Bible Figure
Jethro
Biblical character
Jethro was Moses' father-in-law, a priest of Midian who welcomed Moses after his flight from Egypt and later advised him to delegate judicial responsibilities.
Biography
After Moses fled Egypt, he defended the daughters of a Midianite priest from shepherds and was welcomed into the household. Jethro, also associated in the text with the name Reuel, gave his daughter Zipporah to Moses. After the Exodus, Jethro heard what God had done for Israel and came to Moses in the wilderness with Zipporah and Moses' sons. He rejoiced over God's deliverance and offered sacrifices. Observing Moses judging disputes from morning to evening, Jethro warned that the burden was unsustainable and advised him to appoint capable, God-fearing, trustworthy men over groups of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, leaving only difficult cases for Moses.
Biblical Significance
Jethro contributes an important biblical model of wise delegation and shared leadership. His praise of the Lord after hearing of the Exodus also shows a non-Israelite responding positively to God's saving acts.