Jethro

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Hebrew Yitrô (“his abundance/excellence”), a name associated with status and honor.
• Period/Era: Patriarchal Period
• Main References: Exodus 2:15–22; 3:1; 4:18–26; 18:1–27
• Key Connections: Midianite priest; father of Zipporah; father-in-law of Moses; linked with Israel’s early leadership structure

Who was Jethro?

Jethro was a Midianite priest who received Moses after he fled Egypt.
He gave Moses his daughter Zipporah in marriage and became connected to Israel through Moses.
He visited Israel in the wilderness and acknowledged the LORD’s deliverance.
He is remembered as a foreign leader who advised Moses on judicial organization.

Key Events & Achievements

• Moses’ refuge in Midian: Provided hospitality and a household setting where Moses lived and worked (Exodus 2:15–21).
• Recognition of the LORD: Blessed the LORD for rescuing Israel and participated in a meal with Israel’s leaders (Exodus 18:10–12).
• Administrative counsel: Urged Moses to appoint capable judges over groups to handle disputes more efficiently (Exodus 18:13–26).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Jethro illustrates how respectful acknowledgment of the LORD and practical counsel from outside Israel could contribute to Israel’s ordered life in the wilderness.

Key Verse

"Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens." — Exodus 18:21, ESV