankfulness: To God: Blind Bartimaeus Thankfulness: To God: One of the Ten Lepers Whom Jesus Healed Thankfulness: To God: The Demon-Possessed Man Who Was Exorcized Thankfulness: To God: The Lame Man Healed by Peter Thankfulness: To God: The Man Who Was Paralyzed Thankfulness: To God: The Roman Centurion for his Boy Thankfulness: To God: The Woman Who Was Bent Over for Eighteen Years Thankfulness: To the Men of Jabesh-Gilead Related Terms |
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