Exodus 18:10

And Jethro said, Blessed be the Lord, who hath delivered you 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.

Exodus 18:10 (KJV)

Context

Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, was a priest of Midian. He visited Moses in the wilderness after Israel had escaped from Egypt. In this verse, Jethro responds to the report of all that the Lord had done for His people. His words are a blessing, a declaration of praise to the Lord for delivering Israel from the hand of the Egyptians and Pharaoh.

Meaning

Jethro’s blessing is a direct acknowledgment that the Lord, not Moses or any human power, accomplished the deliverance. The phrase “out of the hand” appears twice, emphasizing the completeness of God’s rescue. The Israelites had endured harsh labor and oppression for many years. The Lord intervened through mighty acts, and Jethro recognizes this as a reason to bless Him. Blessing the Lord is an act of gratitude, honor, and adoration. It is a confession that God alone deserves praise for the freedom His people now enjoy.

Biblical connections

This moment is significant because Jethro was a Gentile, not an Israelite. His praise shows that God’s mighty works were recognized beyond Israel. In the next verse, Jethro declares that the Lord is greater than all gods (Exodus 18:11). The deliverance from Egypt is a foundational act of redemption in the Old Testament. It points forward to the greater spiritual deliverance from sin through Jesus Christ. Just as the Lord freed Israel from bondage, He frees believers from the power of sin.

Application

Jethro’s example teaches us to give God credit for His interventions in our lives. We often forget that our freedom and blessings come from the Lord, not from our own strength. When we recognize God’s hand in our circumstances, we should respond with praise. This verse reminds us to continually bless the Lord for His goodness and faithfulness. It also encourages us to share testimonies of God’s deliverance, so that others, like Jethro, may hear and rejoice.

Reflection

Consider the ways God has delivered you from difficult situations. Have you taken time to bless Him for those acts? Jethro’s praise was immediate and heartfelt. Let his response inspire you to acknowledge God’s sovereignty and faithfulness in all circumstances. Give Him the glory He deserves, for He is the ultimate source of salvation and worthy of all praise.