Jethro might be a familiar name for Christians, especially those who have studied the Bible beyond the most popular stories. Those stories are important to know, and we all begin somewhere. Yet there’s a rich context to the narratives about Moses, David, Jesus, and others. The cultural backdrops and
supporting characters give an even deeper appreciation and understanding of God’s redemptive story around the primary figures and the whole restorative arc.
Certain characters might not be well known, but their impact spans hundreds of years. In Jethro’s case, his wisdom and leadership at a crucial moment gave Israel and the Western world important principles.
Scripture introduces Jethro, also called Reuel, in the life of Moses in the book of Exodus. The Bible describes Jethro as the priest of Midian and Moses’ father-in-law.
Jethro first appears in Exodus 2:16-22, where Moses runs from Egypt to Midian after killing an Egyptian. Moses meets Jethro’s daughters at a well [...]