Topical Bible: Praise: Jethro

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Introduction

Jethro, also known as Reuel, is a significant figure in the Old Testament, particularly in the narrative of Moses and the Exodus. He is introduced as the priest of Midian and the father-in-law of Moses. Jethro's interactions with Moses provide valuable insights into the themes of leadership, wisdom, and the acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. His account is primarily found in the book of Exodus, with additional references in Numbers and Judges.

Biblical Account

Jethro first appears in Exodus 2:16-22, where he is identified as the priest of Midian. Moses, having fled from Egypt, encounters Jethro's daughters at a well and assists them. In gratitude, Jethro invites Moses to dwell with him, eventually giving his daughter Zipporah to Moses in marriage. This union results in the birth of Moses' two sons, Gershom and Eliezer.

Jethro's most notable appearance occurs in Exodus 18. After the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, Jethro visits Moses in the wilderness, bringing with him Zipporah and Moses' sons. Upon hearing of the LORD's deliverance of Israel from Egypt, Jethro praises God, saying, "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" (Exodus 18:10-11).

Jethro's acknowledgment of God's supremacy is significant, as it reflects the recognition of God's power by a non-Israelite. His praise is an affirmation of the LORD's sovereignty and a testament to the universal acknowledgment of God's mighty acts.

Jethro's Wisdom and Leadership

In addition to his praise, Jethro provides Moses with wise counsel regarding leadership and governance. Observing Moses' overwhelming burden of judging the people, Jethro advises him to appoint capable men as leaders over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. He suggests that these men should be "God-fearing, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain" (Exodus 18:21). This delegation of responsibility allows Moses to focus on more significant matters and ensures the efficient administration of justice among the Israelites.

Jethro's advice is a model of practical wisdom and effective leadership. His counsel not only alleviates Moses' burden but also establishes a system of governance that promotes justice and order. This episode highlights the importance of wise counsel and the value of shared leadership in fulfilling God's purposes.

Legacy and Influence

Jethro's influence extends beyond his immediate interactions with Moses. His recognition of God's power and his practical wisdom have left a lasting impact on biblical leadership principles. The system of delegation he proposed is echoed in various leadership models throughout Scripture and continues to be a reference point for effective governance.

In Judges 1:16 and 4:11, Jethro is referred to as the "Kenite," indicating his association with the Kenite clan. This connection suggests that his descendants maintained a presence among the Israelites, further cementing his legacy within the biblical narrative.

Conclusion

Jethro's account is a testament to the acknowledgment of God's sovereignty by those outside the covenant community and the importance of wise counsel in leadership. His praise of the LORD and his practical advice to Moses serve as enduring examples of faith and wisdom in the biblical tradition.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 18:10
And 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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Moses.
... He also married Jethro's daughter ... When the children of Israel saw that they were
safe, they sang a beautiful song of praise to God, and then they went on their ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/wee ones bible stories/moses.htm

The Marvels of Holy Scripture, --Moral and Physical. --Jael's Deed ...
... Jethro met them in the Arabian desert; became their guide [592] till they reached
the ... she been either, she would not,"she could not, have won praise from God ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/sermon vii the marvels of.htm

Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
... that his original name had been Jether (Exodus 4:18), an additional letter (Jethro). ...
Viewed in reference to God's Service and Praise, they are a flaming fire ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix xii the baptism of.htm

The Purification of the virgin and the Presentation in the Temple
... as prophetess to recognise Him, Whose Advent had been the burden of Simeon's praise. ...
hebrew}, not {hebrew}), the former having been said by Jethro to Moses ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vii the purification of.htm

On Turning the First Page of the Review which Follows...
... of documents and the recurrence of barely consistent Genealogies." (Ibid.) Praise
is at ... may have been the Bedouin host, (!) akin nearly to Jethro, and more ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/ii on turning the first.htm

From Egypt to Sinai.
... expressed themselves in a great song of victory in which they ascribe praise to
God ... Here also Jethro, Moses' father-in-law came to them bringing Moses wife and ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter v from egypt to.htm

Concerning Abraham, Bishop of Nisibis
... 9. Thou shalt give counsel in the midst of thy people, like Jethro among the Hebrews ...
unto Thee, O God of Abraham, in the posture of Abram will give Thee praise. ...
/.../hymn xvii concerning abraham bishop.htm

The Disputes of the Faithful to be Settled by the Decisions of the ...
... 2789] Walk therefore holily, that you may rather appear worthy of praise from the ...
cares, but with such only as are more considerable, as Jethro did appoint for ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec vi the disputes of the.htm

To Eulalius, Bishop of Persian Armenia.
... feet upon a rock," and "put a new song into their mouth, even praise unto our ... who
did those mighty works of wonder, did not refuse the counsel of Jethro, a man ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/lxxvii to eulalius bishop of.htm

Chapter xxix
... For if a girl like Rachel tends her father's flock, like Jethro's daughters near
Mt. ... And she again conceived and bore a son and said: This time I praise Yahweh ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxix.htm