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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 18:1 Now Moses' father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian, heard about all that God had done for Moses and His people Israel, and how the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/18-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/02_Exo_18_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 18:1 - The Visit of Jethro" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Now Moses' father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian, heard about all that God had done for Moses and His people Israel, and how the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt." /><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/18-1.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/18-1.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 1</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="/ad1.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/17-16.htm" title="Exodus 17:16">◄</a> Exodus 18:1 <a href="/exodus/18-2.htm" title="Exodus 18:2">►</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> Now Jethro, the priest of Midian and father-in-law of Moses, heard of everything God had done for Moses and for his people Israel, and how the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt. <a href="/nlt/exodus/18.htm">New Living Translation</a> Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, heard about everything God had done for Moses and his people, the Israelites. He heard especially about how the LORD had rescued them from Egypt. <a href="/esv/exodus/18.htm">English Standard Version</a> Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses’ father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses and for Israel his people, how the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt. <a href="/bsb/exodus/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Now Moses’ father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian, heard about all that God had done for Moses and His people Israel, and how the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt. <a href="/kjv/exodus/18.htm">King James Bible</a> When Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses' father in law, heard of all that God had done for Moses, and for Israel his people, and that the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt; <a href="/nkjv/exodus/18.htm">New King James Version</a> And Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses’ father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses and for Israel His people—that the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt. <a href="/nasb_/exodus/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses’ father-in-law, heard about everything that God had done for Moses and for Israel His people, how the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt. <a href="/nasb/exodus/18.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses&#8217 father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses and for Israel His people, how the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt. <a href="/nasb77/exodus/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a> 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 the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt. <a href="/lsb/exodus/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> 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 Yahweh had brought Israel out of Egypt. <a href="/amp/exodus/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now Jethro (Reuel), the priest of Midian, Moses’ father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses and for Israel His people, and that the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt. <a href="/csb/exodus/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Moses’s father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, heard about everything that God had done for Moses and for God’s people Israel when the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt. <a href="/hcsb/exodus/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Moses&#8217 father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian, heard about everything that God had done for Moses and His people Israel, and how the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt. <a href="/asv/exodus/18.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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 Jehovah had brought Israel out of Egypt. <a href="/cev/exodus/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Jethro was the priest of Midian and the father-in-law of Moses. He heard what the LORD God had done for Moses and his people, after rescuing them from Egypt. <a href="/erv/exodus/18.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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 the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt. <a href="/gwt/exodus/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Moses' father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian, heard about everything God had done for Moses and his people Israel and how the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt. <a href="/gnt/exodus/18.htm">Good News Translation</a> Moses' father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian, heard about everything that God had done for Moses and the people of Israel when he led them out of Egypt. <a href="/isv/exodus/18.htm">International Standard Version</a> Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses' father-in-law, heard all that God had done for Moses and for his people Israel, and how the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt. <a href="/net/exodus/18.htm">NET Bible</a> Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses' father-in-law, heard about all that God had done for Moses and for his people Israel, that the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt. <a href="/nheb/exodus/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> 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 the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt. <a href="/wbt/exodus/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> When Jethro the priest of Midian, Moses's father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses, and for Israel his people, and that the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt:<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/exodus/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Now Moses’ father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian, heard about all that God had done for Moses and His people Israel, and how the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt. <a href="/web/exodus/18.htm">World English Bible</a> 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 Yahweh had brought Israel out of Egypt. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/exodus/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Jethro priest of Midian, father-in-law of Moses, hears all that God has done for Moses and for His people Israel, that YHWH has brought out Israel from Egypt, <a href="/ylt/exodus/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Jethro priest of Midian, father-in-law of Moses, heareth all that God hath done for Moses, and for Israel his people, that Jehovah hath brought out Israel from Egypt, <a href="/slt/exodus/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Jethro, priest of Midian, the father-in-law of Moses, will hear all which God did to Moses and to Israel his people, for Jehovah brought forth Israel out of Egypt:<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/exodus/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And when Jethro the priest of Madian, the kinsman of Moses, had heard all the things that God had done to Moses, and to Israel his people, and that the Lord had brought forth Israel out of Egypt, <a href="/cpdv/exodus/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And when Jethro, the priest of Midian, the kinsman of Moses, had heard all that God had done for Moses, and for his people Israel, and that the Lord had led Israel away from Egypt, <a href="/nabre/exodus/18.htm">New American Bible</a> Now Moses’ father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian, heard of all that God had done for Moses and for his people Israel: how the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt. <a href="/nrsvce/exodus/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses’ father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses and for his people Israel, how the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/exodus/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> AND Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses' father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses and for Israel his people, and that the LORD had brought the children of Israel out of Egypt; <a href="/hpbt/exodus/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Yethrown the Priest of Midian, Father in Law of Moshe, heard everything that God did for Moshe and for Israel his people, because LORD JEHOVAH brought forth the children of Israel from Egypt;<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/exodus/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> 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 the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt. <a href="/sep/exodus/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Jothor the priest of Madiam, the father-in-law of Moses, heard of all that the Lord did to his people Israel; for the Lord brought Israel out of Egypt. <a href="/parallel/exodus/18-1.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=4455" 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> 1<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.">Now Moses’</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’êṯ (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></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/3548.htm" title="3548: ḵō·hên (N-msc) -- Priest. Active participle of kahan; literally, one officiating, a priest; also an acting priest.">the priest</a> <a href="/hebrew/4080.htm" title="4080: miḏ·yān (N-proper-ms) -- The same as midyan; Midjan, a son of Abraham; also his country and his descendants.">of Midian,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: way·yiš·ma‘ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">heard</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">about all</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hîm (N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">God</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ā·śāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">had done</a> <a href="/hebrew/4872.htm" title="4872: lə·mō·šeh (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- A great Isr. leader, prophet and lawgiver. From mashah; drawing out, i.e. Rescued; Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver.">for Moses</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: ‘am·mōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">and His people</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: ū·lə·yiś·rā·’êl (Conj-w, Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">Israel,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">and how</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: hō·w·ṣî (V-Hifil-Perf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">had brought</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.">Israel</a> <a href="/hebrew/4714.htm" title="4714: mim·miṣ·rā·yim (Prep-m:: N-proper-fs) -- A son of Ham, also his desc. and their country in N.W. Africa. Dual of matsowr; Mitsrajim, i.e. Upper and Lower Egypt.">out of Egypt.</a> 2After Moses had sent back his wife Zipporah, his father-in-law Jethro had received her,…<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="/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="/judges/4-11.htm">Judges 4:11</a> Now Heber the Kenite had moved away from the Kenites, the descendants of Hobab the father-in-law of Moses, and had pitched his tent by the great tree of Zaanannim, which was near Kedesh. <a href="/1_samuel/15-6.htm">1 Samuel 15:6</a> And he warned the Kenites, “Since you showed kindness to all the Israelites when they came up out of Egypt, go on and get away from the Amalekites. Otherwise I will sweep you away with them.” So the Kenites moved away from the Amalekites. <a href="/1_chronicles/2-55.htm">1 Chronicles 2:55</a> and the clans of the scribes who lived at Jabez—the Tirathites, Shimeathites, and Sucathites. These are the Kenites who came from Hammath, the father of the house of Rechab. <a href="/acts/7-29.htm">Acts 7:29</a> At this remark, Moses fled to the land of Midian, where he lived as a foreigner and had two sons. <a href="/hebrews/11-24.htm">Hebrews 11:24-27</a> By faith Moses, when he was grown, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. / He chose to suffer oppression with God’s people rather than to experience the fleeting enjoyment of sin. / He valued disgrace for Christ above the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his reward. ... <a href="/deuteronomy/1-9.htm">Deuteronomy 1:9-18</a> At that time I said to you, “I cannot carry the burden for you alone. / The LORD your God has multiplied you, so that today you are as numerous as the stars in the sky. / May the LORD, the God of your fathers, increase you a thousand times over and bless you as He has promised. ... <a href="/2_chronicles/19-5.htm">2 Chronicles 19:5-11</a> He appointed judges in the land, in each of the fortified cities of Judah. / Then he said to the judges, “Consider carefully what you do, for you are not judging for man, but for the LORD, who is with you when you render judgment. / And now, may the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.” ... <a href="/matthew/11-28.htm">Matthew 11:28-30</a> Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. / Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. / For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” <a href="/acts/6-1.htm">Acts 6:1-7</a> In those days when the disciples were increasing in number, the Grecian Jews among them began to grumble against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. / So the Twelve summoned all the disciples and said, “It is unacceptable for us to neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. / Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility to them ... <a href="/genesis/25-1.htm">Genesis 25:1-4</a> Now Abraham had taken another wife, named Keturah, / and she bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. / Jokshan was the father of Sheba and Dedan. And the sons of Dedan were the Asshurites, the Letushites, and the Leummites. ... <a href="/genesis/2-18.htm">Genesis 2:18</a> The LORD God also said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make for him a suitable helper.” <a href="/1_kings/10-1.htm">1 Kings 10:1-13</a> Now when the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to test him with difficult questions. / She arrived in Jerusalem with a very large caravan—with camels bearing spices, gold in great abundance, and precious stones. And she came to Solomon and spoke to him all that was on her mind. / And Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too difficult for the king to explain. ... <a href="/2_kings/5-1.htm">2 Kings 5:1-15</a> Now Naaman, the commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man in his master’s sight and highly regarded, for through him the LORD had given victory to Aram. And he was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper. / At this time the Arameans had gone out in bands and had taken a young girl from the land of Israel, and she was serving Naaman’s wife. / She said to her mistress, “If only my master would go to the prophet who is in Samaria, he would cure him of his leprosy.” ... <a href="/romans/15-4.htm">Romans 15:4</a> For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>When Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses' father in law, heard of all that God had done for Moses, and for Israel his people, and that the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt;Jethro<a href="/exodus/2-16.htm">Exodus 2:16,21</a> Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father's flock… <a href="/exodus/3-1.htm">Exodus 3:1</a> Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb.<a href="/exodus/4-18.htm">Exodus 4:18</a> And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father in law, and said unto him, Let me go, I pray thee, and return unto my brethren which are in Egypt, and see whether they be yet alive. And Jethro said to Moses, Go in peace.heard<a href="/psalms/34-2.htm">Psalm 34:2</a> My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.<a href="/psalms/44-1.htm">Psalm 44:1</a> To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, Maschil. We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what work thou didst in their days, in the times of old.<a href="/psalms/77-14.htm">Psalm 77:14,15</a> Thou art the God that doest wonders: thou hast declared thy strength among the people… God<a href="/acts/7-35.htm">Acts 7:35,36</a> This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? the same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel which appeared to him in the bush… <a href="/acts/14-27.htm">Acts 14:27</a> And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.<a href="/acts/15-12.htm">Acts 15:12</a> Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.done<a href="/exodus/7-1.htm">Exodus 7:1</a> And the LORD said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet.<a href="/exodus/8-1.htm">Exodus 8:1</a> And the LORD spake unto Moses, Go unto Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Let my people go, that they may serve me.<a href="/exodus/9-1.htm">Exodus 9:1</a> Then the LORD said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh, and tell him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/17-3.htm">Egypt</a> <a href="/exodus/4-18.htm">Father-In-Law</a> <a href="/exodus/16-12.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/exodus/16-8.htm">Heareth</a> <a href="/exodus/17-11.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/exodus/4-18.htm">Jethro</a> <a href="/exodus/16-4.htm">Law</a> <a href="/exodus/4-19.htm">Midian</a> <a href="/exodus/4-19.htm">Mid'ian</a> <a href="/exodus/17-15.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/exodus/17-12.htm">Moses's</a> <a href="/exodus/2-15.htm">News</a> <a href="/exodus/3-1.htm">Priest</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/19-1.htm">Egypt</a> <a href="/exodus/18-2.htm">Father-In-Law</a> <a href="/exodus/20-18.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/exodus/32-17.htm">Heareth</a> <a href="/exodus/18-8.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/exodus/18-2.htm">Jethro</a> <a href="/exodus/18-2.htm">Law</a> <a href="/numbers/22-4.htm">Midian</a> <a href="/numbers/22-4.htm">Mid'ian</a> <a href="/exodus/18-2.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/exodus/18-2.htm">Moses's</a> <a href="/exodus/33-4.htm">News</a> <a href="/exodus/28-1.htm">Priest</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>Now Moses’ father-in-law Jethro Jethro, also known as Reuel, is a significant figure in the narrative of Moses. He is a Midianite priest, suggesting a role of spiritual leadership within his community. The Midianites were descendants of Abraham through Keturah, indicating a shared ancestry with the Israelites. Jethro's relationship with Moses is pivotal, as he provides counsel and support, highlighting the importance of wise mentorship and familial bonds in leadership.the priest of Midian The Midianites were a nomadic people living in the region east of the Red Sea. As a priest, Jethro would have been a respected leader, possibly involved in religious and judicial matters. This title suggests a recognition of spiritual authority, which is significant given the polytheistic context of the ancient Near East. Jethro's role as a priest also sets the stage for his later advice to Moses on establishing a system of judges, reflecting a blend of spiritual and practical wisdom.heard about all that God had done for Moses and His people Israel The news of God's mighty acts had spread beyond the borders of Egypt and Israel, reaching even the Midianites. This phrase underscores the impact of the Exodus events, serving as a testimony to God's power and faithfulness. It also highlights the interconnectedness of ancient communities through trade and communication. The phrase emphasizes the fulfillment of God's promises to deliver His people, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative.and how the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt This phrase encapsulates the central miracle of the Exodus, where God delivered the Israelites from slavery. It signifies God's sovereignty and His covenantal faithfulness. The use of "LORD" (YHWH) reflects the personal and covenantal name of God, emphasizing His relationship with Israel. This deliverance is a type of Christ's redemptive work, foreshadowing the ultimate deliverance from sin through Jesus. The Exodus event is frequently referenced throughout Scripture as a foundational act of salvation history.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jethro.htm">Jethro</a> The priest of Midian and Moses' father-in-law. He is a significant figure who provides wise counsel to Moses. 2. <a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a> The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt. 3. <a href="/topical/m/midian.htm">Midian</a> A region where Jethro lived, located in the northwestern part of the Arabian Peninsula. 4. <a href="/topical/g/god's_deliverance.htm">God's Deliverance</a> The miraculous events through which God brought the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage. 5. <a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a> The chosen people of God, whom He delivered from slavery in Egypt.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_godly_counsel.htm">The Importance of Godly Counsel</a> Jethro's role as a wise counselor to Moses emphasizes the value of seeking and heeding godly advice. <a href="/topical/f/family_relationships_in_ministry.htm">Family Relationships in Ministry</a> Moses' relationship with Jethro illustrates the importance of maintaining strong family ties, even amidst ministry responsibilities. <a href="/topical/r/recognizing_god's_work.htm">Recognizing God's Work</a> Jethro's acknowledgment of God's deeds encourages believers to recognize and celebrate God's work in their lives and communities. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_testimony.htm">The Role of Testimony</a> Jethro heard about God's actions, underscoring the power of testimony in spreading the knowledge of God's greatness. <a href="/topical/i/intergenerational_faith.htm">Intergenerational Faith</a> The connection between Jethro and Moses highlights the importance of passing down faith and wisdom across generations.<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/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/who_was_jethro_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Jethro in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'god_is_truth'_mean.htm">Who was Moses' father-in-law?</a> <a href="/q/how_did_israelites_get_frankincense.htm">Leviticus 2:1–2: How could ancient Israelites realistically acquire frankincense in the wilderness if it primarily originated far to the south? </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>XVIII.THE VISIT OF JETHRO.(1) Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses' father in law.--On Jethro's probable relationship to Moses, see the second Note on <a href="/exodus/3-1.htm" title="Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb.">Exodus 3:1</a>. On the priesthood of Reuel, which Jethro seems to have inherited, see Note on <a href="/exodus/2-16.htm" title="Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father's flock.">Exodus 2:16</a>. It has been very unnecessarily supposed that the chronological order of the narrative is here deranged, Jethro's visit having been really paid after the legislation of Sinai and the setting up of the Tabernacle (Aben Ezra, Ranke, Kurtz). Both the position of the chapter and its contents are against this theory.And that the Lord had brought Israel out.--Rather, in that the Lord had brought Israel out, It was this fact especially which Jethro had heard, and which induced him to set out on his journey.(1) The people want decisions which they can feel to have Divine sanction--they "come to him to enquire of God"--and the ruling of inferior judges would not be regarded by them as equally authoritative.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 1. - Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses' father-in-law. Rather, "Jethro, priest of Midian, Moses' brother-in-law." See the comment on Exodus 3:1; and note that the Seventy use the ambiguous word γαμβρός, while the Vulgate has cognatus. And that. Rather "in that." The clause is exegetical of the preceding one. <a href="/commentaries/exodus/18-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Now Moses’ מֹשֶׁ֔ה (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 חֹתֵ֣ן (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 the priest כֹהֵ֤ן (ḵō·hên) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3548.htm">Strong's 3548: </a> Priest of Midian, מִדְיָן֙ (miḏ·yān) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4080.htm">Strong's 4080: </a> Midian -- a son of Abraham and Keturah, also his descendants and the region where they settled heard וַיִּשְׁמַ֞ע (way·yiš·ma‘) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> To hear intelligently about all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every that אֲשֶׁ֨ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that God אֱלֹהִים֙ (’ĕ·lō·hîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative had done עָשָׂ֤ה (‘ā·śāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make for Moses לְמֹשֶׁ֔ה (lə·mō·šeh) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4872.htm">Strong's 4872: </a> Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver and His people עַמּ֑וֹ (‘am·mōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock Israel, וּלְיִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל (ū·lə·yiś·rā·’êl) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc and how כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction the LORD יְהוָ֛ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel had brought הוֹצִ֧יא (hō·w·ṣî) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> To go, bring, out, direct and proxim Israel יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל (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 out of Egypt. מִמִּצְרָֽיִם׃ (mim·miṣ·rā·yim) Preposition-m | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4714.htm">Strong's 4714: </a> Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/18-1.htm">Exodus 18:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/exodus/18-1.htm">Exodus 18:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/exodus/18-1.htm">Exodus 18:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/exodus/18-1.htm">Exodus 18:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/exodus/18-1.htm">Exodus 18:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/18-1.htm">Exodus 18:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/18-1.htm">Exodus 18:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/18-1.htm">Exodus 18:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/18-1.htm">Exodus 18:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/exodus/18-1.htm">Exodus 18:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/exodus/18-1.htm">OT Law: Exodus 18:1 Now Jethro the priest of Midian Moses' (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/17-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 17:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 17:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/18-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 18:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 18:2" /></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>