Exodus 18:7 - Meaning and Application

Here we see, first, the warm greeting between Moses and his father-in-law, Jethro. Though Moses was the Lord’s prophet, a great prophet, and the ruler of Israel, he still showed humble respect to Jethro. No matter how much God may honor us in his providence, we must still show honor where honor is due, and never look down on our poor relatives. Those who stand high in God’s favor are not excused from duty to other people, and that never gives them a right to act proud or superior.

Moses went out to meet Jethro, bowed to him, and kissed him. Religion does not destroy good manners. They asked one another about their welfare, and even these simple greetings are worth noting as signs of mutual love and friendship.

Second, Moses told his father-in-law about the great things God had done for Israel. That was one reason Jethro had come, to hear more fully and clearly what he had only heard in general. Conversation about God’s wonderful works is useful and good for building others up (Psalm 105:2; compare Psalm 145:11-12). Talking about news and events is not only an acceptable way to spend time, it can be made very profitable when we notice God’s care, and the way his providence works in all that happens.

Third, Jethro was deeply affected by what he heard. He rejoiced over God’s people. He was glad not only for the honor given to his son-in-law, but for all the good done to Israel. Public blessings should bring joy to people with public hearts. While the Israelites were still complaining, despite all God had done for them, here was a Midianite rejoicing. Again and again, the faith of Gentiles has put the unbelief of the Jews to shame (Matthew 8:10). Those looking on were more moved by God’s favor to Israel than some of the people who received it.

Jethro also gave glory to Israel’s God. “Blessed be the Lord,” he said, using the name by which God was now known, “who delivered you, Moses and Aaron, from Pharaoh’s hand.” Pharaoh meant to destroy them, but he could not succeed, and God used Moses and Aaron to deliver the people. Whatever joy we have in God’s gifts, God must have the praise for them.

This also strengthened Jethro’s faith, and he made a solemn confession: “Now I know that the Lord is greater than all gods” (Exodus 18:11). He meant that the God of Israel is greater than every false god and every pretender who claims divine honor. God silences them, defeats them, and proves himself the only living and true God. He is also higher than all princes and rulers, who are sometimes called gods. He has full authority over them and power to direct and control them as he pleases.

Jethro said, “Now I know,” because he understood more clearly than before. His faith grew into fuller confidence because of this fresh proof. People who stubbornly close their eyes to the clearest light refuse to know that the Lord is greater than all gods. Jethro’s reason was plain: in the very things where the Egyptians acted proudly, God was above them. The magicians were shown to be powerless, the idols of Egypt were shaken, Pharaoh was humbled, and his strength was broken. In spite of all their plans, God rescued Israel from their hands. Sooner or later, God will show that he is above those who proudly oppose him. Whoever lifts himself up against God will be brought low.

Finally, they expressed their joy and thankfulness together in both a feast and a sacrifice. Jethro was warmly welcomed into fellowship with Moses and the elders of Israel, even though he was a Midianite, because he also belonged to Abraham’s family, though through a younger branch. They joined in a sacrifice of thanksgiving. Jethro brought burnt offerings for God, and likely offered them himself, since he was a priest in Midian and a worshiper of the true God. The priesthood had not yet been settled in Israel. Mutual friendship is blessed when it is joined with shared worship.

They also shared a feast of rejoicing, a meal from the sacrifice. Moses invited his relatives and friends to eat in his tent, a proper practice among friends, and one that Christ himself approved by accepting such invitations. It was a modest feast: they ate bread, which was likely manna. Jethro was allowed to see and taste that bread from heaven, and as a Gentile he was just as welcome to it as any Israelite. In that way, the Gentiles are still welcome to Christ, the bread of life. It was also a feast kept in a godly way. They ate before God, with sobriety, thankfulness, and reverence, and their conversation fit people who belong to God. So we, too, should eat and drink to God’s glory, remembering that his eye is on us at our tables.