“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 is a 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 particular verse focuses on the reaction of Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, upon hearing about the miraculous deliverance of the Israelites.
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: Jethro, also known as Reuel, was a Midianite priest and the father-in-law of Moses. He had shown hospitality to Moses when he fled from Egypt and had given him his daughter Zipporah in marriage. Jethro’s encounter with Moses is recorded in Exodus 2:15-22.
Rejoicing for God’s Goodness: In Exodus 18:9, Jethro expresses joy and gratitude to God for His goodness toward Israel. 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 rejoiced in the knowledge that the Israelites were liberated from their oppressive bondage.
Acknowledgment of God’s Deliverance: 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 rejoicing 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.
