The Hebrew word Rᵉʻûwʼêl, represented by H7467, means friend of God. It appears 11 times across 10 unique verses in the Bible. Rather than referring to a single individual, the name is assigned to several distinct figures, including Moses' father-in-law, a son of Esau, and an Israelite. The name is sometimes rendered as Raguel.
In the biblical narrative, H7467 is used to identify key patriarchal figures in different lineages. Most prominently, he is named as the father of Moses' wife, a Midianite priest to whom Moses' future wife and her sisters return Exodus 2:18. In this context, he is also called Raguel Numbers 10:29. The name also appears in the Edomite genealogy as one of the sons of Esau, born to his wife Bashemath (Genesis 36:4, Genesis 36:10). The sons of this Reuel would become dukes in the land of Edom Genesis 36:17. Lastly, the name is found within Israel, identifying the father of Eliasaph, a captain of the tribe of Gad Numbers 2:14.
Several related words help establish the context and lineage of the individuals named Reuel:
- H464 ʼĔlîyphaz (God of gold; Eliphaz, the name of one of Job's friends, and of a son of Esau; Eliphaz): He is mentioned alongside Reuel as a son of Esau, establishing Reuel's place within the Edomite lineage 1 Chronicles 1:35.
- H6215 ʻÊsâv (Esau): As the father of the Edomite Reuel, Esau is the progenitor of this line. Reuel is listed as one of his sons, whose own children became dukes (Genesis 36:10, Genesis 36:17).
- H1121 bên (a son): This word is fundamental to tracing the genealogies associated with Reuel. It is used to identify him as the "son of Esau" Genesis 36:10 and to name his descendants, such as "the sons of Reuel" 1 Chronicles 1:37, as well as to identify an Israelite captain as the "son of Reuel" Numbers 2:14.
The narrative significance of H7467 is tied to the distinct roles these individuals play:
- Edomite Ancestry: As a son of Esau, Reuel is a foundational figure in the lineage of the Edomites. His sons are explicitly named as dukes, signifying their role in establishing the political structure of Edom Genesis 36:17.
- Connection to Moses: As Moses' father-in-law, Reuel (or Raguel) represents a pivotal connection for Moses during his time in Midian. His household provides refuge and a family for Moses before his return to Egypt Exodus 2:18.
- Israelite Leadership: The name's appearance within the tribe of Gad demonstrates its use within the Israelite community itself. Reuel is the father of a tribal captain, linking the name to leadership within the nation of Israel Numbers 2:14.
In summary, H7467 is a name that signifies "friend of God" and is applied to important figures across different, and sometimes opposing, national lines. It is not tied to one story but appears in the genealogies of both Edom and Israel, as well as in the personal history of Moses. The name consistently marks individuals who are patriarchs or fathers to leaders, highlighting its association with ancestry and authority in the biblical record.
TRV