The name of Moses’ father-in-law is a conundrum. In Exodus 2:18 he is called “Reuel.” In 3:1, he is called “Jethro.” In Numbers 10:29, he is either called “Hobab,” or “Raguel” (which is really not that different than Reuel as far as the Hebrew is concerned). What is one to do? Alan Cole writes, “There is of course no problem in supposing him to have two (or more) names, since double names are known from South Arabic sources. In such cases the biblical editor sometimes specifies both names together, as in ‘Jerubbaal (that is, Gideon)’ (Judg. 7:1): but sometimes both are used independently within a few verses (Judg. 8:29f.)” [68]. Douglas Stuart cites W.F. Albright’s conclusion that “Jethro was the man’s usual name, with the variant Jether (Exod 4:18); Reuel was his clan name (what we might call his “last” name today)” [n146, p. 99]. It also appears that Jethro/Reuel was a pagan priest, though it is possible that the word “priest” should be understood as “prince, or chief ruler” who also carries out priestly functions (cp. the word’s usage in Genesis 14:18, w/ Psalm 110:4; 2 Samuel 8:18; 20:26).
Capital punishment (i.e., the death penalty) has been in the headlines recently. While many criticize the death penalty as a cruel and spiteful act of revenge, God actually established the death penalty on the grounds that human life reflects its Creator. In Genesis 9, God told Noah, “Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man” (v. 6). By striking at the image bearer a murderer is striking at the image Giver. Capital punishment, therefore, reinforces the concept of the sanctity of human life—that human life is uniquely special. Additionally, in the death penalty, the punishment fits the crime.
I will be hosting a livestream event to talk about Bill Rice Bible College where I serve as Director and instructor. It will be streamed on the college’s Facebook page and here at TPP’s YouTube channel.
The Professor’s Podcast
The Professor’s Podcast
The name of Moses’ father-in-law is a conundrum. In Exodus 2:18 he is called “Reuel.” In 3:1, he is called “Jethro.” In Numbers 10:29, he is either called “Hobab,” or “Raguel” (which is really not that different than Reuel as far as the Hebrew is concerned). What is one to do? Alan Cole writes, “There is of course no problem in supposing him to have two (or more) names, since double names are known from South Arabic sources. In such cases the biblical editor sometimes specifies both names together, as in ‘Jerubbaal (that is, Gideon)’ (Judg. 7:1): but sometimes both are used independently within a few verses (Judg. 8:29f.)” [68]. Douglas Stuart cites W.F. Albright’s conclusion that “Jethro was the man’s usual name, with the variant Jether (Exod 4:18); Reuel was his clan name (what we might call his “last” name today)” [n146, p. 99]. It also appears that Jethro/Reuel was a pagan priest, though it is possible that the word “priest” should be understood as “prince, or chief ruler” who also carries out priestly functions (cp. the word’s usage in Genesis 14:18, w/ Psalm 110:4; 2 Samuel 8:18; 20:26).
4 months ago | [YT] | 1
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The Professor’s Podcast
Capital punishment (i.e., the death penalty) has been in the headlines recently. While many criticize the death penalty as a cruel and spiteful act of revenge, God actually established the death penalty on the grounds that human life reflects its Creator. In Genesis 9, God told Noah, “Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man” (v. 6). By striking at the image bearer a murderer is striking at the image Giver. Capital punishment, therefore, reinforces the concept of the sanctity of human life—that human life is uniquely special. Additionally, in the death penalty, the punishment fits the crime.
9 months ago | [YT] | 0
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The Professor’s Podcast
I will be hosting a livestream event to talk about Bill Rice Bible College where I serve as Director and instructor. It will be streamed on the college’s Facebook page and here at TPP’s YouTube channel.
10 months ago | [YT] | 3
View 0 replies