Early Life of Jethro
Jethro is first mentioned in the Bible in the book of Exodus. He is portrayed as the father-in-law of the prophet Moses. Jethro was a priest of Midian, a son of Reuel, and a leader of a nomadic tribe located in what is today known as the Sinai Peninsula, according to the Book of Numbers 10:29. According to the biblical account, Jethro was born to Reuel, and his father was a high priest of Midian. His mother was a Midianite princess, and his grandfather was Jethro, a Midianite king and priest.
The Bible states that Moses had fled Pharaoh’s court after killing an Egyptian and was living with his father-in-law Jethro in the wilderness of Midian. He had married Zipporah, one of Jethro’s seven daughters and eventually became the leader of their people.
The Advice of Jethro
When Moses returned to Egypt and with the help of God freed the Israelites from slavery, he was greeted by his father-in-law Jethro, who brought with him offerings of burnt offerings, sacrifices, as well as a young goat to provide a meal for the Israelites. He then gave Moses advice on how to handle the large numbers of people that had been freed.
Jethro’s advice was for Moses to find able men from all the people to serve as leaders and judges over the people so that Moses’ burden would be lightened. In addition, Jethro suggested that Moses pick a few wise, understanding, and God-fearing people to help him carry out his responsibilities.
The Meeting Between Moses and Jethro
At the time of their meeting, Jethro expressed his joy at seeing Moses and thanked God for saving the Israelites from Egypt. In his speech, he was careful to express his excitement and appreciation for God’s work. He praised God for his help and encouraged Moses to serve the Lord in all he did.
In exchange, he received the Divine Commandments that God had already given Moses, which included instructions on how to properly worship and serve God. He then blessed Moses for having had the courage and bravery to lead the Israelites out of slavery.
The Significance of Jethro
The significance of Jethro in the Bible lies in the importance of his counsel to Moses. His advice to lighten Moses’ burden and to establish a system of wise, God-fearing leaders was taken up by Moses. All of Jethro’s advice was adopted in the structure of Israelite law and served as a basis for their freedom and success.
In addition, Jethro’s visit enabled the Israelites to reestablish bonds with their Midianite brethren, which was previously thwarted by Pharaoh’s oppression. This connection with the Midianites eventually led to the Israelites’ conquest of the surrounding nations and their eventual establishment of a Jewish state.
The Role of Jethro in Later History
Jethro is often listed alongside Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as one of the four great Hebrew Patriarchs due to the importance of his counsel and advice to Moses. He is also often referred to as the father-in-law of Moses and as the forefather of the tribe of Reuel, one of the major tribes that entered the Promised Land.
The story of Jethro is also celebrated in Jewish culture, especially during the Passover Seder and during the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot). He is also mentioned in Christianity and in Islam due to the importance of his role in the Biblical narrative.
The Teachings of Jethro
One of the most important lessons of Jethro is that leadership is a service and that God rewards those who work faithfully. His advice to Moses on how to delegate authority and to find wise, understanding, and God-fearing helpers enabled the Israelites to flourish and to establish themselves as a strong nation.
Jethro also exemplifies the power of faith, since he was not only willing to welcome Moses into his home but also encouraged him even when Pharaoh did not. This showed that Jethro had confidence in both Moses and in God, and this relationship is said to have been the basis for the growth of the nation of Israel.
Biblical Text Relating to Jethro
The key passages relating to Jethro in the Bible can be found in the books of Exodus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. In Exodus 3:1, when Moses was at the burning bush, it states that his father-in-law was an ‘old man of the Midianites.’ In Numbers 10:29, Jethro is identified as Reuel, and his role as Moses’ father-in-law is stressed. In Deuteronomy 10:6, mention is given to the fact that Jethro had offered sacrifice.
The Impact of Jethro on Judaism
Jethro’s impact on Judaism is immense and is commemorated in the Jewish calendar. His story is celebrated in the Passover Seder and during the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot). His teachings provide profound lessons to modern-day Jews, such as the importance of delegating authority and placing their faith in God.
Jethro also serves as a reminder to modern Jews that there are times when it is important to submit to a higher authority in order to do what is right. His willingness to welcome Moses into his home and to offer him hospitality and advice helped set in motion the chain of events that eventually led to the formation of the Jewish nation.
Jethro’s Relevance in Today’s World
Today, Jethro’s story is still relevant, as it teaches some profound truths about leadership, faith, and humility. His story reminds us that leadership is a service and that one must delegate authority in order to succeed. It also serves as a reminder to trust and place one’s faith in God, since Jethro’s faith ultimately enabled him to succeed.
Jethro’s experience with Moses and his willingness to welcome him into his home also serves as a reminder of the importance of accepting strangers and of not being swayed by their differences. Finally, his advice to Moses to find God-fearing helpers is still relevant today and serves as a reminder that wise, understanding people are often necessary in order to successfully lead.
