from the same as רְעוּ and אֵל; friend of God; Reuel, the name of Moses' father-in-law, also of an Edomite and an Israelite; Raguel, Reuel.
Transliteration:Rᵉʻûwʼêl
Pronunciation:reh-oo-ale'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun `{{H7467}}` (Rᵉʻûwʼêl) is a compound name derived from two elements: רְעוּ and אֵל. The first element, רְעוּ, is understood to be related to רֵעַ `{{H7453}}`, meaning "friend," "companion," or "associate." The second element, אֵל `{{H410}}`, is the common Semitic word for "God" or "mighty one." Thus, the name `{{H7467}}` inherently carries the meaning "Friend of God" or "Companion of God." As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to the specific individuals who bear this name within the biblical text, each occurrence illuminating a distinct context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{H7467}}` appears in the Hebrew Bible referring to three distinct individuals:
1. **Moses' Father-in-law:** This is arguably the most prominent bearer of the name. In [[Exodus 2:18]], the daughters of the priest of Midian, after encountering Moses, return to their "father Reuel." This identifies Reuel as the father of Zipporah, Moses' wife, and thus Moses' father-in-law. However, in subsequent passages, Moses' father-in-law is consistently referred to as Jethro (יִתְרוֹ) (e.g., [[Exodus 3:1]], [[Exodus 4:18]], [[Exodus 18:1]]). Furthermore, [[Numbers 10:29]] identifies Hobab as "the son of Reuel the Midianite, Moses' father-in-law." This verse is crucial, suggesting that Reuel was the *father* of Hobab (who is also identified as Moses' father-in-law or brother-in-law), and perhaps Jethro was another name or title for Hobab, or that Jethro was another son of Reuel. This interpretation resolves the apparent discrepancy, positing Reuel as the patriarch of the Midianite priestly family that welcomed Moses. His role in providing refuge for Moses and offering wise counsel on judicial administration (as Jethro) highlights a significant, albeit non-Israelite, figure in the early history of the Exodus.
2. **An Edomite Chief:** `{{H7467}}` also identifies one of the sons of Esau by his wife Basemath (Ishmael's daughter) in [[Genesis 36:4]], [[Genesis 36:10]]. He is listed among the chiefs (אַלּוּף) of Edom in [[Genesis 36:13]] and [[Genesis 36:17]]. This Reuel represents a significant lineage within the early Edomite nation, demonstrating the name's presence beyond the Midianite context and within the broader Semitic tribal structures.
3. **An Israelite Gadite:** In [[1 Chronicles 9:8]], `{{H7467}}` appears as the name of a Gadite, the son of Ibnijah, whose descendants resided in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. This occurrence indicates that the name, with its profound meaning, was also adopted and used within the Israelite tribes, particularly among those with a strong tribal identity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related words are the components of `{{H7467}}`:
* רֵעַ `{{H7453}}`: This noun signifies "friend," "companion," "neighbor," or "fellow." It encapsulates the relational aspect inherent in Reuel's name. The concept of friendship, particularly with God, is a profound theological theme in the Bible, exemplified by Abraham being called "the friend of God" ([[Isaiah 41:8]], [[James 2:23]]).
* אֵל `{{H410}}`: This foundational term for "God" highlights the divine object of the friendship. It signifies the mighty, transcendent, and personal God of Israel.
Other related figures and names include:
* יִתְרוֹ (Jethro): The name most commonly associated with Moses' father-in-law. The relationship between Reuel and Jethro (and Hobab) is a key point of scholarly discussion, often resolved by understanding Reuel as the patriarch or an ancestral name, with Jethro/Hobab being his son who directly interacts with Moses.
* חוֹבָב (Hobab): Identified as "the son of Reuel the Midianite, Moses' father-in-law" in [[Numbers 10:29]]. This verse firmly links Reuel as the father of the individual who served as Moses' father-in-law.
The concept of a "friend of God" is a significant theological motif, suggesting a deep, intimate relationship of trust and communion. While not explicitly stated of the individuals named Reuel, the name itself carries this aspiration.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7467}}` primarily stems from its inherent meaning, "Friend of God," and its association with key figures in biblical history.
1. **Theological Meaning of the Name:** The name "Friend of God" is a powerful descriptor. It points to a desired or perceived relationship with the Divine, one characterized by intimacy, trust, and shared purpose. In a culture where names often reflected character or destiny, bearing such a name could imply a special favor or calling from God, or a life lived in accordance with divine will. While the Bible does not explicitly state that the individuals named Reuel were "friends of God" in the same way Abraham was, the name itself serves as a theological statement about divine-human relationship.
2. **Moses' Midianite Connection:** The most significant theological impact comes from Reuel's role as the patriarch of Moses' Midianite family. This connection highlights God's providence in preparing Moses for his leadership role, even through a non-Israelite priestly family. Reuel's (or Jethro's/Hobab's) counsel to Moses in [[Exodus 18]] demonstrates wisdom and practical governance that is implicitly blessed by God, showing that divine wisdom can manifest even outside the direct covenant line of Israel. It suggests that God's reach and concern extend to all peoples, and that wisdom can be found among those outside the immediate covenant community.
3. **Inclusivity and Divine Reach:** The presence of the name among Edomites and Israelites further underscores the broader reach of God's interaction with humanity. Even among descendants of Esau, a lineage often depicted in conflict with Israel, the name "Friend of God" appears, suggesting a universal potential for divine connection. Its adoption by an Israelite family post-exile also indicates a continued reverence for names that convey a positive relationship with Yahweh.
### Summary
`{{H7467}}` (Rᵉʻûwʼêl) is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "Friend of God" or "Companion of God," derived from רֵעַ `{{H7453}}` (friend) and אֵל `{{H410}}` (God). This name is borne by three distinct individuals in the Bible. Most notably, Reuel is identified as the father of Hobab (and potentially Jethro), who was Moses' father-in-law, playing a crucial role in providing refuge and counsel to Moses during the Exodus narrative. The name also appears among the descendants of Esau, establishing a lineage within the Edomite nation, and among the Gadites in post-exilic Israel. The theological significance of `{{H7467}}` lies in its profound meaning, which speaks to the possibility of an intimate, trusting relationship between humanity and the Divine. Its association with Moses' Midianite family underscores God's providential care and the manifestation of divine wisdom beyond the immediate covenant community of Israel, while its appearance among diverse peoples reflects the expansive reach of God's redemptive plan. The name itself serves as a testament to the enduring biblical theme of seeking and finding friendship with the Almighty.
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