Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Exodus 18:12

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.

12. a burnt offering and sacrifices ] see on Exo 20:24.

to eat bread ] i.e. to take part in the sacred meal accompanying the sacrifice: the ‘sacrifice’ here meant being of the nature of the later ‘peace-offering,’ an essential part of which was the accompanying sacred meal, in which the worshipper and his friends partook, and by which they entered symbolically into communion with the Deity (Lev 7:15; Deu 12:7; Deu 12:18; Deu 27:7). For other cases in which ‘eating’ (sometimes accompanied by ‘drinking’) is to be understood similarly of the sacred meal, see Gen 31:54; Exo 24:11; Exo 32:6; Exo 34:15 (in the worship of heathen gods: so Num 25:2, Psa 106:28); 1Sa 9:13; Psa 22:26; Psa 22:29.

before God ] i.e. before the altar, presupposed by the sacrifices.

Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

A burnt offering and sacrifices – This verse clearly shows that Jethro was recognized as a priest of the true God, and is of great importance in its bearings upon the relation between the Israelites and their congeners, and upon the state of religion among the descendants of Abraham.

Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible

Verse 12. Jethro – took a burnt-offering] olah. Though it be true that in the patriarchal times we read of a burnt-offering, (see Ge 22:2, c.,) yet we only read of one in the case of Isaac, and therefore, though this offering made by Jethro is not a decisive proof that the law relative to burnt-offerings, c., had already been given, yet, taken with other circumstances in this account, it is a presumptive evidence that the meeting between Moses and Jethro took place after the erection of tabernacle. See Clarke on Ex 18:5.

Sacrifices for God] zebachim, slain beasts, as the word generally signifies. We have already seen that sacrifices were instituted by God himself as soon as sin entered into our world and we see that they were continued and regularly practised among all the people who had the knowledge of the only true God, from that time until they became a legal establishment. Jethro, who was a priest, (Ex 2:16), had a right to offer these sacrifices nor can there be a doubt of his being a worshipper of the true God, for those Kenites, from whom the Rechabites came, were descended from him; 1Ch 2:55. See also Jer 35:1-19.

And Aaron came, and all the elders of Israel to eat bread] The burnt-offering was wholly consumed; every part was considered as the Lord’s portion, and therefore it was entirely burnt up. The other sacrifices mentioned here were such that, after the blood had been poured out before God, the officers and assistants might feed on the flesh. Thus, in ancient times, contracts were made and covenants sealed; See Clarke on Ge 15:13, c. It is very likely, therefore, that the sacrifices offered on this occasion, were those on the flesh of which Aaron and the elders of Israel feasted with Jethro.

Before God.] Before the tabernacle, where God dwelt for it is supposed that the tabernacle was now erected. See Clarke on Ex 18:5; and see De 12:5-7, and 1Ch1 29:21-22, where the same form of speech, before the Lord, is used, and plainly refers to his manifested presence in the tabernacle.

Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible

Took a burnt-offering, i.e. gave, or offered; as that verb is used Psa 68:18, compared with Eph 4:8; also Exo 25:2. Which he did, that he might publicly testify both his embracing of the true religion, and his thankfulness to God for the great deliverance given to his people, wherein also himself and family were concerned. And he took or offered these, not immediately, or by himself, (which would have seemed a presumptuous and unwarrantable action for a stranger to undertake in the church of Israel,) but by those who were appointed to do it; in which sense David is said to have sacrificed, 2Sa 24:25, and Solomon, 1Ki 8:63, and all those who brought their offerings to the priests to offer for them.

A burnt offering and sacrifices, to wit, of thanksgiving, as is expressed Exo 24:5; for part of these the offerers, with others, did eat, Lev 7:15, whereas no man might eat of the burnt-offerings, Lev 1:9.

To eat bread, i.e. to feast together of the remainders of the sacrifices.

Before God; either before the cloudy pillar; or rather, before the altar, and in the place of public worship; for some such place undoubtedly they had, though the tabernacle was not yet built; and that was the place appointed for such feasts. See Deu 12:7; 27:7; 1Ch 29:21; Psa 116:17.

Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole

12. Jethro . . . took a burntofferingThis friendly interview was terminated by a solemnreligious servicethe burnt offerings were consumed on thealtar, and the sacrifices were peace offerings, used ina feast of joy and gratitude at which Jethro, as priest of the trueGod, seems to have presided, and to which the chiefs of Israel wereinvited. This incident is in beautiful keeping with the character ofthe parties, and is well worthy of the imitation of Christian friendswhen they meet in the present day.

Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

And Jethro, Moses’s father in law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God,…. The burnt offering, which was either of the flock or of the herd, was wholly consumed by fire, from whence it had its name; the peace offering for thanksgiving, which seemed to be meant by the sacrifices here, the flesh of them were to be eaten, Le 7:15 and now a feast was kept, as the latter part of the verse shows: whether Jethro brought cattle along with him for such a purpose, and so “gave” p or “offered” them for a burnt offering and sacrifices to God; as the word for took may be rendered, one and the same word signifying both to give and take, see Ps 68:18, compared with Eph 4:8 or whether, with the leave of Moses and the children of Israel, he took them out of their flocks and herds, it matters not, since this is only observed to show Jethro’s devotion to God, and the grateful sense he had of the divine goodness to Israel; and since he was a priest of Midian, as he is generally said to be, and a priest of the most high God, as Melchizedek was, he might offer sacrifices; for it does not appear that he delivered them to others to be offered, or that these were slain by Aaron; for, though he is after mentioned, yet not as a sacrificer, but as a guest; and perhaps this might be before he and his sons were separated to the priest’s office, or, at least, before they had entered upon it; nor is this mention of a burnt offering and sacrifices any proof of Jethro’s meeting Moses after the giving of the law, since, before that, sacrifices were in use, and Jethro being a grandchild of Abraham, might have learnt the use of them from him:

and Aaron came, and all the elders of Israel, to eat bread with Moses’s father in law, before God; the tents of Moses being on the east side of the tabernacle, as Aben Ezra says, in which was the mercy seat and cherubim, between which the divine Majesty was; but there is no need to suppose that the tabernacle was now built, for this tent of Moses might be placed before or near the pillar of cloud in which Jehovah was; or the sense may only be, that they ate their food in the presence of God, in the fear of the Lord, with gladness and singleness of heart, as good men do; and especially as this was an eucharistic sacrifice unto God they partook of, Aaron and the elders came out of a civil respect to Jethro, to take a meal with him, as well as to join with him in a religious action: the bread they ate was, no doubt, the manna, which Jethro, though a Midianite, yet a descendant of Abraham, and a good man, partook of, and is put for the whole repast, the flesh of the sacrifices and what else were eaten: no mention is made of Moses, nor was there any need of it, as Aben Ezra observes, it being his tent in which they were: the Targum of Jonathan adds,

“Moses stood and ministered before them;”

and so says Jarchi; which is not very probable, it being not agreeable to the dignity of his station and office.

p “acceptumque obtulit”, Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Fagius, Drusius.

Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible

The sacrifices, which Jethro offered to God, were applied to a sacrificial meal, in which Moses joined, as well as Aaron and all the elders. Eating bread before God signified the holding of a sacrificial meal, which was eating before God, because it was celebrated in a holy place of sacrifice, where God was supposed to be present.

Fuente: Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament

12. And Jethro. Although I do not think that Jethro had previously sacrificed to idols, yet, because he worshipped an unknown God, with but a confused and clouded faith, it appears that this was his first sincere and legitimate sacrifice since the God of Israel had been more clearly known to him. We may gather from hence that it was duly offered, because Moses, and Aaron, and the elders openly professed them. selves his companions, and partook with him; for it is not merely said that they came to eat bread with him, but “before God;” which expression describes a sacred and solemn feast, a part and adjunct of the offering and divine worship. But they never would have willingly polluted themselves with the defilement’s of the Gentiles for the sake of gratifying an unholy man. It follows, then, that this was a token of his piety, since they did not hesitate to become partakers with him. We ought, indeed, to have God before our eyes, as often as we partake of his bounty; but we shall hereafter see, that this expression is peculiarly applied to sacrifices, wherein the faithful put themselves in the presence of God. Yet. do I not admit that Jethro slew the victims in right of the priesthood which he exercised in the land of Midian; but because there was more liberty, as will be explained in its place, before the Law was prescribed by God. It is my decided opinion that by the word “bread,” the manna is incontestably meant.

Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary

(12) Jethro . . . took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God.Jethro had brought sacrifices with him, and now offered them in token of his thankfulness for Gods mercies towards himself and towards his kinsman. He occupied a position similar to that of Melchizedek (Gen. 14:18), holding a priesthood of the most primitive character, probably as patriarch of his tribe, its head by right of primogeniture. As Abraham acknowledged rightly the priesthood of Melchizedek (Gen. 14:19; Heb. 7:2-9), so Moses and Aaron rightly acknowledged that of Jethro. They markedly indicated their acceptance of his priestly character by participation in the sacrificial meal, which, as a matter of course, followed his sacrifice. They ate bread with Moses father in law (or rather, brother-in-law) before God.

Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)

12. Burnt offering and sacrifices for God Jethro, the venerable priest, according to ancient usages of patriarchal worship, presides and officiates at this sacrifice and festival. The Levitical ritual and institutions had not yet been established, and no one but Jethro could, on that occasion, have so appropriately acted as priest. This great patriarch, with an intensified faith in Jehovah as the only true God, (Exo 18:10-11,) worships in thorough accord with Moses and Aaron and all the elders of Israel. All these probably assisted in some form at this sacrifice. Comp. Gen 31:46-54. “This passage is of great importance in its bearings upon the relation between the Israelites and their congeners, and upon the state of religion among the descendants of Abraham.” Speaker’s Commentary.

Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Exo 18:12. Jethrotook a burnt-offering Hence it plainly appears, that Jethro was a priest of the true God; and that burnt-offerings, which were to be wholly consumed upon the altar, (Lev 1:9.) and sacrifices or peace-offerings, of which the people, as well as the priests, partook, (Lev 15:33.) were in general use among believers before the giving of the law. See Gen 4:4. To eat bread, signifies to partake of the sacrifice. Before God means, either before the place where the Shechinah now appeared; or, if this visit was after the erection of the tabernacle, (as some commentators suppose,) it signifies, before the face of God’s special presence there; see ch. Exo 16:33-34. Or, before God may signify, as in Dan 6:10 before God spiritually considered, in a religious regard to the Divine Presence: Daniel kneeled in his house, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God. The expression, however, lipeni haelohim, before the face, or faces of Elohim, is, most probably, derived from the Divine appearance in the cloudy pillar, and from thence in the sanctuary. See note on Gen 3:24.

REFLECTIONS.Moses meets his father with affection and respect; for though he is become great, he is not become proud with it. As his heart is full of God’s mercy, he begins immediately, on the first salutation, to recount God’s dealings. Note; It is our duty, and should be our delight, to tell of the things God hath done for our souls, for the encouragement and comfort of our brethren. Jethro is happy at the news, and blesses God for it. We must thus ever rejoice in the felicity of God’s chosen, and give God the glory due to his name. And hereupon he makes a solemn profession of his faith in Israel’s God, convinced of his greatness above all the powers of man, as well as above the enchantments of Egypt and her idols. In token of his faith he offers sacrifice to God, and entertains all the elders of Israel. Though not an Israelite born, yet he was by faith of the Israel of God. Note; It is well when friends meet, not only to welcome them to our board, but to bring them to the altar. Our meetings will be joyful, and our feasts sanctified, when the word of God, and christian conversation, and praise, and prayer, are our employment.

Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke

Observe the early and general idea of sacrifices even before the giving of the law. Doth not this evidently imply that from the first, the idea was alive in the human mind of some mode of expiation. See Gen 3:21 with Heb 10:5 and Rev 13:8 .

Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)

Exo 18:12 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.

Ver. 12. Before God, ] i.e., As in his presence, with reverence and godly fear. “To feed without fear” is a foul fault. Jdg 1:12 See my “Commonplace of Abstinence.”

Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)

took: Exo 24:5, Gen 4:4, Gen 8:20, Gen 12:7, Gen 26:25, Gen 31:54, Job 1:5, Job 42:8

Aaron: Exo 24:11, Lev 7:11-17, Deu 12:7, Deu 27:7, 1Ch 29:21, 1Ch 29:22, 2Ch 30:22, 1Co 10:18, 1Co 10:21, 1Co 10:31

eat bread: Exo 2:20, Gen 43:25, 2Sa 9:7, Job 42:11, Dan 10:3, Luk 14:1, Luk 14:15

Reciprocal: Exo 3:16 – elders Num 23:3 – burnt Jos 8:31 – and they offered Jdg 1:16 – Moses’

Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exo 18:12. And Jethro took a burnt-offering for God And probably offered it himself, for he was a priest in Midian, and a worshipper of the true God, and the priesthood was not yet settled in Israel. And they did eat bread before God Soberly, thankfully, in the fear of God: and their talk was such as became saints. Thus we must eat and drink to the glory of God, as those that believe Gods eye is upon us.

Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

18:12 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 {f} before God.

(f) They ate in the place, where the sacrifice was offered: for part was burnt, and the rest eaten.

Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes