Yithro (Jethro) and Mosheh (Moses)

In the book of Shmot (Exodus) we witness a reunion of sorts between Abba Mosheh (Moses) and Yithro (Jethro) his Kotheyn (wife’s father/powerful kinsman). This the first documented physical encounter between the two since Mosheh left Mitzrayim (“Egypt”) after first hearing the call from the mount. The environment of the encounter must be discussed. Yithro hears of Mosheh’s success in leading the people of Yisrael out from Mitzrayim, and the decision is made to reunite Mosheh with Zipporah his Ishah (wife) and Eleazar and Gershom; his yelediym/children (Sidenote: It should be assumed that Mosheh and Yithro communicated prior to this as Zipporah and the yelediym returned back to Yithro at some point during Mosheh’s return or settlement in Mitzrayim).

The meeting site is at the new campsite of Yisrael – at the Mount of Ha Elohiym - and as they draw near Yithro announces to the camp who he is, and Mosheh upon hearing of the return of his Kotheyn, immediately leaves from his tent and runs out to meet Yithro. Mosheh falls on his face before his superior, then arises to hug and kiss him. The two then ask of one another’s wellbeing before Mosheh invites him into the tent.  

Once in the tent Mosheh cannot refrain from recounting to his Kotheyn all that The Eternal did unto Pharaoh and Mitzrayim. He just had to tell Yithro of this great deliverance. Yithro hears it and blesses Mosheh. In a loud voice with hands raised he proclaims in Ivrith (Hebrew) “Baurukh YAH asher hitziyl ethkhm miyad Mitzrayim umiyad Paroh asher hitziyl eth hauaum mitakath yad mitzrayim” (Blessed be YAH that delivered you from the hand of Mitzrayim and from the hand of Paroh that delivered the people from under the hand of Mitzrayim!). He then says to himself after the blessing – in the ears of all present – “Now I know that great is The Eternal. He is greater than all powers!” And upon completing the blessing over Mosheh, prepares and offers up an Olah (“burnt offering”). Aharon and all the Ziqney YisraEl join them, and altogether bring foods to feast with Yithro.

Some takeaways:

1.      Yes! There were priests before Yisrael established its own priesthood. Yithro is not the first. We see Melchizedek identified as Khoheyn El Elyon and in both cases our forefathers respected these roles. We paid respect as was the custom. We respected order even if systems we encountered were not our own. We stayed within that which The Eternal gave us and we were unafraid of interacting with other systems because we know that Yah YisraEL is the lord of lord, king of kings, and power over all powers. We knew this then. But do we know this now?

2.      Yes! Mosheh’s Kotheyn, Yithro, was not of the people of Yisrael, and served a major purpose for our people. There were two roles that he held that were honorific. But it’s his becoming kin that allowed Mosheh to fully receive of his knowledge and wisdom. A man giving his daughter to another man is a major commitment and if it be done out of a genuine love for the man/family receiving is the greatest sense of brotherhood one can commit to. Had the two never become kin – we probably would never hear of this narrative.

3.      Yes! Mosheh’s Kotheyn offered up a sacred offering and our Chief Priest and all of the Elders of Yisrael acknowledged it and feasted with him. He also shared an approach to leadership that we adopted and made our own. From it we understand that YisraEL is never a one man show especially when it comes to matters of justice and judgment. There are checks and balances with the Khohaniym, the Shoftiym/Judges, the Ziqney Yirael (Elders) and later with the Melekh (King).

4.      Yes! Mosheh did not feel ashamed in recounting the great victory that The Creator manifested. We cannot forget to give thanks for the great victories, nor can we overlook the challenges that slow us down. Either way He is sovereign and what is good and right will always prevail – no matter what.

Peace be to you. Peace be to your house. And peace be unto all that is yours! Shalom Shalom!

Bn Shmû ÉL is a loyal son, committed father, founder of HaDBR Media, Chief Editor at Bn Shmû ÉL Publishing House, and author of The Land Of Milk and Honey: The Heart Of The World. https://www.bn-shmu-el.com/shop .