Who was Jethro in the Bible?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Jethro, also known as Reuel, was a priest of Midian who became Moses's father-in-law after Moses fled to Midian and defended Jethro's daughters. Jethro was a descendant of Abraham who worshiped the one true God, evident in his teachings to his family and his offerings to God. He exemplified hospitality and care, and he provided sound advice to Moses, showing the impact older generations can have on the younger. Jethro's life highlights the importance of older individuals pouring into younger ones. This relationship contributes to the well-being and strength of individuals, families, and communities. Today, we can emulate Jethro by investing in the next generation and by offering wisdom, hospitality, and care to help them thrive.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Jethro, also referred to as Reuel (Exodus 2:18), was the priest of Midian who owned flocks (Exodus 2:16) and became Moses's father-in-law (Exodus 2:21).
• After Moses killed an Egyptian, he fled to Midian (Exodus 2:15). There, he witnessed shepherds harassing women trying to water their own flocks at a well, and Moses came to the women's defense (Exodus 2:17). When these women, who happened to be Jethro's daughters, recounted the ordeal to their father, Jethro invited Moses to stay with him (Exodus 2:20–21). Moses eventually married Jethro's daughter Zipporah and had two sons, Gershom and Eliezer (Exodus 18:3–4).
• Jethro, being a Midianite, was a fellow descendant of Abraham. After Sarah died, Abraham married Keturah, who bore six sons, one of whom was Midian (Genesis 25:1–6).
• Jethro was not only a distant relative of Moses, but he also worshiped the one true God of Abraham. Jethro's faithfulness to Abraham's God can be seen in what he taught his daughters. His daughter Zipporah was obviously familiar with the covenant of circumcision because she performed the rite on their son when Moses was facing God's anger, apparently for not having carried out this command (Exodus 4:24–26). Jethro "rejoiced for all the good that the LORD had done to Israel" (Exodus 18:9), and he "brought a burnt offering and sacrifices to God" (Exodus 18:12). It seems, then, that Jethro was related to Moses, both through blood and through shared faith in God (Exodus 18:10–12).
• Jethro was an upstanding man and an exemplary father-in-law. He practiced hospitality, inviting Moses to stay with him. He wished Moses well when Moses followed God's call to return to Egypt (Exodus 4:18). He protected his daughter and grandsons when Moses sent them back to Midian (Exodus 18:2–4).
• Jethro shared sound advice with his son-in-law. When he saw Moses "sit alone [as judge], and all the people stand around [him] from morning till evening" (Exodus 18:14), Jethro suggested Moses delegate the easier cases to other capable men and only take on the more complex cases. He explained, "So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you" (Exodus 18:22). After safely returning his daughter and grandsons to his son-in-law at Mount Horeb and seeing things were in order there, Jethro "went away to his own country" (Exodus 18:27).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Jethro is not mentioned in the New Testament.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Jethro's life teaches us the impact older generations can have on younger generations by pouring wisdom, hospitality, and care into others. Like Jethro mentored Moses, older individuals can offer valuable guidance and insight to the younger generation, helping them navigate life's challenges. Jethro's hospitality toward Moses calls us to see the importance of not just giving wisdom but also offering support to others as they grow and learn. Additionally, Jethro's protection and care for his family highlight the responsibility of older family members to support and safeguard the younger ones. By following Jethro's example, older individuals can play a vital role in nurturing and empowering the next generation. Doing this fosters stronger relationships and contributes to the individual’s well-being of their families and communities.

UNDERSTAND

• Jethro, also called Reuel, was the priest of Midian and Moses's father-in-law.
• Jethro worshiped the God of Abraham, and offered sacrifices to Him.
• Jethro advised Moses to delegate judicial duties to ease his burden.

REFLECT

• How can you emulate Jethro's example of hospitality and care in your interactions with others?
• How am I currently pouring wisdom and guidance into the lives of those younger than us?
• Reflecting on Jethro's advice to Moses, how can you delegate responsibilities to others to lighten your own burdens and empower them?

ENGAGE

• Perhaps Jethro's faithfulness to Abraham's God and his actions supporting Moses's role in serving God is why Jethro is also referred to as Reuel. Reuel means "friend of God," and Jethro, the priest of Midian, certainly lived up to that name. How did Jethro's faithfulness to God and his teachings to his family influence his relationship with Moses and his family?
• What lessons can we learn from Jethro's advice to Moses about delegation and sharing responsibilities? How can we apply these principles in our own lives and communities today?