Now I Know

Now I Know Exodus 18:1-12 Context • Impossible Situations and God’s Supply: 1. Bitter water; Tree makes sweet 2. No Food; Manna 3. No Water; Water from the Rock 4. Warring Amalekites; Military Deliverance • Location – Near Midian, near the location of the burning bush. • Nexus of Events – people, places, and timing make Exodus 18:1-12 more than a simple addendum. Jethro the Priest • Three times we’re told that Jethro was “the priest of Midian” (2:16; 3:1; 18:1). • Position held for over four decades • Unsure over what sort of religion Jethro was a priest over, but it’s clear the worship of Yahweh alone was not part of it. Jethro the Father-in-Law • Moses makes it very clear that Jethro was his fatherin-law: 18:1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 12 (twice) • Exodus 2 – Moses meets Jethro and marries one of his 7 daughters, Zipporah • Sometime after 4:25-26, Moses sent Zipporah and his two sons to live with Jethro • Now, it’s time for a reunion. Moses the Evangelist • Moses went out of his way to honor Jethro (18:7): (1) went out to meet him (2) bowed down (3) kissed (4) invited Jethro into his home. • Moses Recounted 3 Things (18:8): 1. Yahweh’s Miracles 2. Israel’s Challenges 3. Yahweh’s Deliverance Jethro the Convert • “Blessed be the LORD”: spoken often by foreign rulers who rejoice at Yahweh’s good (Hiram – 1 Kings 5:21; Queen of Sheba – 1 Kings 10:9) • “Now I know”: spoken twice by foreign converts – Widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:24); Naaman (2 Kings 5:1ff) • Jethro worships (18:12a) • Jethro fellowships with the redeemed (18:12b) Applications • From Jethro’s introduction to Yahweh to conversion to Yahweh, it was 40+ years. • Jethro was not won by anger or tough love – he was won in an environment of honor and respect. • Jethro was not won by argument or apologetics – he was won by observation of God’s goodness to His people.