Jethro

Q: Was Jethro a believer in the true God?

After hearing about the Exodus, Jethro declared 'Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods' and offered sacrifices. Whether this was conversion or confirmation of earlier faith is debated. Either way, he recognized Yahweh as supreme and worshiped Him.

Priest of Midian, Father-in-law of Moses

Old Testament

Jethro was the priest of Midian who gave his daughter Zipporah to Moses in marriage. He sheltered Moses for forty years before the Exodus. Later, he visited Moses in the wilderness and wisely advised him to delegate leadership by appointing judges over the people.

Character Traits

WiseHospitablePriestCounselor

Life Timeline

Moses Arrivesc. 1486 BC

Moses flees Egypt and arrives in Midian; Jethro welcomes him.

EXO 2:15-21

Moses Marries Zipporahc. 1486 BC

Jethro gives his daughter Zipporah to Moses in marriage.

EXO 2:21

Reunionc. 1446 BC

Jethro brings Moses' wife and sons to meet him in the wilderness.

EXO 18:1-7

Praise to Godc. 1446 BC

Jethro rejoices in what God did for Israel and offers sacrifices.

EXO 18:9-12

Wise Counselc. 1446 BC

Jethro advises Moses to delegate by appointing judges.

EXO 18:13-26

Key Relationships

MosesFamily

Father-in-law - Jethro gave Moses refuge and wise counsel.

Key Locations

Midian

Where Jethro was priest and sheltered Moses.

Spiritual Lessons

Wisdom from Outside

Moses received crucial organizational advice from his father-in-law, a Midianite priest. God used an outsider to teach Israel's leader about delegation. We shouldn't be too proud to learn from unexpected sources.

Key Verses

Exodus 2:16-21 Exodus 18:1-27

Frequently Asked Questions

Was Jethro a believer in the true God?+

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