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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadJames Hastings Dictionary of the Bible: Jethro
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JETHRO (once, Exo_4:18 a Jether).—An Arab sheik and priest of the Sinaitic Peninsula, the father-in-law of Moses; referred to by this name in Exo_3:1; Exo_4:18; Exo_18:1-2 ff. (E [Note: Elohist.] ), as Reuel in the present text of Exo_2:18 (J [Note: Jahwist.] ), and as Hobab in Num_10:29 (also J [Note: Jahwist.] ). He welcomed Moses and received him into his family (Exo_2:21), and many years later visited him at Sinai (Exo_18:1 ff.), heard with wonder and delight of the doings of Jahweh on behalf of Israel (Exo_18:9 ff.), and gave advice about administration (Exo_18:17-26). Later still he probably acted as guide to the Israelites (Num_10:29 ff.; cf. the AV [Note: Authorized Version.] of Jdg_1:16; Jdg_4:11). As to the two or three names, it may be noted that Arabic inscriptions (Minæan) repeatedly give a priest two names. The name Jethro (Heb. Yithrô) may mean ‘pre-eminence.’ See art. Hobab.
W. Taylor Smith.