Exodus 18:12 kjv

And Jethro, Moses' father in law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God: and Aaron came, and all the elders of Israel, to eat bread with Moses' father in law before God.

Exodus 18:12 nkjv

Then Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, took a burnt offering and other sacrifices to offer to God. And Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat bread with Moses' father-in-law before God.

Exodus 18:12 niv

Then Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, brought a burnt offering and other sacrifices to God, and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat a meal with Moses' father-in-law in the presence of God.

Exodus 18:12 esv

And Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, brought a burnt offering and sacrifices to God; and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat bread with Moses' father-in-law before God.

Exodus 18:12 nlt

Then Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, brought a burnt offering and sacrifices to God. Aaron and all the elders of Israel came out and joined him in a sacrificial meal in God's presence.

Exodus 18 verses

Exodus 18 12 Meaning

Exodus 18:12 details a sacred gathering where Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, initiates worship by offering a burnt offering and sacrifices to God. Following this, Aaron, accompanied by all the elders of Israel, joins Jethro and Moses in a communal meal before God. This event signifies Jethro's profound recognition of Yahweh's supremacy after hearing of His powerful acts, resulting in a public act of worship and the establishment of fellowship between Jethro, Moses, and the leadership of Israel in God's presence.

Exodus 18 12 Context

Exodus chapter 18 records the arrival of Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, to the Israelite camp in the wilderness, bringing with him Zipporah (Moses’ wife) and their two sons. Jethro had heard of all that God had done for Israel, specifically their deliverance from Egypt and victory over Amalek (vv. 1, 8). His visit serves as a moment of thanksgiving and communion, culminating in this shared meal of worship. Immediately following this verse, Jethro observes Moses’ exhaustive role in judging disputes and offers wise counsel for delegating responsibilities, highlighting a divinely inspired structure for leadership among the newly formed nation. Historically, the Israelites were newly delivered from slavery, establishing their identity as God's chosen people at the foot of Mount Sinai. Jethro, a Midianite priest, provides a non-Israelite perspective affirming the true God.

Exodus 18 12 Word analysis

• And Jethro: (וַיִּקַּח יִתְרוֹ - vayyiqqaḥ Yitro). "Vayyiqqaḥ" literally means "and he took" or "and he brought," highlighting Jethro's initiative in leading the worship. Jethro, meaning "his abundance" or "his excellence," emphasizes his prominent role, especially as Moses' father-in-law.
• Moses’ father-in-law: (חֹתֵן מֹשֶׁה - ḥotēn Moshe). This familial title emphasizes their intimate connection, which fosters trust and understanding, making his subsequent spiritual conviction and counsel impactful.
• brought: (implicit, from וַיִּקַּח above). Reinforces Jethro's active role as the instigator and leader of the sacrifice.
• a burnt offering: (עֹלָה - ʿolāh). This Hebrew term means "that which goes up" or "ascending offering." It was completely consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication, surrender, and atonement, rising as a "pleasing aroma" to God (Lev 1:9).
• and sacrifices: (וּזְבָחִים - uzevakhim). Refers to "slaughtered offerings," often denoting peace offerings (שְׁלָמִים, shelamim). These sacrifices were distinct from burnt offerings in that only a portion was burned for God; the rest was eaten by the worshippers, signifying fellowship, reconciliation, and communion with God and one another.
• to God: (לֵאלֹהִים - lēʾlōhīm). The generic Hebrew term Elohim (God) here unequivocally refers to Yahweh, the God of Israel, given Jethro's previous confession in Exod 18:11 ("Now I know that the LORD [Yahweh] is greater than all gods"). This signifies a distinct rejection of pagan deities in favor of the one true God.
• and Aaron came: (וַיָּבֹא אַהֲרֹן - vayyāvoʾ Aharon). Aaron, Moses' brother and soon-to-be High Priest, officially represents the Levitical priesthood and Israel's spiritual leadership, endorsing Jethro's act of worship and the subsequent communal meal.
• with all the elders of Israel: (וְכֹל זִקְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל - veḵōl ziqnê Yisrāʾēl). The elders were the civic and religious representatives of the twelve tribes. Their presence confirms the communal assent and legitimacy of the proceedings, emphasizing the unity of the people in worship.
• to eat bread: (לֶאֱכֹל לֶחֶם - leʾĕḵol leḥem). "Bread" (leḥem) broadly signifies a full meal or food. This communal eating of the peace offering establishes a sacred covenant meal, symbolizing restored relationships, shared blessings, and mutual fellowship in the presence of God.
• with Moses’ father-in-law: (עִם־חֹתֵן מֹשֶׁה - ʿim-ḥōtēn Moshe). Reinforces the special honor given to Jethro, showing the Israelite leadership’s acceptance and welcoming of this once-outsider into their sacred communal life.
• before God: (לִפְנֵי הָאֱלֹהִים - li̱fnê hāʾĔlōhīm). "In the presence of God." This phrase elevates the communal meal from a mere social gathering to a solemn act of worship. It implies God’s active presence and approval, making the event a sacred covenant renewal and celebration.

Words-Group Analysis:

• Jethro… brought a burnt offering and sacrifices to God: This phrase encapsulates Jethro's sincere and active worship of Yahweh. It highlights his conversion or recognition of the one true God, a significant theological point demonstrating that sincere faith and worship can emerge from outside the covenant people. It’s a polemic against the regional gods of Midian and the recently defeated gods of Egypt.
• Aaron came with all the elders of Israel: This emphasizes the communal endorsement and participation of Israel's established leadership. Their presence validates the sacrificial meal, integrating Jethro's worship experience into the community of faith. It represents the official, tribal acknowledgment of the divine event.
• to eat bread with Moses’ father-in-law before God: This communal meal signifies a profound act of covenantal fellowship, reconciliation, and sacred unity. Eating "before God" is not casual; it implies sharing in the presence and blessings of God, a holy communion between God, Jethro, Moses, Aaron, and the Israelite elders. It is an act of binding commitment.

Exodus 18 12 Bonus section

• This passage demonstrates that a non-Israelite, by acknowledging God's mighty acts and humbling himself to worship Him, could participate fully in Israelite fellowship rituals, hinting at God's broader redemptive plan for all nations.
• The transition from Jethro’s worship (v. 12) to his offering of judicial counsel to Moses (vv. 13-26) suggests a sequence: true wisdom and effective governance for God's people must be built upon a foundation of right relationship and worship with God.
• The "peace offering" aspect of the sacrifices (uzevakhim) specifically highlighted the restoration of fellowship. The meal shared among the participants visually represented the re-establishment of harmony and shared life, both with God and among themselves.
• The phrase "before God" emphasizes the divine presence that sanctifies the entire event. This communal meal was not merely a social gathering, but a profound spiritual experience, reminding all involved of God's active involvement in their lives and relationships.

Exodus 18 12 Commentary

Exodus 18:12 is far more than a simple description of a meal; it's a profound moment of inter-faith fellowship, divine affirmation, and theological recognition. Jethro, previously a Midianite priest, takes the lead in an act of profound worship. His offerings, specifically a burnt offering (denoting complete dedication) and sacrifices (often peace offerings for fellowship), signal his deep conviction in Yahweh's unparalleled supremacy. This wasn't merely a polite gesture but a public and sacrificial act of allegiance to the God of Israel, spurred by God's mighty acts against Egypt. The participation of Aaron, the High Priest-designate, and all the elders—the spiritual and civic representatives of Israel—lends immense significance to the event. Their presence signifies Israel’s communal acceptance and endorsement of Jethro's worship. The subsequent communal meal "before God" further sanctifies the occasion. This shared eating, rooted in the consumption of peace offerings, binds Jethro to Moses and the Israelite leadership in a covenantal bond of fellowship. It demonstrates that worship and community, established under God's watchful eye, form the foundation for true peace and cooperation. This verse prophetically hints at the future inclusion of Gentiles into God's family through faith, demonstrating that genuine worship transcends ethnic and national boundaries.