Exodus 18:1

KJV

¶ 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;

KJV (with Strong's)

When Jethro {H3503}, the priest {H3548} of Midian {H4080}, Moses {H4872}' father in law {H2859}, heard {H8085} of all that God {H430} had done {H6213} for Moses {H4872}, and for Israel {H3478} his people {H5971}, and that the LORD {H3068} had brought {H3318} Israel {H3478} out of Egypt {H4714};

Complete Jewish Bible

Now Yitro the priest of Midyan, Moshe's father-in-law, heard about all that God had done for Moshe and for Isra'el his people, how ADONAI had brought Isra'el out of Egypt.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 18:1 introduces Jethro, Moses' father-in-law and the priest of Midian, who receives news of the extraordinary acts of God on behalf of Moses and the nation of Israel, specifically their miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage. This verse serves as a crucial narrative hinge, setting the stage for Jethro's visit to Moses in the wilderness and the significant counsel he will offer regarding the administration of justice and leadership within the burgeoning Israelite community. It highlights the widespread renown of God's power, even among those outside the immediate covenant community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The preceding chapters of Exodus detail Israel's arduous journey through the wilderness, marked by divine provision and protection, yet also by human grumbling and conflict. Following the miraculous provision of [manna and quail](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna and Quail") and water from the [rock at Rephidim](/exodus/17-6 "Exodus 17:6 - Water from the Rock"), as well as the decisive [victory over the Amalekites](/exodus/17-8-16 "Exodus 17:8-16 - Battle with Amalek"), Exodus 18:1 shifts focus from the internal struggles of Israel to an external acknowledgment of God's power. This verse serves as a narrative interlude, bridging the initial wilderness wanderings with the momentous events at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - Arrival at Mount Sinai"), where Israel will receive the Law. Jethro's arrival is not merely a family reunion but a divinely orchestrated encounter that prepares Moses for the immense task of leading a nation under God's covenant. It sets a tone of external validation for God's mighty deeds, contrasting with Israel's often-wavering faith.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jethro's connection to Moses dates back to Moses' flight from Egypt, where he found refuge in [Midian](/exodus/2-15 "Exodus 2:15 - Moses Flees to Midian") after killing an Egyptian. During his forty years in Midian, Moses married Jethro's daughter, Zipporah, and became a shepherd, a period of divine preparation for his calling. Midianites were nomadic or semi-nomadic peoples inhabiting regions east of the Gulf of Aqaba, known for their trade routes. Jethro's title, "priest of Midian," suggests a spiritual authority within his community, and his recognition of "all that God had done" implies a broader understanding of divine power that transcends tribal deities, possibly even a nascent monotheistic inclination or at least an acknowledgment of Yahweh's supremacy. The news of the [Exodus](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Exodus") and the [crossing of the Red Sea](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - Crossing the Red Sea") would have spread rapidly through these trade routes and oral tradition, demonstrating God's renown among the nations, as prophesied in [Exodus 15:14-16](/exodus/15-14-16 "Exodus 15:14-16 - Nations Tremble at God's Power").
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the **universal renown of God's power and glory**, demonstrating that His mighty acts are not confined to Israel but are recognized even by those outside the immediate covenant community. Secondly, it highlights **God's providential care**, not only in delivering Israel from bondage but also in orchestrating Jethro's timely arrival to provide Moses with crucial administrative guidance, which will prove essential for the nascent nation's governance. Thirdly, it subtly introduces the theme of **wise counsel and delegation**, foreshadowing the practical wisdom Jethro will impart to Moses in the subsequent verses. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **God's faithfulness to His people**, as the events Jethro hears about are direct manifestations of Yahweh's commitment to His covenant promises to Israel, demonstrating His active presence and protection throughout their wilderness journey.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jethro (Hebrew, _Yithrôw'_):** This name, derived from a root meaning "his excellence" or "his abundance," is fitting for a figure who brings valuable counsel and wisdom to Moses and the nascent nation of Israel. His arrival signifies a moment of enrichment and strategic guidance, underscoring the providential nature of his visit and the abundance of wisdom he is about to impart.
* **Midian (Hebrew, _Midyân'_):** This refers to the son of Abraham and Keturah, as well as the country and collective descendants. Jethro's identity as a "priest of Midian" highlights that God's mighty acts were recognized even by those outside the direct Abrahamic covenant line. This demonstrates the far-reaching impact of God's revelation and the potential for individuals from diverse backgrounds to acknowledge His supreme power.
* **heard (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** This primitive root implies more than just passive reception of sound; it denotes an active, intelligent listening, often with the implication of attention, understanding, and a responsive action. Jethro's "hearing" is not merely informational but transformative, compelling him to travel and engage with Moses and the Israelites, setting the stage for his crucial role in the chapter and demonstrating the compelling power of God's testimony.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses' father in law, heard":** This opening clause immediately establishes the subject of the verse as Jethro, clearly identifying his relationship to Moses (father-in-law) and his influential position (priest of Midian). The temporal adverb "When" sets the stage for his subsequent actions, emphasizing that his visit is a direct and intentional response to divine events rather than a casual encounter. His titles underscore his authority and the significance of his acknowledgment of God's deeds.
* **"of all that God had done for Moses, and for Israel his people":** This phrase specifies the comprehensive content of what Jethro heard. The use of "all" (Hebrew, _kol_) emphasizes the totality of God's interventions, from the plagues to the Red Sea crossing and wilderness provisions. The distinction between "for Moses" (the leader and God's chosen servant) and "for Israel his people" (the nation as a whole) highlights God's dual care for both His appointed leader and His chosen community. The general term "God" (Hebrew, _Elohim_) here suggests His universal power and authority, which would be recognizable even to a non-Israelite priest.
* **"[and] that the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt;":** This final clause specifies the crowning act of God's intervention: the Exodus. The KJV's bracketed "and" clarifies that this is the climactic and most significant of "all that God had done," serving as the ultimate proof of God's power and faithfulness. The use of "the LORD" (Hebrew, _YHWH_), God's personal covenant name, emphasizes His faithful and powerful presence with His people, a specific understanding that Jethro, though an outsider, seems to grasp or at least acknowledge as the source of such mighty deeds. This specific mention highlights the covenantal nature of God's deliverance.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and significance. **Foreshadowing** is evident as Jethro's hearing of God's acts directly precedes his arrival and subsequent offering of invaluable counsel to Moses, hinting at the positive impact he will have on the nascent Israelite administration. There is a subtle **contrast** between the Israelite people's frequent grumbling and lack of faith in previous chapters and Jethro, an outsider, who immediately recognizes and responds with awe to the undeniable power of God. The **repetition** of the idea of God's actions—"all that God had done" and "that the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt"—serves as a form of **emphasis**, underscoring the magnitude and undeniable nature of God's work. Furthermore, the very act of God's deliverance and provision, which Jethro hears about, functions as an indirect **theophany**, a manifestation of God's presence and power that extends beyond the immediate covenant community, demonstrating His universal sovereignty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 18:1 powerfully illustrates God's universal renown and the pervasive nature of His divine acts. The fact that Jethro, a Midianite priest, hears and responds to the news of God's work for Israel underscores that God's power and glory are not confined to a single nation but are meant to be known among all peoples. This verse highlights God's providential care, not only in delivering Israel but also in orchestrating Jethro's timely arrival to provide Moses with crucial administrative guidance, demonstrating that God equips His servants and provides for His people through unexpected means. It emphasizes the compelling power of God's testimony, which can reach and impact individuals from diverse backgrounds, drawing them to acknowledge His supremacy and the reality of His active presence in the world.

* [Joshua 2:9-11](/joshua/2-9-11 "Joshua 2:9-11 - Rahab Hears of God's Deeds")
* [Psalm 96:3](/psalms/96-3 "Psalm 96:3 - Declare God's Glory Among the Nations")
* [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - Light to the Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 18:1 serves as a profound reminder that God's actions speak volumes, often reaching far beyond our immediate circles. The testimony of His faithfulness and power, when demonstrated in our lives and communities, possesses an undeniable magnetic quality that can draw others to acknowledge His presence and power. Just as the news of God's mighty deeds reached Jethro, our lives, transformed by God's grace, can become powerful witnesses to those who do not yet know Him. This verse also encourages us to cultivate a humble posture, recognizing that God can bring wisdom, support, and insight from unexpected sources. Jethro, an "outsider" in terms of the covenant community, brought invaluable counsel to Moses, demonstrating that God's provision can come through diverse channels, challenging us to be open to receiving wisdom from those who may not share our exact background or theological framework. It calls us to consider how our own lives, and the life of our faith communities, testify to God's ongoing work in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the news of God's powerful acts in our lives spread to those outside our immediate community, and what responsibility do we have in sharing that testimony?**
* **In what ways can we, like Jethro, be open to recognizing God's work even in unexpected places or through unexpected people, and receive wisdom from them?**
* **What specific "great things" has God done in your life or in the life of your church that you can share as a testimony to His power and faithfulness, inviting others to "hear" and respond?**

### FAQ
**Who was Jethro and what was his significance?**

Answer: Jethro was Moses' father-in-law and the priest of Midian. His significance in Exodus 18:1, and the subsequent verses, is multifaceted. He represents an external acknowledgment of Yahweh's power, demonstrating that the fame of God's deeds extended beyond Israel. More importantly, his visit is providential, as he later offers Moses crucial, wise counsel regarding the delegation of judicial responsibilities, which was foundational for the efficient administration of justice within the burgeoning Israelite nation (see [Exodus 18:13-26](/exodus/18-13-26 "Exodus 18:13-26 - Jethro's Counsel to Moses")). He embodies the idea that wisdom and divine recognition can come from unexpected sources, even outside the direct covenant line.

**Why is it important that Jethro "heard" of God's deeds?**

Answer: Jethro "hearing" of God's deeds is crucial because it underscores the widespread impact and undeniable nature of God's miraculous intervention in the Exodus. It highlights that God's renown was not confined to the Israelite camp but was actively spreading among the nations, fulfilling God's purpose to be known throughout the earth (see [Exodus 9:16](/exodus/9-16 "Exodus 9:16 - God's Name Proclaimed")). This external recognition validates the magnitude of the events and sets the stage for Jethro's active response and subsequent involvement in the narrative, demonstrating that God can use even those outside the direct covenant line to further His plans. His hearing and subsequent action serve as a powerful testament to the compelling nature of God's self-revelation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jethro's hearing of "all that God had done" and his subsequent journey to Moses in the wilderness beautifully foreshadows the universal recognition of God's ultimate redemptive act in Jesus Christ. The Exodus, which Jethro heard about, serves as a powerful type of salvation, pointing forward to the greater deliverance from sin and death accomplished through Christ's atoning work on the cross. Just as the news of Israel's liberation spread, so too does the good news of the gospel, which is to be proclaimed to [all nations](/luke/24-47 "Luke 24:47 - Repentance and Forgiveness Proclaimed to All Nations") through the [Great Commission](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission"). Jethro, an outsider who acknowledges the power of Yahweh, prefigures the inclusion of Gentiles into God's family through faith in Christ, as described by Paul in [Ephesians 2:11-13](/ephesians/2-11-13 "Ephesians 2:11-13 - Gentiles Included in Christ"), where those who were once far off are brought near by the blood of Christ. The ultimate "hearing" of God's greatest act of salvation is through the [gospel of Jesus Christ](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel"), which brings light and life to all who believe, regardless of their background or previous religious affiliation, drawing them into the new covenant community.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 2:16

¶ 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 3:1

¶ 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.

Psalms 77:14

Thou [art] the God that doest wonders: thou hast declared thy strength among the people.

Psalms 77:15

Thou hast with [thine] arm redeemed thy people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah.

Psalms 105:43

And he brought forth his people with joy, [and] his chosen with gladness:

Isaiah 63:11

Then he remembered the days of old, Moses, [and] his people, [saying], Where [is] he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of his flock? where [is] he that put his holy Spirit within him?

Isaiah 63:13

That led them through the deep, as an horse in the wilderness, [that] they should not stumble?