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 18:9KJV
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Exodus 18:9 (KJV)

What does Exodus 18:9 mean?

Exodus 18:9 describes how Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, was filled with joy because of all the good things the LORD had done for Israel, especially delivering them from the power of the Egyptians. The verse highlights Jethro’s positive reaction to hearing about Israel’s rescue and God’s kindness.

Jethro is not an Israelite but a Midianite priest who visits Moses after hearing about the Israelites’ escape from Egypt. When Moses shares the story of how the LORD helped Israel, Jethro responds with genuine happiness. This moment shows that God’s actions for Israel were noticed and appreciated even by those outside the nation, emphasizing the impact of God’s deliverance.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 18:9

  • The word “rejoiced” comes from חָדָה (chadah), which means to be glad or to rejoice deeply. This word suggests a heartfelt, emotional response, not just polite approval.
  • “Goodness” is טוֹבָה (tovah), meaning goodness, well-being, or good things. It points to the tangible benefits and kindness that the LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh) showed Israel.
  • “Delivered” is נָצַל (natsal), which means to snatch away, rescue, or save from danger. The verse emphasizes that Israel’s escape was an act of rescue from real threat, not just a lucky event.

Why Exodus 18:9 matters

  • This verse shows that God’s actions for Israel had an impact beyond their own community, as even outsiders like Jethro recognized and celebrated God’s goodness.
  • The verse sets the stage for Jethro’s later advice to Moses, showing that he is both supportive and spiritually perceptive.
  • It highlights the theme of deliverance and gratitude, reminding readers that God’s help is something to be celebrated and shared with others.

Where else these words appear

“rejoiced” Hebrew H2302 · used in 3 verses

  • Job 3:6 As for that night, let darkness seize upon it; let it not be joined unto the days of the year, let it not come into the number of the months.
  • Psalms 21:6 For thou hast made him most blessed for ever: thou hast made him exceeding glad with thy countenance.

“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.