Jethro's Identity as an Israelite in the Bible
Jethro's Identity in the Biblical Narrative
Jethro, a figure mentioned in the book of Exodus, is identified as the priest of Midian and Moses' father-in-law [4]. The biblical account portrays Jethro as a non-Israelite who interacts significantly with Moses and the Israelites during their journey after the Exodus from Egypt.
Biblical References and Names
The biblical text refers to Jethro by different names, including "Reuel" or "Raguel" [1]. Exodus 2:18 and Numbers 10:29 use "Reuel" to refer to Moses' father-in-law, while Exodus 18:1-2 uses "Jethro". Some sources suggest that "Jethro" might be a title or an official name, while "Reuel" is his personal name [1]. The variation in names has led to different interpretations among scholars.
Jethro's Background and Actions
Jethro is described as a priest or prince of Midian, indicating his significant religious and social status among the Midianites [1]. When Moses fled Egypt, he settled in Midian and married Jethro's daughter, Zipporah [2]. Later, after the Israelites' escape from Egypt and their victory over Amalek, Jethro visited Moses in the wilderness, bringing Zipporah and her two sons, Gershom and Eliezer [10].
Upon his arrival, Jethro rejoiced at the news of God's deeds on behalf of Israel and offered sacrifices to the God of Israel, participating in a sacrificial meal with Moses, Aaron, and the elders of Israel [3, 5]. This act signifies Jethro's recognition and worship of the God of Israel, suggesting a level of religious affiliation or acknowledgment.
Interpretations of Jethro's Identity
The interpretation of Jethro's identity varies among different traditions. Some Jewish sources, such as Ramban (Nachmanides), discuss the identity of Jethro and his role in the biblical narrative, highlighting the complexities of understanding his character [7]. Abraham Ibn Ezra notes that "Jether" and "Jethro" are considered to be the same person, similar to other biblical name variations [8].
Christian interpreters also offer various perspectives on Jethro. Calvin views Jethro as a worshipper of the true God, albeit with some impurities in his worship, reflecting the religious syncretism of the time [6]. Keil & Delitzsch, in their Lutheran commentary, see Jethro's actions as a significant acknowledgment of the God of Israel, positioning him as a positive figure in the narrative [9].
Jethro as a Non-Israelite
The biblical text does not identify Jethro as an Israelite. Instead, he is consistently referred to as a Midianite priest [4]. His actions and interactions with Moses and the Israelites are portrayed as those of a sympathetic outsider who recognizes and honors the God of Israel.
The fact that Jethro is not described as an Israelite is significant in understanding his role in the biblical narrative. His worship and acknowledgment of the God of Israel serve as an example of the recognition of God's power and deeds beyond the Israelite community.
Sources
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Jethro — (his excellence) was priest or prince of Midian. Moses married his daughter Zipporah. (B.C. 1530.) On account if his local knowledge he was entreated to remain with the Israelites throughout their journey to Canaan. (Numbers 10:31,33) (He is called [717]Raguel, Or Reuel, [718]Reuel in (Exodus 2:18) And [719]Raguel, Or Reuel in (Numbers 10:29), The same word int he original for both). Reuel is probably his proper name, and Jethro his official title.--ED.)”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Jethro — His excellence, or gain, a prince or priest of Midian, who succeeded his father Reuel. Moses spent forty years after his exile from the Egyptian court as keeper of Jethro's flocks. While the Israelites were encamped at Sinai, and soon after their victory over Amalek, Jethro came to meet Moses, bringing with him Zipporah and her two sons. They met at the "mount of God," and "Moses told him all that the Lord had done unto Pharaoh" (Ex. 18:8). On the following day Jethro, observing the multiplicity of the duties devolving on Moses, advised him to appoint subord”
- Exodus “Jethro rejoiced for all the goodness which Yahweh had done to Israel, in that he had delivered them out of the hand of the Egyptians. -- Exodus 18:9”
- Exodus “Now Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses’ father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses, and for Israel his people, how that Yahweh had brought Israel out of Egypt. -- Exodus 18:1”
- Exodus “Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God. Aaron came with all of the elders of Israel, to eat bread with Moses’ father-in-law before God. -- Exodus 18:12”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Harmony of the Law, Vol. 1, section 9.3: tradition had revealed Him, but not purely; because religion was at that time everywhere contaminated by diverse superstitions. But there is some difference between idolatry and the impure worship of God, corrupted in some respects. I say, then, that they were worshippers of the true God, because they had not entirely departed from the principles of His religion, although they had contracted some defilement from the stinking puddles of error which had gradually crept in. There is also another question among interpreters as to the name “Jethro.” ”
- Sefaria (Jewish (Kabbalistic/Philosophical)) “Ramban (Nachmanides) on Exodus 2:16: NOW THE PRIEST OF MIDIAN HAD SEVEN DAUGHTERS. Scripture does not mention him by name for he is not known [to the reader], but rather epithetically mentions that he was the honored one in his priesthood. This was Jethro, for after he became related to Moses it is written, And Moses went and returned to Jether his father-in-law , 93 Further, 4:18. and there it is written, And Jethro said to Moses: Go in peace . 93 Further, 4:18. [This proves that Jether and Jethro are the same person], just as Eliyah and Eliyahu, 94 Eliyah (II Kings 1:3), Eliyahu (I Kings 17:”
- Sefaria (Jewish (Rationalist)) “Abraham Ibn Ezra on Exodus 4:18: AND MOSES WENT…JETHER. 84 This is the Hebrew reading. J.P.S. translates it as Jethro. Jether and Jethro are one and the same. Similarly, Geshem (Neh. 6:2) and Gashmu 85 This is the Hebrew reading. J.P.S. translates it as Geshem. (Neh. 6:6) are one and the same, as are Salmah 86 This is the Hebrew reading. J.P.S. translates it as Salmon. (Ruth 4:20) and Salmon (Ruth 4:21). Moses told Jethro that he was going to see his brethren. He did not reveal the secret to him. 87 That he was going at God’s command to liberate them.”
- Exodus (Lutheran) “Keil & Delitzsch on Exodus 18:1: The Amalekites had met Israel with hostility, as the prototype of the heathen who would strive against the people and kingdom of God. But Jethro, the Midianitish priest, appeared immediately after in the camp of Israel, not only as Moses' father-in-law, to bring back his wife and children, but also with a joyful acknowledgement of all that Jehovah had done to the Israelites in delivering them from Egypt, to offer burnt-offerings to the God of Israel, and to celebrate a sacrificial meal with Moses, Aaron, and all the elders of Israel; so that in the person of Je”
- Exodus (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Exodus 18:3: And her two sons,.... Those also Jethro took along with him and his daughter: of which the name of the one was Gershom; which seems to be his firstborn, Exo 2:22, his name signifies a desolate stranger, as some, or, "there I was a stranger": the reason of which name follows agreeably thereunto: for he said, I have been an alien in a strange land; meaning, not the land of Egypt, where he was born, and had lived forty years; but in the land of Midian, where he was when this son of his was born; and which name was given him partly to keep up the memory of his flight ”