Exodus 18:9

And Jethro rejoiced for all the goodness which the Lord had done to Israel, whom he had delivered out of the hand of the Egyptians.

Exodus 18:9 (KJV)

Context

This verse sits in the larger story of Israel’s escape from slavery in Egypt. God sent plagues to persuade Pharaoh to release His people. At last Pharaoh let them go, and Israel began the journey toward the Promised Land. Jethro, also called Reuel, was a Midianite priest and Moses’ father-in-law. He first appears in Exodus 2:16-22, where Moses married his daughter Zipporah. Now Jethro visits Moses in the wilderness, bringing Zipporah and their two sons. Moses tells him all that the LORD did to Pharaoh and to Egypt for Israel’s sake, including the plagues, the Passover, and the crossing of the Red Sea.

Meaning

Jethro rejoiced for all the goodness which the LORD had done to Israel. The Hebrew word for goodness (tov) points to God’s kind and generous acts, such as providing manna and water in the wilderness, and above all, delivering Israel from slavery. Jethro’s joy was not a vague feeling. It came from hearing the specific, historical works of God. His rejoicing leads directly to his blessing in the next verse, where he says, “Blessed be the LORD, who hath delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians.” This shows that hearing about God’s mighty deeds can produce genuine joy and praise, even from an outsider like Jethro.

Biblical connections

Jethro’s response grows through the chapter. After rejoicing, he declares the LORD is greater than all gods, and he offers sacrifices to God (Exodus 18:11-12). This shows a Gentile priest moving toward honoring the true God. The deliverance from Egypt also points forward to a greater rescue. Just as God freed Israel from bondage, He delivers believers from sin and death through Christ. That greater salvation is the ultimate reason for rejoicing.

Application

This verse encourages us to tell others what God has done. Moses shared his testimony, and Jethro’s heart was stirred. When we speak of God’s faithfulness, we give others a reason to rejoice. We should also recognize God’s hand in daily provisions, not only in grand miracles. Gratitude grows when we remember both the great acts of salvation and the small mercies along the way.

Reflection

Jethro’s joy challenges us to examine our own response to God’s goodness. Do we rejoice when we hear of His work in other lives? Do we praise Him for His deliverance in our own? His joy was not distant or formal; it was heartfelt and led to worship. Let our hearing of God’s works move us to the same glad praise.