Topical Encyclopedia Jethro, also known as Reuel, is a significant figure in the Old Testament, particularly in the context of hospitality. He was the priest of Midian and the father-in-law of Moses. His interactions with Moses provide a profound example of hospitality, wisdom, and godly counsel.Biblical Account The primary account of Jethro's hospitality is found in the Book of Exodus. After Moses fled from Egypt, he arrived in Midian and sat by a well. There, he encountered the seven daughters of Jethro, who came to draw water for their father's flock. When shepherds came and drove them away, Moses stood up and helped them, watering their flock (Exodus 2:16-17). Upon returning home, the daughters recounted the event to their father, Jethro, who then extended an invitation to Moses: "Where is he?" he asked his daughters. "Why did you leave the man behind? Invite him to have something to eat" (Exodus 2:20). This invitation marks the beginning of a significant relationship between Jethro and Moses, characterized by mutual respect and hospitality. Jethro's Visit to Moses Later, after the Exodus from Egypt, Jethro visited Moses in the wilderness. He brought with him Moses' wife, Zipporah, and their two sons, Gershom and Eliezer. Upon his arrival, Jethro was warmly received by Moses, who recounted all that the LORD had done to Pharaoh and the Egyptians for Israel's sake (Exodus 18:1-8). Jethro's response to Moses' account was one of praise and worship: "Blessed be the LORD," Jethro exclaimed, "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" (Exodus 18:10). Jethro's acknowledgment of God's power and deliverance is a testament to his faith and understanding of the God of Israel. Counsel and Wisdom Jethro's hospitality extended beyond physical provision to offering wise counsel. Observing Moses' heavy burden of leadership, Jethro advised him to appoint capable men to serve as leaders over the people, thus delegating responsibilities and easing his load. He said, "You will surely wear yourself out, and these people as well. For the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone" (Exodus 18:18). Jethro's advice was practical and rooted in wisdom, emphasizing the importance of shared leadership and community support. Significance in Biblical Hospitality Jethro's actions exemplify the biblical principle of hospitality, which extends beyond mere provision of food and shelter. His willingness to welcome Moses into his home, his recognition of God's work, and his wise counsel all reflect a deep understanding of hospitality as a means of fostering relationships and supporting God's purposes. In the broader biblical narrative, Jethro's hospitality serves as a model for believers, illustrating how acts of kindness and wisdom can have a lasting impact on God's people. His account encourages the faithful to practice hospitality with generosity, discernment, and a heart attuned to God's will. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 2:20And he said to his daughters, And where is he? why is it that you have left the man? call him, that he may eat bread. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Marvels of Holy Scripture, --Moral and Physical. --Jael's Deed ... Rom. xv. 25-27 The Seven Deacons From the Close of the General Conference of 1792 to the Close of ... The Nations of the South-East Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources What does the Bible say about hospitality? | GotQuestions.orgSummary of the Book of 3 John - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org What is the story of Elisha and the Shunammite woman? | GotQuestions.org Hospitality: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Hospitality: A Test of Christian Character Hospitality: Abimelech to Abraham Hospitality: Abraham to the Angels Hospitality: David to Mephibosheth Hospitality: Elisha to the Syrian Spies Hospitality: General Scriptures Concerning Hospitality: Isaac to Abimelech Hospitality: Joseph to his Brothers Hospitality: Laban to Abraham's Servant Hospitality: Lydia to Paul and Silas Hospitality: Man of Gibeah to the Levite Hospitality: Melchizedek to Abraham Hospitality: Onesiphorus to Paul Hospitality: Pharaoh to Abraham Hospitality: Pharisees to Jesus Hospitality: Rahab to the Spies Hospitality: Required in Ministers Hospitality: Rewarded: Rahab's Hospitality: Rewarded: Widow of Zarephath's Hospitality: Simon the Tanner to Peter Hospitality: Sons of Heth to Abraham Hospitality: Specially to be Shown to Enemies Hospitality: Specially to be Shown to Strangers Hospitality: Specially to be Shown to The Poor Hospitality: The Shunammite Woman to Elisha Hospitality: The Widow of Zarephath to Elijah Hospitality: Zacchaeus to Jesus Inhospitableness: Ammonites and Moabites Inhospitableness: Men of Gibeah Toward a Levite Inhospitableness: Nabal Toward David Inhospitableness: some Samaritans Toward Jesus Related Terms |
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