Reu'el is a biblical figure whose name appears in several contexts within the Old Testament. The name Reu'el, meaning "friend of God" or "God is a friend," is associated with different individuals across various genealogies and narratives.

1. Reu'el, the Edomite Chief: Reu'el is listed as one of the chiefs of the Edomites, descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother. In Genesis 36:4, Reu'el is mentioned as the son of Esau and Basemath, the daughter of Ishmael. This connection highlights the intermingling of the lineages of Esau and Ishmael, both of whom are significant figures in the patriarchal narratives. Genesis 36:13 states, "These are the sons of Reu'el: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah. These were the sons of Basemath, Esau’s wife."

2. Reu'el, the Midianite Priest: Another prominent figure named Reu'el is the father-in-law of Moses, also known as Jethro. In Exodus 2:18, he is referred to as Reu'el, while in other passages, he is called Jethro. This dual naming has led to various interpretations, with some suggesting that Reu'el might be a title or an alternate name. Reu'el, as a priest of Midian, plays a crucial role in Moses' life, offering him refuge after he flees Egypt and later providing wise counsel during the Israelites' journey in the wilderness. Exodus 2:18 states, "When the girls returned to their father Reu'el, he asked them, 'Why have you returned so early today?'"

3. Reu'el, the Son of Peleg: In the genealogies of Genesis, Reu'el is also mentioned as a descendant of Shem, through Peleg. Genesis 11:18-19 records, "When Peleg was 30 years old, he became the father of Reu. And after he became the father of Reu, Peleg lived 209 years and had other sons and daughters." This Reu'el is part of the lineage leading to Abraham, underscoring the continuity of God's covenantal promises through specific family lines.

4. Reu'el, the Gadite: In the tribal listings of the Israelites, a Reu'el is mentioned as a leader of the tribe of Gad. Numbers 2:14 states, "The tribe of Gad will camp next to them. The leader of the Gadites is Eliasaph son of Reu'el." This Reu'el is noted for his role in the organization and leadership of the tribe during the wilderness wanderings.

The name Reu'el, appearing in various contexts, reflects the interconnectedness of biblical genealogies and narratives. Each mention of Reu'el contributes to the broader tapestry of biblical history, illustrating the diverse roles individuals played in the unfolding of God's plan for His people.Reu'el (10 Occurrences)

Genesis 36:4
And Adah bore to Esau Eliphaz; and Basemath bore Reuel;
(See RSV)

Genesis 36:10
These are the names of Esau's sons: Eliphaz the son of Adah the wife of Esau, Reuel the son of Basemath the wife of Esau.
(See RSV)

Genesis 36:13
And these are the sons of Reuel: Nahath, and Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah. These were the sons of Basemath Esau's wife.
(See RSV)

Genesis 36:17
And these are the sons of Reuel Esau's son: the chief of Nahath, the chief of Zerah, the chief of Shammah, the chief of Mizzah. These are the chiefs that came of Reuel in the land of Edom. These are the sons of Basemath Esau's wife.
(See RSV)

Exodus 2:18
And when they came to Reuel their father, he said: 'How is it that ye are come so soon to-day?'
(See RSV)

Numbers 2:14
and the tribe of Gad; the prince of the children of Gad being Eliasaph the son of Reuel,
(See RSV)

Numbers 10:29
And Moses said unto Hobab, the son of Reuel the Midianite, Moses' father-in-law: 'We are journeying unto the place of which the LORD said: I will give it you; come thou with us, and we will do thee good; for the LORD hath spoken good concerning Israel.'
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 1:35
The sons of Esau: Eliphaz, Reuel, and Jeush, and Jalam and Korah.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 1:37
The sons of Reuel: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 9:8
and Ibneiah the son of Jeroham, and Elah the son of Uzzi, the son of Michri, and Meshullam the son of Shephatiah, the son of Reuel, the son of Ibneiah;
(See RSV)

Reu'el (10 Occurrences)
Reu'el. Reuel, Reu'el. Reumah . Multi-Version Concordance Reu'el (10
Occurrences). Genesis 36:4 And Adah bore to Esau Eliphaz; and ...
/r/reu'el.htm - 8k

Reuel (14 Occurrences)

/r/reuel.htm - 12k

Reumah (1 Occurrence)

/r/reumah.htm - 6k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus