Exodus 18:9

And Iethro reioyced for all the goodnesse which the Lord had done to Israel: whom he had deliuered out of the hand of the Egyptians. Exodus 18:9 (KJV)

Exodus 18:9 is part of the narrative of the book of Exodus, which tells the story of the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt and their journey to the Promised Land. This verse records Jethro’s reaction to the miraculous deliverance of the Israelites and his call for the people to praise God.

“And Jethro said, Blessed be the LORD, who hath delivered the Israelites out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of Pharaoh, who hath delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians.” “And Jethro said, Praise ye the LORD, who hath delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians.”

Context: Prior to the events described in Exodus 18:9, the Israelites had experienced numerous plagues sent by God to persuade Pharaoh to release them. Eventually Pharaoh relented, and the Israelites began their journey out of Egypt.

Jethro, also known as Reuel, was a Midianite priest and the father‑in‑law of Moses. He first appears in Exodus 2:16‑22, where Moses meets Zipporah, the daughter of Reuel, and later, in Exodus 18, he welcomes Moses and his family, showing hospitality.

In Exodus 18:9, Jethro calls the Israelites to praise the LORD for His goodness toward them. The Israelites’ deliverance from the Egyptians was a remarkable display of God’s power, faithfulness, and provision. Jethro recognized the significance of this event and urged gratitude for the liberation from oppressive bondage.

Jethro specifically acknowledges that it was the LORD who delivered Israel from the hand of the Egyptians. This statement recognizes God as the source of their salvation, emphasizing His sovereignty and power.

The broader context of Exodus reveals that God’s deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt was a pivotal event in their history. It not only demonstrated God’s faithfulness to His covenant with their forefathers but also set the stage for the subsequent events of their journey to the Promised Land.

In Exodus 18:9, Jethro’s exhortation serves as a testament to the significance and impact of God’s miraculous intervention on behalf of His people. It highlights the proper response of gratitude and praise for God’s goodness and deliverance. By studying this verse, we can learn the importance of recognizing and acknowledging God’s faithfulness and provision in our lives. It encourages us to cultivate a heart of gratitude and to share in the joy of others when we witness God’s work in their lives.