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 18:12KJV
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Exodus 18:12 (KJV)

What does Exodus 18:12 mean?

Exodus 18:12 describes Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, offering burnt offerings and sacrifices to God, after which Aaron and the elders of Israel join him to share a meal in God’s presence. This verse shows a moment of worship and fellowship, highlighting the acceptance of Jethro, a non-Israelite, into the community’s worship of God.

Jethro, who is visiting Moses after hearing about all that God has done for Israel, takes the initiative to offer sacrifices to God. Aaron and the elders coming to eat bread with Jethro before God shows a communal act of respect and unity, acknowledging Jethro’s faith and participation. This gathering happens in the context of Moses recounting Israel’s deliverance, making the shared meal a sign of shared faith and gratitude.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 18:12

  • The word for “burnt offering” is עֹלָה (ʿolah), which means a sacrifice that is completely burned on the altar. This type of offering was a way to express devotion and surrender to God.
  • The word for “sacrifices” is זֶבַח (zevach), which refers to offerings that were often shared as meals, symbolizing fellowship with God and others. The combination of both terms in this verse highlights both dedication and communal sharing.
  • The phrase “before God” uses the word פָּנִים (panim), meaning “face” or “presence.” Eating “before God” suggests that the meal is not just social but has a sacred aspect, taking place with an awareness of God’s nearness.

Why Exodus 18:12 matters

  • Exodus 18:12 shows that worship of the God of Israel is open to outsiders who acknowledge Him, as seen in Jethro’s participation.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of shared meals in ancient worship, where eating together was a sign of unity and acceptance before God.
  • This event sets the stage for the advice Jethro gives Moses in the following verses, showing that his relationship with Moses and Israel is built on mutual respect and shared faith.

Where else these words appear

“Jethro” Hebrew H3503 · used in 9 verses

  • Exodus 3:1 Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb.
  • Exodus 18:1 When Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses' father in law, heard of all that God had done for Moses, and for Israel his people, and that the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt;
  • Exodus 18:6 And he said unto Moses, I thy father in law Jethro am come unto thee, and thy wife, and her two sons with her.

“law” Hebrew H2859 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 34:9 And make ye marriages with us, and give your daughters unto us, and take our daughters unto you.
  • Exodus 18:15 And Moses said unto his father in law, Because the people come unto me to enquire of God:
  • Judges 19:4 And his father in law, the damsel's father, retained him; and he abode with him three days: so they did eat and drink, and lodged there.