October 16, 2024

Jethro

39 minutes

Who was Jethro?

After Sarah died

Abraham takes Keturah as wife

Keturah bears him sons

One son was Midian

Midianites settled “to the east” (Genesis 25:6)

Joseph’s brothers sold him to Midianites (Genesis 47)

Joined Moabites in hiring Balaam (Numbers 22)

Fell into idolatry with Moabites (Numbers 25)

Names attributed to Jethro

Jethro – Exodus 3:1; 4:18; 18:1-12

Reuel – Exodus 2:18; Numbers 10:29

Hobab – Numbers 10:29; Judges 4:11

Putiel – Exodus 6:25

Heber – Judges 4, 5 (Jael’s husband)

Jethro the priest

Exodus 2:16 – “… the priest of Midian …”

No mention of idols

No mention of what kind of priest

On the other hand, Melchizedek is identified with God (Genesis 14:18)

What kind of priest?

Tradition

Idolatrous priest, won over to God through the miracles done for Israel in the Exodus (Talmud)

Priest of God (secular historians)

First to teach Moses of God

The originator of monotheism among Israelites via Moses

Depends on who traditions you choose

Brings us to the problems with following traditions

Scriptural indications

Simple and straightforward

Called a priest of Midian with no mention of idolatry

Midianites were into idolatry – Numbers 25

So were Israelites – Exodus 32

His words praise only God – Exodus 18

Jethro (and his aliases) in scripture

First found in Exodus 2:15-22

Moses about age 40

Flees Egypt, winds up at Midianite wel

The Jethro family encounter

In Exodus 3, first called Jethro

Identified a father-in-law to Moses, priest of Midian (Exodus 3:1)

Again in next chapter, as Moses asks his leave (Exodus 4:18)

Not seen again until chapter 18

Sends word that he is visiting

Jethro’s visit to the encampment (Exodus 18:1-12)

Greeted outside the camp

Taken into the camp

Hears recount of the Exodus from Egypt

Rejoices over God’s lovingkindness over Israel

Blesses God

Makes sacrifices to God

Dines with Aaron and elders of Israel

Jethro organizes Moses (Exodus 18:13-27)

Jethro observes a day in the life of Moses

Sunup to sundown

Counsels Moses

Too much for one man

Set priorities

Delegated actions

Gives qualifications

Stipulates God’s approval

Moses follows through

Jethro takes his leave

Other possible encounters

Numbers 10:29 – Hobab

Same as Jethro?

Judges 4:11 – same Hobab? Same lineage?

...more

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By Mark Watson

55 ratings

October 16, 2024

Jethro

39 minutes

Who was Jethro?

After Sarah died

Abraham takes Keturah as wife

Keturah bears him sons

One son was Midian

Midianites settled “to the east” (Genesis 25:6)

Joseph’s brothers sold him to Midianites (Genesis 47)

Joined Moabites in hiring Balaam (Numbers 22)

Fell into idolatry with Moabites (Numbers 25)

Names attributed to Jethro

Jethro – Exodus 3:1; 4:18; 18:1-12

Reuel – Exodus 2:18; Numbers 10:29

Hobab – Numbers 10:29; Judges 4:11

Putiel – Exodus 6:25

Heber – Judges 4, 5 (Jael’s husband)

Jethro the priest

Exodus 2:16 – “… the priest of Midian …”

No mention of idols

No mention of what kind of priest

On the other hand, Melchizedek is identified with God (Genesis 14:18)

What kind of priest?

Tradition

Idolatrous priest, won over to God through the miracles done for Israel in the Exodus (Talmud)

Priest of God (secular historians)

First to teach Moses of God

The originator of monotheism among Israelites via Moses

Depends on who traditions you choose

Brings us to the problems with following traditions

Scriptural indications

Simple and straightforward

Called a priest of Midian with no mention of idolatry

Midianites were into idolatry – Numbers 25

So were Israelites – Exodus 32

His words praise only God – Exodus 18

Jethro (and his aliases) in scripture

First found in Exodus 2:15-22

Moses about age 40

Flees Egypt, winds up at Midianite wel

The Jethro family encounter

In Exodus 3, first called Jethro

Identified a father-in-law to Moses, priest of Midian (Exodus 3:1)

Again in next chapter, as Moses asks his leave (Exodus 4:18)

Not seen again until chapter 18

Sends word that he is visiting

Jethro’s visit to the encampment (Exodus 18:1-12)

Greeted outside the camp

Taken into the camp

Hears recount of the Exodus from Egypt

Rejoices over God’s lovingkindness over Israel

Blesses God

Makes sacrifices to God

Dines with Aaron and elders of Israel

Jethro organizes Moses (Exodus 18:13-27)

Jethro observes a day in the life of Moses

Sunup to sundown

Counsels Moses

Too much for one man

Set priorities

Delegated actions

Gives qualifications

Stipulates God’s approval

Moses follows through

Jethro takes his leave

Other possible encounters

Numbers 10:29 – Hobab

Same as Jethro?

Judges 4:11 – same Hobab? Same lineage?

...more

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Jethro

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