Topical Encyclopedia
Reuel is a biblical figure whose name means "friend of God" or "God is a friend." He is mentioned in several contexts within the Old Testament, primarily in the Book of Genesis and the Book of Exodus. Reuel is associated with the Midianites and is linked to the family of Moses, playing a significant role in the early narrative of the Israelites.
Genealogy and Family ConnectionsReuel is identified as a Midianite priest and the father of Zipporah, who becomes the wife of Moses. In
Exodus 2:18, he is referred to as Reuel, while in other passages, such as
Exodus 3:1, he is called Jethro. This dual naming has led to some debate among scholars, but it is generally accepted that Reuel and Jethro are the same person, with Reuel possibly being a title or an alternate name.
Reuel is also mentioned in the genealogical records of Genesis. In
Genesis 36:4, Reuel is listed as a son of Esau and Basemath, making him a grandson of Isaac and Rebekah. This Reuel is distinct from the Midianite priest, indicating that the name was not uncommon in the ancient Near East.
Role in the Exodus NarrativeReuel's most prominent role is in the Exodus narrative, where he is depicted as a wise and hospitable figure. After Moses flees Egypt, he arrives in Midian and encounters Reuel's daughters at a well. Moses assists them, and in gratitude, Reuel invites Moses to stay with his family. This act of hospitality leads to Moses marrying Zipporah, Reuel's daughter (
Exodus 2:21).
Reuel's wisdom and leadership are further highlighted when he visits Moses in the wilderness after the Exodus. In
Exodus 18, Reuel, referred to as Jethro, advises Moses on the administration of justice among the Israelites. He suggests the appointment of capable men to serve as judges, thereby alleviating the burden on Moses. This advice is well-received and implemented, demonstrating Reuel's influence and the respect he commands.
Religious SignificanceReuel's role as a priest of Midian suggests a religious significance, although the nature of his priesthood is not detailed in the biblical text. His recognition of the God of Israel and his offering of sacrifices (
Exodus 18:12) indicate a reverence for the God of Moses, which may reflect a broader understanding of God's revelation beyond the Israelite community.
Cultural and Historical ContextThe Midianites, to whom Reuel belongs, were a nomadic people living in the region east of the Red Sea. Their interactions with the Israelites are complex, involving both conflict and cooperation. Reuel's positive relationship with Moses and the Israelites highlights the potential for peaceful coexistence and mutual respect between different peoples in the ancient Near East.
LegacyReuel's legacy is primarily seen through his connection to Moses and his contribution to the governance of the Israelite community. His account underscores themes of hospitality, wisdom, and the recognition of God's work beyond the immediate circle of the Israelites. Reuel's interactions with Moses serve as a reminder of the importance of wise counsel and the value of diverse perspectives in the pursuit of justice and community well-being.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Reuelthe shepherd or friend of God
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Reuel(friend of God) One of the sons of Esau, by his wife Bashemath, sister of Ishmael. (Genesis 36:4,10,13,17;1 Chronicles 1:36,37) (B.C. about 1790.)
- One of the names of Moses' father-in-law. (Exodus 2:18) (B.C. 1530.)
- Father of Eliasaph, the leader of the tribe of Gad at the time of the census at Sinai. (Numbers 2:14) (B.C. 1490.)
- A Benjamite, ancestor of Elah. (1 Chronicles 9:8)
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Friend of God.
(1.) A son of Esau and Bashemath (Genesis 36:4, 10;1 Chronicles 1:35).
(2.) "The priest of Midian," Moses' father-in-law (Exodus 2:18)=Raguel (Numbers 10:29). If he be identified with Jethro (q.v.), then this may be regarded as his proper name, and Jether or Jethro (i.e., "excellency") as his official title.
(3.)Numbers 2:14, called also Deuel (1:14;7:42).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
REUELroo'-el (re`u'el, "God is his friend"; the Septuagint Rhagouel):
(1) In the genealogical system Reuel is both a son of Esau by Basemath (Genesis 36:4, 10, 13, 171 Chronicles 1:35, 37) and the father of the father-in-law of Moses, Hobab (Numbers 10:29). In the account of the marriage of Zipporah to Moses (Exodus 2:16-21) Jethro seems to be called Reuel (compare HOBAB). The various names of Jethro perplexed the Talmudists, too; some held that his real name was "Hobab," and that Reuel was his father. Reuel is probably a clan name (Gray, "Numbers," ICC), and Hobab is a member of the clan ("son") of Reuel (Numbers 10:29, the King James Version reads "Raguel").
(2) The father of Eliasaph, the prince of Gad (Numbers 2:14), called (by some copyist's mistake) "Deuel" inNumbers 1:14;Numbers 7:42, 47; 10:20. The Septuagint has uniformly Rhagouel.
(3) A Benjamite (1 Chronicles 9:8). Horace J. Wolf
Strong's Hebrew
7467.Reuel -- "friend of God," Moses' father-in-law, also an...... 7466b, 7467.
Reuel. 7468 . "friend of
... Benjamite. Transliteration:
Reuel Phonetic Spelling: (reh-oo-ale') Short Definition:
Reuel. Word
...Library
Chapter xxxvi
... sister of Nebaioth. And Adah bare Eliphaz to Esau; and Basemath bareReuel;
and Oholibamah bare Jeush and Jalam and Korah. These are...
Receiving Agents.
... PM Vienna, Uriah Medford, PM. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. Washington, Reuben Post.
Alexandria,Reuel Keith. VIRGINIA. Richmond, Nathaniel Charter....
Philo of Alexandria, the Rabbis, and the Gospels - the Final...
... Behaalothekha, ed. Friedmann, p. 20 a) we have very beautiful and ingenious
interpretations of the namesReuel, Hobab and Jethro....
Thesaurus
Reuel (14 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
REUEL.
... In the account of the marriage of Zipporah
to Moses (Exodus 2:16-21) Jethro seems to be called
Reuel (compare HOBAB).
...Reu'el (10 Occurrences)
Reu'el.Reuel, Reu'el. Reumah .... Reu'el (10 Occurrences). Genesis 36:4 And
Adah bore to Esau Eliphaz; and Basemath boreReuel; (See RSV)....
Raguel (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Friend of God, (Numbers 10:29)=Reuel (qv), Exodus 2:18,
the father-in-law of Moses, and probably identical with Jethro (qv). Int....
Jethro (10 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary His excellence, or gain, a prince or priest of
Midian, who succeeded his fatherReuel. Moses spent forty...
Bashemath (6 Occurrences)
... Sweet-smelling. (1.) The daughter of Ishmael, the last of Esau's three wives (Genesis
36:3, 4, 13), from whose sonReuel four tribes of the Edomites sprung....
Nahath (5 Occurrences)
... Rest. (1.) One of the four sons ofReuel, the son of Esau (Genesis 36:13, 17).... Genesis
36:13 These are the sons ofReuel: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah....
Mizzah (3 Occurrences)
... Despair, one of the four sons ofReuel, the son of Esau (Genesis 36:13, 17).... Genesis
36:13 These are the sons ofReuel: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah....
Basmath (7 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Genesis 36:4 And Adah bore to Esau Eliphaz; and Basmath boreReuel.... Genesis
36:13 And these are the sons ofReuel: Nahath and Zerah, Shammah and Mizzah....
Bas'emath (7 Occurrences)
... Genesis 36:3 and Basemath Ishmael's daughter, sister of Nebaioth. (See RSV). Genesis
36:4 And Adah bore to Esau Eliphaz; and Basemath boreReuel; (See RSV)....
Basemath (7 Occurrences)
... Genesis 36:4 Adah bore to Esau Eliphaz. Basemath boreReuel.... Genesis 36:13 These
are the sons ofReuel: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah....
Resources
Who was Moses' wife? Did Moses have more than one wife? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the Kenites? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Jethro in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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