Image source: Wikipedia Far from being a minor biblical character, the Magician Reuel embedded himself deeply into the lives of the major political ‘players’ … They arrive at the mountain in Exodus 19, and they do not pick up to start marching again until Numbers 10. In the Hebrew Bible, Jethro (/ˈdʒɛθroʊ/; Hebrew: יִתְרוֹ, Standard: Yitro, Tiberian: Yiṯerô, meaning "His Excellence/Posterity"; Arabic: شعيب, romanized: Shuʿayb) was Moses' father-in-law, a Kenite shepherd and priest of Midian,[1] but different from Reuel (or Raguel). However , it was not uncommon for an Arabian Chief to have two or even more names, as is attested to by many inscriptions. 16-21), he is called "Reuel" (= "God is his friend"; see also Hobab).Happening one day to be at the well where Jethro's daughters were drawing water for their flocks, Moses had occasion to defend them against some shepherds … Thanks for this article, Bill. So we have three names: Reuel, Jethro, and Hobab which all seem to refer to Moses' father-in-law, but becomes confused by the issue of Hobab seeming to be both Moses' father-in-law and the decendent of Reuel who we also posit is Moses' father-in-law! This would be consistent with the practices of the day (such as Jacob claiming Joseph's children as his own in Genesis 48:5 (ESV) ). For the view of him as a Prophet in Islam, see, Ex. It is also possible that Reuel was the name. of Jethro's father, which would actually make him Moses'grandfather-in-law Why were his daughters mistreated by the other shepherds? These are the names we find explicitly: Yeter, Jethro, Reuel… Zondervan, 1992. Instead he allowed Moses to struggle under an overbearing workload for a while and finally sends Jethro, Moses’s father-in-law, to be an organizational consultant. [15], Jethro, Moses' non-Hebrew father-in-law, is a central figure, particularly in the rites and pilgrimages, of the Druze religion. He is thought to be the father-in-law for prophet Moses. Jethro's daughter, Zipporah, became Moses's wife after Moses had fled Egypt, having killed an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew slave. In the account of the marriage of his daughter Zipporah to Moses (Ex. 16-21), he is called "Reuel" (= "God is his friend"; see also Hobab). The PAOCAlso see the Alberta & NWT District site.Affiliated with the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. When Moses was called to … Did Moses copy the Law from the Code of Hammurabi? Moses is said to have worked as a shepherd for Jethro for 40 years before returning to Egypt to lead the Hebrews to Canaan, the "promised land". Here the Angel of the Lord manifested Himself into a bush and caused it to catch fire, without burning. Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, also known as Reuel, was “the priest of Midian” and a Kenite (Judges 1:16). 11), and "Putiel"; Eleazar's father-in-law (Ex. Reuel becomes Moses' father in law in Exodus 2:21 "Moses agreed to stay with the man, who gave his daughter Zipporah to Moses in marriage. The first is that Reuel is simply another name for Jethro, much like Jacob also being named Israel (both of which were used interchangeably).The second idea is that Reuel On the other hand, this is the Hebrew for "brother-in-law": it sounds like this: ḥāṯān. This makes sense if Jethro/Reul are the same person, Moses’ father-in-law, but not if Jethro and Reuel are different people.// Well, not quite. Re-u-el, with the first syllable strong accented, is nearer to the true pronunciation. And they came and drew, and filled … [30] The Israeli Druze also have a folktale called "Jethro's revenge on the [Sunni Muslim] inhabitants of the village of Hittin. As mentioned, in Numbers 10:29 (ESV) we read: "And Moses said to Hobab the son of Reuel the Midianite, Moses' father-in-law..." and then in Judges 4:11 (ESV) "Now Heber the Kenite had separated from the Kenites, the descendants of Hobab the father-in-law of Moses...". ESV - 1 Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, and he led his flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. Why was Reuel also called Jethro? Exodus 2:18 "the girls returned to Reuel their father". This makes sense if Jethro/Reul are the same person, Moses’ father-in-law, but not if Jethro and Reuel are different people.// Well, not quite. Exodus 3:1. Moses had sent Zipporah and their sons back to Midian, rather than take them to Egypt, perhaps due to the dangers he would face in leading an entire nation out of slavery. In Exodus 18, while visiting his famous son-in-law, Jethro observes Moses’s judicial administrative methods and then gives sage advice on delegation. vi. Jethro lived south of Canaan near Mount Sinai (Exodus 3:1). Why were his daughters mistreated by the other shepherds? All of this only leads us to speculate as to just who Jethro actually was, particularly when we consider that Judges 1:16 and 4:11 note that Moses’ father- in- law (Jethro/Reuel) was a Kenite and not a Midianite 27 Add to this, Reuel was the son of Esau (Gen. 36:10–12). This has been quite the point of contention, but is quite simply solved. Moses father-in-law was named “Reuel” or “Raguel” (Strong’s: H7467) which means a “friend of God”, (Exodus 2:18, Numbers 10:29). The Israelites pause from their wilderness travel at Mount Sinai for a long stay. Biblical maps from antiquity show Midian on both locations. Much more reliable in fact, than most of the manuscripts that we unquestioningly base much of our ancient history on. (Ex 3:1; Jg 1:16) Jethro is also called Reuel. ).In the account of the marriage of his daughter Zipporah to Moses (Exodus 2:16-21), he is called "Reuel" (= "God is his friend"; see see also Hobab).Happening one day to be at the well where Jethro's daughters were drawing water for their flocks, Moses had occasion to defend them against some … Does the Law of Moses still apply today? (Ex 3:1; Jg 1:16) Jethro is also called Reuel. When we start looking at this kind of answer it may cause us to wonder if the Bible is as accurate as we like to think. Jethro, also referred to as Reuel (Exodus 2:18), is the priest of Midian who owned flocks (Exodus 2:16) and became Moses' father-in-law (Exodus 2:21). In the KJV translation of Judges 4:11, a man named Hobab appears as Moses' father-in-law, while Numbers 10:29 makes him "the son of Raguel [Reuel] the Midianite, Moses' father in law". Though Reuel is more commonly referenced in the Bible by his title of “Jethro” (Strong’s: H3503) which means, “his excellence“. When Moses fled from Egypt, he went to Midian, where he right away met Jethro’s seven daughters, all shepherdesses. Why was Reuel also called Jethro? Why is the name of Moses' father-in-law different in Exodus 4:18 and in Exodus 2:18? This would make Hobab Moses' brother-in-law. Does the Law of Moses still apply today? Moses’ father-in-law, a Kenite. While only a few episodes of his life are documented in Scripture, he undoubtedly had a major influence on Moses' life. [20][21] Each year on 25 April, the Druze gather at the site in a holiday known as Ziyarat al-Nabi Shuʿayb to discuss community affairs and commemorate the anniversary of Jethro's death with singing, dancing and feasting. Who is Moses' Father-in-law: Reuel, Jethro or Hobab? [12], It became, however, generally accepted that he had seven names: "Reuel", "Jether", "Jethro", "Hobab", "Heber", "Keni" (comp. This is the Hebrew for "father-in-law": it sounds like this: ḥōṯēn. Jethro/Reuel is Zipporah's father or grandfather (the Hebrew could cover both), while if Jethro/Reuel is her father, Hobab would be Zipporah's (half?) Did Moses copy the Law from the Code of Hammurabi? Some scholars claim that the Biblical Jethro could not have been the father/founder of the Druze religion (about 1015 CE) as the Biblical Jethro lived about 1400 BCE, being somewhat older than Moses. Reuel means “friend of God.” It is believed Jethro is a priest of the Most High God, the One True God, rather than a pagan deity because he is referred to by Reuel, friend of God. [13][14], According to some modern scholars, "Jethro" was title meaning "his Excellency" and the actual name was Reuel. & "Daily Bible Study--Jethro", Wayne Blank. For the purposes of this blog we will avoid going too deep into every side of the debate as that is the area of biblical scholars and unnecessary for the average person who is simply seeking answers. However , it was not uncommon for an Arabian Chief to have two or even more names, as is attested to by many inscriptions. ", In Numbers 10:29, the Hebrew for the name Raguel is the same as the Hebrew for Reuel. â Biblical Data: Priest of Midian and father-in-law of Moses (Exodus 3:1 et al. Moses’ father-in-law, a Kenite. Midian most certainly encompassed the territory we believe contains Biblical Mount Sinai. However, it was not uncommon for an Arabian chief to have two or even more names, as is attested to by many inscriptions. The copy/paste below, taken from the bible encyclopedia INSIGHT ON THE SCRIPTURES, supplies some extra context: - [*** it-2 p. 73 Jethro *** Jethro’s son Hobab was requested by Moses to be a scout. Why was Reuel also called Jethro? (13) And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood by Moses from the morning unto the evening. Where the apparent controversy lies is in Exodus 3:1 (ESV): "Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian..." A few other instances muddy the water further. Jethro Exodus 3:1 Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law. 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. Moses father in law Exodus gives three names for Moses' father in law. He is also considered an ancestor of the Druze;[8] as is expressed by such prominent Druze as Amal Nasser el-Din,[28] and according to Salman Tarif, who was a prominent Druze shaykh, this makes the Druze related to the Jews through marriage. There is some disagreement over the name(s) of Moses' father-in-law. The word is one of very wide use, corresponding with the Latin affinis. The second idea is that Reuel could be the father of the clan (or household) and the daughters of Jethro were, therefore, attributed to Reuel. After Moses killed an Egyptian, he fled to Midian (Exodus 2:15). (Nu 10:29) Jethro may have been a title, whereas Reuel was a personal name. He was also identified as Hobab in the Book of Numbers 10:29. 'Father-in-law' can be 'brother-in-law' with no change in consonants"(Expositor's Commentary: Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel. who was his father in law ? Jethro is spelled “Jether” in the Masoretic text at Exodus 4:18. The New Living Translation (NLT) and the New International Version (NIV), different translations of the original manuscripts, agree with rendering this as "brother-in-law". The original Midianites were probably descendants of Midian, one of Abraham’s sons by Keturah (Genesis 25:1-4). And Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, brought a burnt offering and sacrifices to God; and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat bread with Moses’ father-in-law in the presence of God. It seems, then, that Jethro was related to Moses both through blood and through shared faith in God (Exodus 18:10–12). Some believe Midian is within the Sinai Peninsula. There are many checks and balances that have gone into making copies of manuscripts and checking them against one another. Reuel is noted Exodus 2:16, as "a priest of Midian" who had seven daughters. It appears to have been not uncommon among Hebrews and Edomites; e. g. Genesis 36:4, Genesis 36:10.If Reuel be identified with Jethro, a point open to grave objection (see Exodus 3:1), then Reuel was his proper name, and Jether or Jethro, which means "excellency," was his official designation. Page 405). Why is the name of Moses' father-in-law different in Exodus 4:18 and in Exodus 2:18? Some of those names are used within the same few verses. Why was Reuel also called Jethro? pseudo-Jonathan to Ex. Clarify • Share • Report • … As the Expositor's commentary puts it, "Hobab is called Reuel's son in Numbers 10:29 (ESV); so 'brother-in-law' is a most likely rendering. Reuel - Or, as in Numbers 10:29, "Raguel. Biblical figures. He is introduced in Exodus 2:18. Reuel is seated on the left, in red. In the KJV translation of Judges 4:11, a man named Hobab appears as Moses' father-in-law, while Numbers 10:29 makes him "the son of Raguel [Reuel] the Midianite, Moses' father in law". The narratives about Jethro have raised many problems. Jethro was the “priest of Midian” and the father-in-law of Moses (Exodus 3:1; 4:18). It is even applied to a husband, as in Exodus 4:25.The supposition that it means "father-in-law" has led to the identification of Jethro with Reuel … For more information on how the Bible has been preserved I recommend reading the Institute for Religious Research's article called "Is Today's Bible the Real Bible?". He was also called “Reuel” (Exodus 2:18) and is described as a Midianite in Numbers 10:29. That date greatly predates the founding of Islam related religions (about 610 CE) by thousands of years. Let's tackle who Reuel is first. Jethro, his father-in-law.--Rather, his relation by marriage. Jethro was Moses’s father-in- law, a Kenite. Jethro is also called Reuel Num;10:29,which could suggest that Jethro (Excellence) may have been a title, whereas Reuel was a personal name. This post will give a brief overview of this apparent problem and will sort out who is who. (Nu 10:29) Jethro may have been a title, whereas Reuel was a personal name. REUEL [ISBE] REUEL - roo'-el (re`u'el, "God is his friend"; the Septuagint Rhagouel): (1) In the genealogical system Reuel is both a son of Esau by Basemath (Gen 36:4,10,13,17; 1 Ch 1:35,37) and the father of the father-in-law of Moses, Hobab ().In the account of the marriage of Zipporah to Moses Jethro seems to be called Reuel (compare HOBAB).). Jethro, also called Reuel, or Hobab, in the Old Testament, priest of Midian of the Kenite clan, with whom Moses took refuge after he killed an Egyptian and whose daughter Moses married (Exodus 3:1). However, he is called Reuel in Exodus 2:18 and in Numbers 10:29 as well, while Judges 4:11 refers to Hobab as the father-in-law of Moses. Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, also known as Reuel, was “the priest of Midian” and a Kenite (Judges 1:16). In reading through the verses that refer to the father-in-law of Moses, we find multiple names for him. The story of Jethro is a story that begins much earlier than Exodus 18—in fact, Moses’s relationship with Jethro began all the way back in Exodus 2, when Moses met and married Jethro’s daughter Zipporah (Ex. He practiced hospitality inviting Moses to stay with him. There are three basic views on this. Notice how, in the original Hebrew manuscripts the small markings above and below would not have existed leaving both words identical. When Moses fled to Midian after killing an Egyptian, Jethro hired Moses as a farm hand and gave his daughter Zipporah to him in marriage. 3:1: Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian … It is based upon the identical term ‘the priest of Midian’ in Exodus 2:16 and Exodus 3:1 that the assumption is made that Reuel and Jethro/Hobab are the same person. We were introduced to Jethro back in chapter 2, where he was called Reuel. Jethro was the “priest of Midian” and the father-in-law of Moses (Exodus 3:1; 4:18). 3:1: Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian … It is based upon the identical term ‘the priest of Midian’ in Exodus 2:16 and Exodus 3:1 that the assumption is made that Reuel and Jethro/Hobab are the same person. Some suppose he was father to Hobab, who was also called Jethro, a likely possibility. He is given this name in Exodus 3:1; 4:18; 18:1–2, 5–6, 12. ).In the account of the marriage of his daughter Zipporah to Moses (Ex. After much study, I believe that Reuel and Jethro are the same person. Moses father in law has seven daughters Moses father in law has in his position the staff of god, which he took from the king. Judges i. One is "the priest of Midian", one is "Reuel" and the other is "Jethro". III. The Hebrew language originally consisted only of consonants (for example, the last sentence, minus consonants would read: TH HBRW LNGG ORGNLL CNSSTD NL F CNSNNTS). However, Judges 4:11 (ESV) says that Hobab is the father-in-law of Moses! Numbers 10:29 Hobab was the father-in-law of Moses. Were the Gentiles under the Law of Moses? However, it was not uncommon for an Arabian chief to have two or even more names, as is attested to by many inscriptions. Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, was the high priest of Midian. Jethro lived south of Canaan near Mount Sinai (Exodus 3:1). Exodus 4:18 And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father in law. Jethro, also known Reuel, was a Kenite1 priest of Midian and Moses' father-in-law by Zipporah. 25) being identified with Jethro by interpreting his name either as "he who abandoned idolatry" or as "who fattened calves for the sake of sacrifices to the idol". Exodus 2:16 introduces Reuel (who was later Moses's father-in-law) as "a priest of Midian" without specifying anything further about which deity he was priest of: Now a priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came to draw water and fill the troughs to water their father's flock. 2:18, 21; in Exodus 2, Jethro goes by the name “Reuel”). [2] In Exodus, Moses' father-in-law is initially referred to as "Reuel" (Exodus 2:18) but then as "Jethro" (Exodus 3:1). (1) Moses kept the flock.--The natural occupation of one who had thrown in his lot with the Midianites. (12) And Jethro, Moses' father in law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God: and Aaron came, and all the elders of Israel, to eat bread with Moses' father in law before God. The narratives about Jethro have raised many problems. [16][17] He is viewed as a Prophet in Druze belief. roo'-el (re`u'el, "God is his friend"; the Septuagint Rhagouel): (1) In the genealogical system Reuel is both a son of Esau by Basemath (Genesis 36:4,10,13,17; 1 Chronicles 1:35,37) and the father of the father-in-law of Moses, Hobab (Numbers 10:29).In the account of the marriage of Zipporah to Moses (Exodus 2:16-21) Jethro seems to be called Reuel (compare HOBAB). These events take place in the Torah portion Yitro (Exodus 18:1–20:23). roo'-el (re`u'el, "God is his friend"; the Septuagint Rhagouel): (1) In the genealogical system Reuel is both a son of Esau by Basemath (Genesis 36:4,10,13,17; 1 Chronicles 1:35,37) and the father of the father-in-law of Moses, Hobab (Numbers 10:29).In the account of the marriage of Zipporah to Moses (Exodus 2:16-21) Jethro seems to be called Reuel (compare HOBAB). 7; Mek., Yitro, 'Amaleḳ, 1; Tan., Shemot, 11; comp. (Ex 3:1) Jethro is also called Reuel. Now Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, had taken Zipporah, Moses' wife, after he had sent her home, along with her two sons . However, he is called Reuel in Exodus 2:18 and in Numbers 10:29 as well, while Judges 4:11 refers to Hobab as the father-in-law of Moses. Happening one day to be at the well where Jethro's daughters were drawing water for their flocks, Moses had occasion to defend them against some shepherds who attempted to drive them away. Moses' Father-in-law: Jethro, Reuel, or both? There are three basic views on this. (The question of the striped rod and the speckled flock), Abundant Springs Community Church, 968 Kettles Street, Pincher Creek, AB, T0K 1W0. Now that we have decided that Reuel and Jethro are one-in-the-same: namely, Moses' father-in-law, we must determine how Hobab is related. 16, iv. () Jethro may have been a title, whereas Reuel was a personal nameHowever, it was not uncommon for an Arabian chief to have two or even more names, as is attested to by many inscriptions. ii. (Ex 3:1) Jethro is also called Reuel. [3][4], The relationship of the Biblical Jethro to Islam and the Druze religion is controversial. [citation needed]. The Biblical manuscripts are some of the most reliable ancient texts that are in existence. When we first meet this man in Exodus 2:18 (ESV) we read, "When they came home to their father Reuel, he said..." then we see in verse 21 that Moses marries one of "the man's" daughters named Zipporah. Exodus 3:1. brother; likely, he would be a generation older than her, hence the use of the honorific title "wife's father in law". 1 et al. Whether or not "Jethro" was actually a title is not important to the issue, though it could explain why the two names are introduced for one man without any explanation. I believe that it is. Following this event, it was Jethro who encouraged Moses to appoint others to share in the burden of ministry to the nation Israel by allowing others to help in the judgment of smaller matters coming before him. It is located in Hittin in the Lower Galilee and is the holiest shrine and most important pilgrimage site for the Druze. 2:18, 21; in Exodus 2, Jethro goes by the name “Reuel”). While only a few episodes of his life are documented in Scripture, he undoubtedly had a major influence on Moses' life. Let's tackle who Reuel is first. This article is about the view of this character in the Hebrew Bible. Targ. [22][23] Another Druze shrine in Ein Qiniyye is the supposed burial place of Jethro's sister, Sit Shahwana.[24]. The next day Moses sat as judge for the people, while the … However, this would also force the character called Hobab into the role of Moses' father-in-law, which while seeming to work just fine raises difficulties later on when considering that Hobab is recorded as staying with the Israelites as a guide after their exodus from Egypt while Jethro is recorded as returning home. (Ex 3:1; Jg 1:16) Jethro is also called Reuel. Some of those names are used within the same few verses. Exo 2:16 And the priest of Midian had seven daughters. Jethro is revered as the chief prophet in the Druze religion. Moses father in law was ruler and high priest of the land of midian Moses father in law is called reuel and is also called jethro Moses father in law reuel has a daughter called Zipporah, Moses' wife According to Biblical Scholar Frank Moore Cross, even the oldest of Hebrew hymns and records indicate that the Jewish people went into the land of Midian after fleeing Egypt. Biblical persons with this name are: Moses' father-in-law, but different from Jethro and Hobab (Exodus 2:18; Numbers 10:29). Jethro, also known Reuel, was a Kenite1 priest of Midian and Moses' father-in-law by Zipporah. The original Midianites were probably descendants of Midian, one of … The Names Of Moses Father In Law Moses father-in-law was named “ Reuel ” or “Raguel” (Strong’s: H7467) which means a “ friend of God ”, (Exodus 2:18, Numbers 10:29) . This is a possibility that can be conjoined with the first option (Reuel and Jethro being two names for the same individual). After the Battle at Rephidim against the Amalekites, word reached Jethro that under Moses' leadership the Israelites had been delivered out of Egypt, so he set out to meet with Moses. What does it mean that the law was given through Moses? Jethro is called a priest of Midian and became father-in-law of Moses after he gave his daughter, Zipporah, in marriage to Moses.He is introduced in Exodus 2:18.. Jethro is recorded as living in Midian, a territory stretching along the eastern edge of the Gulf of Aqaba, northwestern Arabia.Some believe Midian is within the Sinai Peninsula.Biblical maps from antiquity show … Jethro is spelled "Jether" in the Masoretic text at Ex 4:18. Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, gave him his blessing to return to his people in obedience to God (Exodus 4:18). Exodus 3:1 Jethro was the father-in-law of Moses. ", Tektonics, http://www.tektonics.org/lp/mosdad.html. [25][7] They believe he was a "hidden" and "true prophet" who communicated directly with God and then passed on that knowledge to Moses, whom they describe as a "recognised" and "revealed prophet. JETHRO (Jethʹro) [from a root meaning “more than enough; overflow”]. Moses is attending Jethro’s flock according to 3:1, so he could simply be asking for permission to leave the flock behind to continue the narrative. Exodus 18 Amplified Bible (AMP) Jethro, Moses’ Father-in-law. Moses observed that the bush was not burning and went over to investigate. When Moses fled from Egypt, he went to Midian, where he right away met Jethro… And Jethro said, "Blessed be the Lord, who has delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians and out of the hand of Pharaoh, and who has delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians. () Jethro may have been a title, whereas Reuel was a personal nameHowever, it was not uncommon for an Arabian chief to have two or even more names, as is attested to by many inscriptions. © 2020, Abundant Springs Community Church, Pincher Creek, AB. The third idea is that "Reuel" was Jethro's real name whereas "Jethro" was his priestly title (Jethro means "excellence" ["Who was Moses' Father? He is given this name in Exodus 3:1; 4:18; 18:1–2, 5–6, 12. Image source: Wikipedia Far from being a minor biblical character, the Magician Reuel embedded himself deeply into the lives of the major political ‘players’ of his time in the pursuit of his own brutal agenda. In Islam he is mentioned in the Quran as a prophet who was sent to the city of Midian. Can you shed any light on why Moses’ father-in-law Jethro is earlier called Reuel (Numbers 2:18)? (Nu 10:29) Jethro may have been a title, whereas Reuel was a personal name. https://www.thetorah.com/article/moses-father-in-law-kenite-or-midianite I have a few random comments. (Ex 3:1; Jg 1:16) Jethro is also called Reuel. 18 Now Jethro (Reuel), 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. The first is that Reuel is simply another name for Jethro, much like Jacob also being named Israel (both of which were used interchangeably). The account of Moses first meeting Jethro is found in Exodus chapter 2. http://www.keyway.ca/htm2002/jethro.htm.]). The copy/paste below, taken from the bible encyclopedia INSIGHT ON THE SCRIPTURES, supplies some extra context: - [*** it-2 p. 73 Jethro *** Jethro’s son Hobab was requested by Moses to be a scout. —Biblical Data: Priest of Midian and father-in-law of Moses (Ex. Jethro is spelled “Jether” in the Masoretic text at Exodus 4:18. All that to say that Moses' in laws are Jethro/Reuel and his son, Hobab. The last time we heard of Moses’ father-in-law was when Jethrovisited in Exodus 18, but he retur… Jethro was Moses father-in-law, aa Kenite. Numbers 10:29 Then Moses said to Hobab, the son of Moses' father-in-law Reuel the Midianite, "We are setting out for the place of which the LORD said: 'I will give it to you.' The various names of Jethro … Sometime after he had his 2 children, Moses was shepherding his father-in-law Reuel's flock on the far side of Mount Horeb. Biblical figures. However,it was not uncommon for an Arabian chief to have two or more names. If we insert, as Ewald suggests (HI, II, 25), "Jethro son of" before "Reuel" in Exodus 2:18 (compare the Septuagint, verse 16, where the name "Jethro" is given), we would then identify Jethro with Hobab, the son of Reuel, in Numbers 10:29, taking "Moses' father-in-law" to refer back to Hobab. JETHRO (Jethʹro) [from a root meaning “more than enough; overflow”]. Reuel becomes Moses' father in law in Exodus 2:21"Moses agreed to stay with the man, who gave his daughter Zipporah to Moses in ma… He was also called “Reuel” (Exodus 2:18) and is described as a Midianite in Numbers 10:29. Jethro is highlighted again in Exodus chapter 18. Moses takes his leave of Jethro (Reuel) by Jan Victors, c. 1635. "[26][27] According to Druze belief, Moses was allowed to wed Zipporah, the daughter of Jethro, after helping save his daughters and their flock from competing herdsmen. There is some disagreement over the name(s) of Moses' father-in-law. What does it mean that the law was given through Moses? If you have any further questions or need help on another topic, leave your comments below! Moses’ father-in-law, a Kenite. 151 views This conversation is unexpected. However, Moses remained conscious that he was a stranger in exile, naming his first son (Jethro's grandson) "Gershom", meaning "stranger there". Therefore, some scholars claim that Jethro should not be revered as the spiritual founder and chief prophet in his own right of the Druze religion[5][6][7] and is considered an ancestor of all Druze.[8][9]. In reading through the verses that refer to the father-in-law of Moses, we find multiple names for him. Exodus 18:1-7 ESV Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses' father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses and for Israel his people, how the Lord had brought Israel out of Egypt. However, he is called Reuel in Exodus 2:18 and in Numbers 10:29 as well, while Judges 4:11 refers to Hobab as the father-in-law of Moses. The story of Jethro is a story that begins much earlier than Exodus 18—in fact, Moses’s relationship with Jethro began all the way back in Exodus 2, when Moses met and married Jethro’s daughter Zipporah (Ex. In Numbers 10:29 (ESV) we read "And Moses said to Hobab the son of Reuel the Midianite, Moses' father-in-law..." but then Judges 4:11 (ESV) reads: "Now Heber the Kenite had separated from the Kenites, the descendants of Hobab the father-in-law of Moses...". The narratives about Jethro have raised many problems. He wished Moses well when Moses followed God's call to return to Egypt (Exodus 4:18). It seems, then, that Jethro was the “ priest of Midian ” and the Druze religion shed light... Title, whereas Reuel was a personal name both words identical burning and went over to investigate Exodus 18 Bible! 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