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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Exodus 18:12 Then Moses' father-in-law Jethro brought a burnt offering and sacrifices to God, and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat bread with Moses' father-in-law in the presence of God.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/18-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/02_Exo_18_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 18:12 - The Visit of Jethro" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then Moses' father-in-law Jethro brought a burnt offering and sacrifices to God, and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat bread with Moses' father-in-law in the presence of God." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/exodus/18-12.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/exodus/18-12.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/exodus/">Exodus</a> > <a href="/exodus/18.htm">Chapter 18</a> > Verse 12</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad12.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/exodus/18-11.htm" title="Exodus 18:11">◄</a> Exodus 18:12 <a href="/exodus/18-13.htm" title="Exodus 18:13">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/exodus/18.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/exodus/18.htm">New International Version</a> Then Jethro, Moses&#8217 father-in-law, brought a burnt offering and other sacrifices to God, and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat a meal with Moses&#8217 father-in-law in the presence of God. <a href="/nlt/exodus/18.htm">New Living Translation</a> Then Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, brought a burnt offering and sacrifices to God. Aaron and all the elders of Israel came out and joined him in a sacrificial meal in God’s presence. <a href="/esv/exodus/18.htm">English Standard Version</a> And Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, brought a burnt offering and sacrifices to God; and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat bread with Moses’ father-in-law before God. <a href="/bsb/exodus/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Then Moses’ father-in-law Jethro brought a burnt offering and sacrifices to God, and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat bread with Moses’ father-in-law in the presence of God. <a href="/kjv/exodus/18.htm">King James Bible</a> And Jethro, Moses' father in law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God: and Aaron came, and all the elders of Israel, to eat bread with Moses' father in law before God. <a href="/nkjv/exodus/18.htm">New King James Version</a> Then Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took a burnt offering and other sacrifices to offer to God. And Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat bread with Moses’ father-in-law before God. <a href="/nasb_/exodus/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God, and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat a meal with Moses’ father-in-law before God. <a href="/nasb/exodus/18.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then Jethro, Moses&#8217 father-in-law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God, and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat a meal with Moses&#8217 father-in-law before God. <a href="/nasb77/exodus/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God, and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat a meal with Moses’ father-in-law before God. <a href="/lsb/exodus/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God, and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat a meal with Moses’ father-in-law before God. <a href="/amp/exodus/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took a burnt offering and [other] sacrifices [to offer] to God, and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat a meal with Moses’ father-in-law before God. <a href="/csb/exodus/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Then Jethro, Moses’s father-in-law, brought a burnt offering and sacrifices to God, and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat a meal with Moses’s father-in-law in God’s presence. <a href="/hcsb/exodus/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Then Jethro, Moses&#8217 father-in-law, brought a burnt offering and sacrifices to God, and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat a meal with Moses&#8217 father-in-law in God&#8217s presence. <a href="/asv/exodus/18.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, took a burnt-offering and sacrifices for God: and Aaron came, and all the elders of Israel, to eat bread with Moses' father-in-law before God. <a href="/cev/exodus/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Jethro offered sacrifices to God. Then Aaron and Israel's leaders came to eat with Jethro there at the place of worship. <a href="/erv/exodus/18.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Jethro, Moses' father in law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God: and Aaron came, and all the elders of Israel, to eat bread with Moses' father in law before God. <a href="/gwt/exodus/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Then Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, brought a burnt offering and other sacrifices to God. Aaron and all the leaders of Israel came to eat the meal with Moses' father-in-law in God's presence. <a href="/gnt/exodus/18.htm">Good News Translation</a> Then Jethro brought an offering to be burned whole and other sacrifices to be offered to God; and Aaron and all the leaders of Israel went with him to eat the sacred meal as an act of worship. <a href="/isv/exodus/18.htm">International Standard Version</a> Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, brought a burnt offering and sacrifices for God, and Aaron and all the elders of Israel came to dine with Moses' father-in-law in the presence of God. <a href="/msb/exodus/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Then Moses? father-in-law Jethro brought a burnt offering and sacrifices to God, and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat bread with Moses? father-in-law in the presence of God. <a href="/net/exodus/18.htm">NET Bible</a> Then Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, brought a burnt offering and sacrifices for God, and Aaron and all the elders of Israel came to eat food with the father-in-law of Moses before God. <a href="/nheb/exodus/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> 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. <a href="/wbt/exodus/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Jethro, Moses's father-in-law, took a burnt-offering and sacrifices for God: and Aaron came, and all the elders of Israel to eat bread with Moses's father-in-law before God. <a href="/web/exodus/18.htm">World English Bible</a> Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God. Aaron came with all the elders of Israel, to eat bread with Moses’ father-in-law before God. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/exodus/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Jethro, father-in-law of Moses, takes a burnt-offering and sacrifices [it] for God; and Aaron comes in, and all [the] elderly of Israel, to eat bread with the father-in-law of Moses, before God. <a href="/ylt/exodus/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Jethro, father-in-law of Moses, taketh a burnt-offering and sacrifices for God; and Aaron cometh in, and all the elders of Israel, to eat bread with the father-in-law of Moses, before God. <a href="/slt/exodus/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, will take a burnt-offering and sacrifices to God: and Aaron will come, and all the old men of Israel, to eat bread with Moses' father-in-law before God.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/exodus/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> So Jethro the kinsman of Moses offered holocausts and sacrifices to God: and Aaron and all the ancients of Israel came, to eat bread with them before God. <a href="/cpdv/exodus/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And so Jethro, the kinsman of Moses, offered holocausts and sacrifices to God. And Aaron arrived with all the elders of Israel, in order to eat bread with him in the sight of God. <a href="/nabre/exodus/18.htm">New American Bible</a> Then Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses, brought a burnt offering and sacrifices for God, and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to share with Moses’ father-in-law in the meal before God. <a href="/nrsvce/exodus/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> And Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, brought a burnt offering and sacrifices to God; and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat bread with Moses’ father-in-law in the presence of God.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/exodus/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, offered burnt offerings and sacrifices to the LORD; and Aaron came, and all the elders of Israel, to eat bread with Moses' father-in-law before God. <a href="/hpbt/exodus/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Yethrown, the Father in Law of Moshe, offered burning peace offerings and sacrifices to LORD JEHOVAH, and Ahron and all Elders of the children of Israel came to eat bread with the Father in Law of Moshe before God.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/exodus/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, took a burnt-offering and sacrifices for God; and Aaron came, and all the elders of Israel, to eat bread with Moses' father-in-law before God. <a href="/sep/exodus/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Jothor the father-in-law of Moses took whole burnt-offerings and sacrifices for God, for Aaron and all the elders of Israel came to eat bread with the father-in-law of Moses before God. <a href="/parallel/exodus/18-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kVae3PiKqhs?start=4554" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/exodus/18.htm">The Visit of Jethro</a> …11Now I know that the LORD is greater than all other gods, for He did this when they treated Israel with arrogance.” 12<a href="/hebrew/4872.htm" title="4872: mō·šeh (N-proper-ms) -- A great Isr. leader, prophet and lawgiver. From mashah; drawing out, i.e. Rescued; Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver.">Then Moses’</a> <a href="/hebrew/2859.htm" title="2859: ḥō·ṯên (N-msc) -- Make oneself a daughter's husband. A primitive root; to give away in marriage; hence to contract affinity by marriage.">father-in-law</a> <a href="/hebrew/3503.htm" title="3503: yiṯ·rōw (N-proper-ms) -- Moses' father-in-law. From yether with pron. Suffix; his excellence; Jethro, Moses' father-in-law.">Jethro</a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: way·yiq·qaḥ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">brought</a> <a href="/hebrew/5930.htm" title="5930: ‘ō·lāh (N-fs) -- Whole burnt offering. Or mowlah; feminine active participle of alah; a step or; usually a holocaust.">a burnt offering</a> <a href="/hebrew/2077.htm" title="2077: ū·zə·ḇā·ḥîm (Conj-w:: N-mp) -- A sacrifice. From zabach; properly, a slaughter, i.e. The flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice.">and sacrifices</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: lê·lō·hîm (Prep-l:: N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">to God,</a> <a href="/hebrew/175.htm" title="175: ’a·hă·rōn (N-proper-ms) -- An elder brother of Moses. Of uncertain derivation; Aharon, the brother of Moses.">and Aaron</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: way·yā·ḇō (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">came</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: wə·ḵōl (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">with all</a> <a href="/hebrew/2205.htm" title="2205: ziq·nê (Adj-mpc) -- Old. From zaqen; old.">the elders</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">of Israel</a> <a href="/hebrew/398.htm" title="398: le·’ĕ·ḵāl- (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To eat. A primitive root; to eat.">to eat</a> <a href="/hebrew/3899.htm" title="3899: le·ḥem (N-ms) -- Bread, food. From lacham; food, especially bread, or grain.">bread</a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘im- (Prep) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">with</a> <a href="/hebrew/4872.htm" title="4872: mō·šeh (N-proper-ms) -- A great Isr. leader, prophet and lawgiver. From mashah; drawing out, i.e. Rescued; Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver.">Moses’</a> <a href="/hebrew/2859.htm" title="2859: ḥō·ṯên (N-msc) -- Make oneself a daughter's husband. A primitive root; to give away in marriage; hence to contract affinity by marriage.">father-in-law</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lip̄·nê (Prep-l:: N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">in the presence</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">of God.</a> <div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/genesis/14-18.htm">Genesis 14:18-20</a> Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine—since he was priest of God Most High— / and he blessed Abram and said: “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, / and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything. <a href="/numbers/10-29.htm">Numbers 10:29-32</a> Then Moses said to Hobab, the son of Moses’ father-in-law Reuel the Midianite, “We are setting out for the place of which the LORD said: ‘I will give it to you.’ Come with us, and we will treat you well, for the LORD has promised good things to Israel.” / “I will not go,” Hobab replied. “Instead, I am going back to my own land and my own people.” / “Please do not leave us,” Moses said, “since you know where we should camp in the wilderness, and you can serve as our eyes. ... <a href="/deuteronomy/12-7.htm">Deuteronomy 12:7</a> There, in the presence of the LORD your God, you and your households shall eat and rejoice in all you do, because the LORD your God has blessed you. <a href="/1_samuel/9-12.htm">1 Samuel 9:12-13</a> “Yes, he is ahead of you,” they answered. “Hurry now, for today he has come to the city because the people have a sacrifice on the high place. / As soon as you enter the city, you will find him before he goes up to the high place to eat. The people will not eat until he comes, because he must bless the sacrifice; after that, the guests will eat. Go up at once; you will find him.” <a href="/1_kings/8-63.htm">1 Kings 8:63</a> And Solomon offered as peace offerings to the LORD 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep. So the king and all the Israelites dedicated the house of the LORD. <a href="/2_chronicles/30-22.htm">2 Chronicles 30:22</a> And Hezekiah encouraged all the Levites who performed skillfully before the LORD. For seven days they ate their assigned portion, sacrificing peace offerings and giving thanks to the LORD, the God of their fathers. <a href="/psalms/50-14.htm">Psalm 50:14</a> Sacrifice a thank offering to God, and fulfill your vows to the Most High. <a href="/psalms/116-17.htm">Psalm 116:17</a> I will offer to You a sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD. <a href="/isaiah/56-7.htm">Isaiah 56:7</a> I will bring them to My holy mountain and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on My altar, for My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations.” <a href="/jeremiah/33-11.htm">Jeremiah 33:11</a> the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of the bride and bridegroom, and the voices of those bringing thank offerings into the house of the LORD, saying: ‘Give thanks to the LORD of Hosts, for the LORD is good; His loving devotion endures forever.’ For I will restore the land from captivity as in former times, says the LORD. <a href="/acts/10-25.htm">Acts 10:25-26</a> As Peter was about to enter, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet to worship him. / But Peter helped him up. “Stand up,” he said, “I am only a man myself.” <a href="/acts/15-20.htm">Acts 15:20</a> Instead, we should write and tell them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals, and from blood. <a href="/romans/12-1.htm">Romans 12:1</a> Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. <a href="/1_corinthians/10-18.htm">1 Corinthians 10:18</a> Consider the people of Israel: Are not those who eat the sacrifices fellow partakers in the altar? <a href="/1_corinthians/10-31.htm">1 Corinthians 10:31</a> So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Jethro, Moses' father in law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God: and Aaron came, and all the elders of Israel, to eat bread with Moses' father in law before God.took<a href="/exodus/24-5.htm">Exodus 24:5</a> And he sent young men of the children of Israel, which offered burnt offerings, and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen unto the LORD.<a href="/genesis/4-4.htm">Genesis 4:4</a> And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:<a href="/genesis/8-20.htm">Genesis 8:20</a> And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar.Aaron<a href="/exodus/24-11.htm">Exodus 24:11</a> And upon the nobles of the children of Israel he laid not his hand: also they saw God, and did eat and drink.<a href="/leviticus/7-11.htm">Leviticus 7:11-17</a> And this is the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings, which he shall offer unto the LORD… <a href="/deuteronomy/12-7.htm">Deuteronomy 12:7</a> And there ye shall eat before the LORD your God, and ye shall rejoice in all that ye put your hand unto, ye and your households, wherein the LORD thy God hath blessed thee.eat bread<a href="/exodus/2-20.htm">Exodus 2:20</a> And he said unto his daughters, And where is he? why is it that ye have left the man? call him, that he may eat bread.<a href="/genesis/43-25.htm">Genesis 43:25</a> And they made ready the present against Joseph came at noon: for they heard that they should eat bread there.<a href="/2_samuel/9-7.htm">2 Samuel 9:7</a> And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father's sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/17-12.htm">Aaron</a> <a href="/exodus/16-32.htm">Bread</a> <a href="/exodus/15-7.htm">Burned</a> <a href="/exodus/10-25.htm">Burnt</a> <a href="/genesis/22-13.htm">Burnt-Offering</a> <a href="/exodus/16-35.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/exodus/17-6.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/exodus/18-8.htm">Father-In-Law</a> <a href="/exodus/18-11.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/exodus/18-10.htm">Jethro</a> <a href="/exodus/18-8.htm">Law</a> <a href="/exodus/16-25.htm">Meal</a> <a href="/exodus/18-8.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/genesis/46-1.htm">Offered</a> <a href="/exodus/8-28.htm">Offering</a> <a href="/exodus/10-11.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/exodus/10-25.htm">Sacrifices</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/19-24.htm">Aaron</a> <a href="/exodus/23-15.htm">Bread</a> <a href="/exodus/22-24.htm">Burned</a> <a href="/exodus/20-24.htm">Burnt</a> <a href="/exodus/29-18.htm">Burnt-Offering</a> <a href="/exodus/22-31.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/exodus/19-7.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/exodus/18-14.htm">Father-In-Law</a> <a href="/exodus/18-25.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/exodus/18-27.htm">Jethro</a> <a href="/exodus/18-14.htm">Law</a> <a href="/exodus/29-32.htm">Meal</a> <a href="/exodus/18-13.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/exodus/24-5.htm">Offered</a> <a href="/exodus/20-24.htm">Offering</a> <a href="/exodus/19-18.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/exodus/22-20.htm">Sacrifices</a><div class="vheading2">Exodus 18</div>1. <a href="/exodus/18-1.htm">Jethro brings his wife and two sons to Moses</a> 7. <a href="/exodus/18-7.htm">Moses entertains him, and relates the goodness of the Lord</a> 9. <a href="/exodus/18-9.htm">Jethro rejoices, blesses God, and offers sacrifice</a> 13. <a href="/exodus/18-13.htm">He gives good counsel, which is accepted</a> 27. <a href="/exodus/18-27.htm">Jethro departs</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/18.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/exodus/18.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Then Moses’ father-in-law Jethro brought a burnt offering and sacrifices to God Jethro, also known as Reuel, was a Midianite priest and Moses' father-in-law. His actions here demonstrate a recognition of the God of Israel, which is significant given his background. The burnt offering and sacrifices indicate a form of worship and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. This act of worship by a non-Israelite highlights the universal reach of God's covenant and foreshadows the inclusion of Gentiles in God's plan of salvation. The burnt offering, a common form of sacrifice, symbolizes complete surrender to God, as the offering is entirely consumed by fire.and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel Aaron, Moses' brother, and the elders represent the leadership of Israel. Their presence signifies unity and acceptance of Jethro's offering, showing respect and acknowledgment of his role and wisdom. This gathering of leaders underscores the importance of community and shared worship in the life of Israel. It also reflects the hierarchical structure of Israelite society, where elders played a crucial role in governance and spiritual matters.to eat bread with Moses’ father-in-law in the presence of God Eating bread together in the ancient Near East was a sign of fellowship and covenant. This meal signifies peace and communion not only among the participants but also with God, as it is done in His presence. The phrase "in the presence of God" suggests a sacred meal, akin to a covenant meal, where God's presence is acknowledged and celebrated. This communal act prefigures the Christian practice of the Lord's Supper, where believers partake in communion, symbolizing unity with Christ and each other.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jethro.htm">Jethro</a> Moses' father-in-law, a priest of Midian, who acknowledges the God of Israel and offers sacrifices. 2. <a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a> The leader of the Israelites, who is visited by his father-in-law, Jethro. 3. <a href="/topical/a/aaron.htm">Aaron</a> Moses' brother and the high priest, who joins in the communal meal. 4. <a href="/topical/e/elders_of_israel.htm">Elders of Israel</a> Leaders among the Israelites who participate in the meal with Jethro and Moses. 5. <a href="/topical/b/burnt_offering_and_sacrifices.htm">Burnt Offering and Sacrifices</a> Acts of worship and dedication to God, signifying reverence and acknowledgment of His sovereignty.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/a/acknowledgment_of_god's_sovereignty.htm">Acknowledgment of God's Sovereignty</a> Jethro's offering signifies recognition of God's power and authority. Believers are called to acknowledge God's sovereignty in their lives through worship and obedience. <a href="/topical/u/unity_in_worship.htm">Unity in Worship</a> The gathering of Jethro, Moses, Aaron, and the elders highlights the importance of communal worship. Christians are encouraged to gather in fellowship, strengthening their faith and unity. <a href="/topical/i/inclusivity_in_god's_plan.htm">Inclusivity in God's Plan</a> Jethro, a Midianite, participates in worship, illustrating that God's plan includes all nations. Believers should embrace and share the Gospel with people from all backgrounds. <a href="/topical/l/leadership_and_servanthood.htm">Leadership and Servanthood</a> The presence of the elders signifies the role of leadership in guiding and serving the community. Christian leaders are called to serve with humility and dedication. <a href="/topical/p/presence_of_god_in_fellowship.htm">Presence of God in Fellowship</a> The meal "in the presence of God" emphasizes that God is present in our gatherings. Believers should seek to honor God in all aspects of their communal life.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_exodus_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 18</a> <a href="/q/who_was_jethro_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Jethro in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/why_did_jethro_embrace_yahweh.htm">If Jethro was a Midianite priest (Exodus 18:1), how could he seemingly embrace Yahweh while Midianites appear as enemies in other passages? </a> <a href="/q/why_no_priestly_rites_in_exodus_18_12.htm">Why does Exodus 18:12 lack priestly procedures or tabernacle sacrifices, unlike later instructions, when Jethro offers sacrifices with Israelite elders?</a> <a href="/q/why_seek_diverse_advice.htm">What are the benefits of diverse advice?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/exodus/18.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) Jethro . . . took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God.--Jethro had brought sacrifices with him, and now offered them in token of his thankfulness for God's mercies towards himself and towards his kinsman. He occupied a position similar to that of Melchizedek (<a href="/genesis/14-18.htm" title="And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.">Genesis 14:18</a>), holding a priesthood of the most primitive character, probably as patriarch of his tribe, its head by right of primogeniture. As Abraham acknowledged rightly the priesthood of Melchizedek (<a href="/genesis/14-19.htm" title="And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:">Genesis 14:19</a>; <a href="/context/hebrews/7-2.htm" title="To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;">Hebrews 7:2-9</a>), so Moses and Aaron rightly acknowledged that of Jethro. They markedly indicated their acceptance of his priestly character by participation in the sacrificial meal, which, as a matter of course, followed his sacrifice. They "ate bread with Moses' father in law" (or rather, brother-in-law) "before God."<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 12. - Jethro took a burnt offering. Or "brought a burnt offering;" as the same verb is rendered in <a href="/exodus/25-2.htm">Exodus 25:2</a>. It is not distinctly related that he offered the victim; but as no other offerer is mentioned, and as he was a priest (<a href="/exodus/3-1.htm">Exodus 3:1</a>; <a href="/exodus/18-1.htm">Exodus 18:1</a>), we may assume that he did so. Moses, Aaron, and the elders, partook of the sacrificial meal, regarding the whole rite as one legitimately performed by a duly qualified person, and so as one in which they could properly participate. Jethro, like Melchisedek (<a href="/genesis/14-18.htm">Genesis 14:18</a>), was recognised as a priest of the true God, though it would seem that the Midianites generally were, a generation later, idolaters (<a href="/numbers/25-18.htm">Numbers 25:18</a>; <a href="/numbers/31-16.htm">Numbers 31:16</a>). To eat bread... before God. This expression designates the feast upon a sacrifice, which was the universal custom of ancient nations, whether Egyptians, Assyrians, Phenicians, Persians, Greeks, or Romans. Except in the case of the "whole burnt offering" (ὁλοκαύτωμα), parts only of the animals were burnt, the greater portion of the meat being consumed, with bread, at a meal, by the offerer and his friends and relatives CHAPTER 18:13-26 <a href="/commentaries/exodus/18-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Then Moses’ מֹשֶׁ֛ה (mō·šeh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4872.htm">Strong's 4872: </a> Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver father-in-law חֹתֵ֥ן (ḥō·ṯên) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2859.htm">Strong's 2859: </a> To give, away in marriage, to contract affinity by marriage Jethro יִתְר֨וֹ (yiṯ·rōw) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3503.htm">Strong's 3503: </a> Jethro -- Moses' father-in-law brought וַיִּקַּ֞ח (way·yiq·qaḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> To take a burnt offering עֹלָ֥ה (‘ō·lāh) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5930.htm">Strong's 5930: </a> Whole burnt offering and sacrifices וּזְבָחִ֖ים (ū·zə·ḇā·ḥîm) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2077.htm">Strong's 2077: </a> A slaughter, the flesh of an animal, a sacrifice to God, לֵֽאלֹהִ֑ים (lê·lō·hîm) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative and Aaron אַהֲרֹ֜ן (’a·hă·rōn) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_175.htm">Strong's 175: </a> Aaron -- an elder brother of Moses came וַיָּבֹ֨א (way·yā·ḇō) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go with all וְכֹ֣ל ׀ (wə·ḵōl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every the elders זִקְנֵ֣י (ziq·nê) Adjective - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2205.htm">Strong's 2205: </a> Old of Israel יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc to eat לֶאֱכָל־ (le·’ĕ·ḵāl-) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_398.htm">Strong's 398: </a> To eat bread לֶ֛חֶם (le·ḥem) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3899.htm">Strong's 3899: </a> Food, bread, grain with עִם־ (‘im-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5973.htm">Strong's 5973: </a> With, equally with Moses’ מֹשֶׁ֖ה (mō·šeh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4872.htm">Strong's 4872: </a> Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver father-in-law חֹתֵ֥ן (ḥō·ṯên) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2859.htm">Strong's 2859: </a> To give, away in marriage, to contract affinity by marriage in the presence לִפְנֵ֥י (lip̄·nê) Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> The face of God. הָאֱלֹהִֽים׃ (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/18-12.htm">Exodus 18:12 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/exodus/18-12.htm">Exodus 18:12 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/exodus/18-12.htm">Exodus 18:12 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/exodus/18-12.htm">Exodus 18:12 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/exodus/18-12.htm">Exodus 18:12 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/18-12.htm">Exodus 18:12 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/18-12.htm">Exodus 18:12 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/18-12.htm">Exodus 18:12 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/18-12.htm">Exodus 18:12 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/exodus/18-12.htm">Exodus 18:12 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/exodus/18-12.htm">OT Law: Exodus 18:12 Jethro Moses' father-in-law took a burnt offering (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/18-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 18:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 18:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/18-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 18:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 18:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>