Exodus 18:1

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Exodus 18:1 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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.

King James Version 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;

American Standard Version ASV

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.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Now news came to Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses' father-in-law, of all God had done for Moses and for Israel his people, and how the Lord had taken Israel out of Egypt.

Free Bible Version FBV

Moses' father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian, heard about everything God had done for Moses and his people the Israelites, and how the Lord had led them out of Egypt.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

When Iethro the Priest of Midian Moses father in lawe heard all that God had done for Moses, and for Israel his people, and howe the Lord had brought Israel out of Egypt,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Jethro priest of Midian, father-in-law of Moses, heareth all that God hath done for Moses, and for Israel his people, that Jehovah hath brought out Israel from Egypt,

World English Bible WEB

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 the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

When Jethro the priest of Midian, Moses's 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:

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And when Jethro the priest of Madian, the kinsman of Moses, had heard all the things that God had done to Moses, and to Israel his people, and that the Lord had brought forth Israel out of Egypt,

Translation for Translators T4T

Jethro, who was the priest for the Midian people-group, and who was also Moses’/my father-in-law, heard about all that God had done for the Israeli people. He heard about how Yahweh had brought them out of Egypt.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 18:1

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Exodus 18:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יִּשְׁמַ֞ע יִתְר֨וֹ כֹהֵ֤ן מִדְיָן֙ חֹתֵ֣ן מֹשֶׁ֔ה אֵת֩ כָּל אֲשֶׁ֨ר עָשָׂ֤ה אֱלֹהִים֙ לְ/מֹשֶׁ֔ה וּ/לְ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל עַמּ֑/וֹ כִּֽי הוֹצִ֧יא יְהוָ֛ה אֶת יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מִ/מִּצְרָֽיִם

וַ/יִּשְׁמַ֞ע shâmaʻ H8085 to hear Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

יִתְר֨וֹ Yithrôw H3503 Jethro N-proper

כֹהֵ֤ן kôhên H3548 priest N-ms

מִדְיָן֙ Midyân H4080 Midian N-proper

חֹתֵ֣ן châthan H2859 relative V-Qal

מֹשֶׁ֔ה Môsheh H4872 Moses N-proper

אֵת֩ ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

אֲשֶׁ֨ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

עָשָׂ֤ה ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Perf-3ms

אֱלֹהִים֙ ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp

לְ/מֹשֶׁ֔ה Môsheh H4872 Moses Prep | N-proper

וּ/לְ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel Conj | Prep | N-proper

עַמּ֑/וֹ ʻam H5971 Amaw N-ms | Suff

כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj

הוֹצִ֧יא yâtsâʼ H3318 to come out V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms

יְהוָ֛ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper

מִ/מִּצְרָֽיִם Mitsrayim H4714 Egypt Prep | N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 18:1

וַ/יִּשְׁמַ֞ע shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.

Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound

Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.

יִתְר֨וֹ Yithrôw H3503 "Jethro" N-proper

Jethro was Moses' father-in-law, a man who lived during the time of the Exodus and Wilderness. He was the father of Zipporah and Hobab, and is also called Reuel. His name means 'his abundance'.

Definition: A man living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.18; father of: Zipporah (H6855) and Hobab (H2246); also called Reuel (KJV: Raguel) at Num.10.29; § Jethro = "his abundance" father-in-law of Moses; also 'Jether'

Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Jethro. Compare H3500 (יֶתֶר). See also: Exodus 3:1; Exodus 18:5; Exodus 18:12.

כֹהֵ֤ן kôhên H3548 "priest" N-ms

In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.

Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)

Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.

מִדְיָן֙ Midyân H4080 "Midian" N-proper

Refers to Midian, a son of Abraham, his country, and descendants, known for being a tribe that lived in the desert north of the Arabian peninsula.

Definition: § Midian or Midianite = "strife" the tribe descended from Midian inhabitant of the territory of the tribe descended from Midian; located principally in the desert north of the Arabian peninsula; land to which Moses went when he fled from Pharaoh

Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: Midian, Midianite. See also: Genesis 25:2; Judges 7:1; Psalms 83:10.

חֹתֵ֣ן châthan H2859 "relative" V-Qal

To be related by marriage means to become connected through wedding vows. In the Bible, this word describes the relationship between a husband and his wife's family, including his father-in-law and mother-in-law.

Definition: a son-in-law, a daughter's husband, wife's father, wife's mother, father-in-law, mother-in- law

Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: join in affinity, father in law, make marriages, mother in law, son in law. See also: Genesis 34:9; Deuteronomy 7:3; Ezra 9:14.

מֹשֶׁ֔ה Môsheh H4872 "Moses" N-proper

Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus

Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.

אֵת֩ ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

אֲשֶׁ֨ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

עָשָׂ֤ה ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.

Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made

Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.

אֱלֹהִים֙ ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp

The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.

Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

לְ/מֹשֶׁ֔ה Môsheh H4872 "Moses" Prep | N-proper

Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.

Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.

וּ/לְ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" Conj | Prep | N-proper

Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile

Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

עַמּ֑/וֹ ʻam H5971 "Amaw" N-ms | Suff

A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

הוֹצִ֧יא yâtsâʼ H3318 "to come out" V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.

Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth

Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.

יְהוָ֛ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper

Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

מִ/מִּצְרָֽיִם Mitsrayim H4714 "Egypt" Prep | N-proper

This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.

Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt

Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.

Study Notes — Exodus 18:1

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Context
Cross References
Exodus 18:1 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 18:1
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 18:1
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 18:1
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 18:1
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 18:1
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 18:1
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 18:1
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 18:1
Sermons on Exodus 18:1

Context — The Visit of Jethro

1Now 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.

2After Moses had sent back his wife Zipporah, his father-in-law Jethro had received her, 3along with her two sons. One son was named Gershom, for Moses had said, “I have been a foreigner in a foreign land.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Exodus 2:16	Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came to draw water and fill the troughs to water their father’s flock.
2	Psalms 77:14–15	You are the God who works wonders; You display Your strength among the peoples. With power You redeemed Your people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah
3	Exodus 3:1	Meanwhile, Moses was shepherding the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God.
4	Acts 7:35–36	This Moses, whom they had rejected with the words, ‘Who made you ruler and judge?’ is the one whom God sent to be their ruler and redeemer through the angel who appeared to him in the bush. He led them out and performed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, at the Red Sea, and for forty years in the wilderness.
5	Psalms 106:8–11	Yet He saved them for the sake of His name, to make His power known. He rebuked the Red Sea, and it dried up; He led them through the depths as through a desert. He saved them from the hand that hated them; He redeemed them from the hand of the enemy. The waters covered their foes; not one of them remained.
6	Joshua 2:10	For we have heard how the LORD dried up the waters of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites across the Jordan, whom you devoted to destruction.
7	Psalms 78:4	We will not hide them from their children, but will declare to the next generation the praises of the LORD and His might, and the wonders He has performed.
8	Psalms 78:50–53	He cleared a path for His anger; He did not spare them from death but delivered their lives to the plague. He struck all the firstborn of Egypt, the virility in the tents of Ham. He led out His people like sheep and guided them like a flock in the wilderness. He led them safely, so they did not fear, but the sea engulfed their enemies.
9	Acts 14:27	When they arrived, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them, and how He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.
10	Psalms 105:36–41	Then He struck all the firstborn in their land, the firstfruits of all their vigor. He brought Israel out with silver and gold, and none among His tribes stumbled. Egypt was glad when they departed, for the dread of Israel had fallen on them. He spread a cloud as a covering and a fire to light up the night. They asked, and He brought quail and satisfied them with the bread of heaven. He opened a rock, and water gushed out; it flowed like a river in the desert.

Exodus 18:1 Summary

This verse tells us that Moses' father-in-law, Jethro, heard about the amazing things God had done for Moses and the people of Israel, including freeing them from slavery in Egypt. Jethro was so interested in this that he decided to visit Moses, showing that he wanted to learn more about the God of Israel (as seen in the following verses). This reminds us that God's work in our lives is not just for us, but can also be a blessing to those around us, as we see in Exodus 14:31. Just like Jethro, we can learn more about God by listening to the stories of how He has worked in the lives of others (Psalm 107:2).

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Jethro and what was his relationship to Moses?

Jethro was Moses' father-in-law, the priest of Midian, as seen in Exodus 18:1, and he played an important role in Moses' life, even providing counsel as we see in the following verses.

What had Jethro heard about that brought him to visit Moses?

Jethro had heard about all that God had done for Moses and His people Israel, including the miraculous deliverance from Egypt, as stated in Exodus 18:1, which is a testament to God's power and provision as seen in Exodus 14:31.

How does this verse show God's work in the lives of those around Moses?

This verse highlights how God's actions in Moses' life were not only a blessing to him, but also to those around him, such as his father-in-law Jethro, demonstrating God's desire to reach and bless all people, as seen in Isaiah 49:6.

What can we learn from Jethro's response to hearing about God's works?

Jethro's decision to visit Moses after hearing about God's works (Exodus 18:1) shows that he was interested in learning more about the God of Israel, demonstrating a hunger for knowledge about God, similar to the psalmist's desire in Psalm 119:66.

Reflection Questions

How have I seen God work in the lives of those around me, and how can I be more mindful of His presence in their stories?
In what ways can I, like Jethro, show interest in learning more about God's works in the lives of others?
What are some ways I can share with others the great things God has done in my life, just as Moses' story was shared with Jethro?
How can I cultivate a sense of awe and wonder at God's deliverance, just as Jethro must have felt when he heard about Israel's escape from Egypt?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 18:1

When Jethro the priest of Midian, Moses's father-in-law,.... The Targums of Onkelos and Jonathan call him the prince of Midian, and so the word (e) is rendered in some versions; whose daughter Moses

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 18:1

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; Jethro ... came ...

Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 18:1

Exodus 18:1 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;Ver. 1. Heard of all.] And thereby was converted, say the Rabbis, being the first proselyte to the Jewish Church that we read of in the Scripture.

Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 18:1

(1) The people want decisions which they can feel to have Divine sanction—they “come to him to enquire of God”—and the ruling of inferior judges would not be regarded by them as equally authoritative.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 18:1

CHAPTER XVIII Jethro, called the father-in-law of Moses, hearing of the deliverance which God had granted to Israel, 1, took Zipporah and her two sons, Gershom and Eliezer, and brought them to Moses, when the Israelites were encamped near Horeb, 2-5. He sends to Moses, announcing his arrival, 6. Moses goes out to meet him, 7, and gives him a history of God's dealings with the Israelites, 8. Jethro greatly rejoices, and makes striking observations on the power and goodness of God, 9-11. He offers burnt-offerings and sacrifices to Jehovah, and Aaron and all the elders of Israel feast with him, 12. The next day Jethro, observing how much Moses was fatigued by being obliged to sit as judge and hear causes from morning to evening, 13, inquires why he did so, 14. Moses answers, and shows that he is obliged to determine causes between man and man, and to teach them the statutes and laws of God, 15, 16. Jethro finds fault, and counsels him to appoint men who fear God, love truth, and hate covetousness, to be judges over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, to judge and determine in all smaller matters, and refer only the greater and most important to himself, 17-22; and shows that this plan will be advantageous both to himself and to the people, 23. Moses hearkens to the counsel of Jethro, and appoints proper officers over the people, who enter upon their functions, determine all minor causes, and refer only the most difficult to Moses, 24-26. Moses dismisses Jethro, who returns to his own country, 27. NOTES ON CHAP. XVIII Verse 1. When Jethro, the priest of Midian, c.] Concerning this person and his several names, See Clarke on Exodus 2:15 "Exodus 2:16"; "Exodus 2:18"; "Exodus 3:1"; See Clarke on Exodus 4:20; "Exodus 4:24". Jethro was probably the son of Reuel, the father-in-law of Moses, and consequently the brother-in-law of Moses; for the word חתן chothen, which we translate father-in-law, in this chapter means simply a relative by marriage. See Clarke on Exodus 3:1.

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 18:1

1–7. Meeting of Jethro and Moses.

Barnes' Notes on Exodus 18:1

Jethro was, in all probability, the “brother-in-law” of Moses Exodus 3:1. On the parting from Zipporah, see Exodus 4:26.

Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 18:1

1. Jethro — See note on Exodus 2:18, and concluding note at the end of that chapter. He was, like Melchizedek, a patriarchal priest, and, as Exodus 18:12 shows, was wont to offer burnt offerings and sacrifices unto God.

Sermons on Exodus 18:1

	Sermon	Description
	(Exodus) Exodus 18:1-12 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Exodus Chapter 18, where Moses turns to worldly wisdom instead of seeking revelation from God. Moses' father-in-law, Jethro, visits him and M
	Is the Lord Among Us, or Not by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the advancements of technology, particularly the TV camera, and how it has brought both incredible discoveries and disturbing events into ou
	Jethro. by Andrew Bonar	Andrew Bonar preaches about Jethro, a godly Gentile and priest who exemplified holiness amidst a corrupt society. He highlights Jethro's dual role as a priest and prince, emphasizi
	Confusion and Order by John Gifford Bellett	John Gifford Bellett preaches about the various confusion and challenges that Jesus faced in His earthly ministry, dealing with political and religious authorities, His disciples,
	(Exodus) Exodus 2:16-25 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Moses and the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. He highlights how the Israelites had turned away from God and
	Desert Survival Series Pt 6- Moses the Man of God by Don Courville	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of Moses and his 40 years in the desert. The speaker emphasizes the lessons that God wanted to teach Moses during this time. One l
	(Romans) God's Dealing With Israel Explained by Willie Mullan	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of coming to God and surrendering oneself to Him. He emphasizes the need to trust in Jesus and make Him the center of our lives