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Exodus 18:1 - Yitro hears of Exodus miracles

Exodus 18:1 - שמות 18:1

Hebrew Text

וַיִּשְׁמַע יִתְרוֹ כֹהֵן מִדְיָן חֹתֵן מֹשֶׁה אֵת כָּל־אֲשֶׁר עָשָׂה אֱלֹהִים לְמֹשֶׁה וּלְיִשְׂרָאֵל עַמּוֹ כִּי־הוֹצִיא יְהוָה אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵל מִמִּצְרָיִם׃

English Translation

When Yitro, the priest of Midyan, Moshe’s father in law, heard of all that God had done for Moshe, and for Yisra᾽el his people, and that the Lord had brought Yisra᾽el out of Miżrayim;

Transliteration

Vayishma Yitro kohen Midyan choten Moshe et kol-asher asah Elohim l'Moshe ul'Yisrael amo ki-hotzi Adonai et-Yisrael mi-Mitzrayim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּשְׁמַ֞ע יִתְר֨וֹ כֹהֵ֤ן מִדְיָן֙ חֹתֵ֣ן מֹשֶׁ֔ה אֵת֩ כׇּל־אֲשֶׁ֨ר עָשָׂ֤ה אֱלֹהִים֙ לְמֹשֶׁ֔ה וּלְיִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל עַמּ֑וֹ כִּֽי־הוֹצִ֧יא יְהֹוָ֛ה אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מִמִּצְרָֽיִם׃
וַיִּשְׁמַ֞ע יִתְר֨וֹ כֹהֵ֤ן מִדְיָן֙ חֹתֵ֣ן מֹשֶׁ֔ה אֵת֩ כׇּל־אֲשֶׁ֨ר עָשָׂ֤ה אֱלֹהִים֙ לְמֹשֶׁ֔ה וּלְיִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל עַמּ֑וֹ כִּֽי־הוֹצִ֧יא יְהֹוָ֛ה אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מִמִּצְרָֽיִם׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Significance of Yitro's Hearing

The verse (Shemot 18:1) describes how Yitro, Moshe's father-in-law, heard about the miracles Hashem performed for Bnei Yisrael. Rashi explains that Yitro heard specifically about Kriat Yam Suf (the splitting of the Red Sea) and the war with Amalek, as these were the most recent and dramatic events. The Midrash Tanchuma (Yitro 1) elaborates that the entire world heard about these miracles, but only Yitro was moved to action.

Yitro's Title as "Kohen Midyan"

The Torah refers to Yitro as "Kohen Midyan" (Priest of Midyan). Ramban notes that this title indicates his high status as a spiritual leader among the nations. The Talmud (Zevachim 116a) states that Yitro had experimented with every form of idolatry before recognizing Hashem's supremacy, showing his sincere search for truth.

  • Rashi's View: The title "Kohen" here means a prince or leader, not necessarily a priest in the Israelite sense.
  • Ibn Ezra's View: He was indeed a priest of Midyanite deities before abandoning idolatry.

The Phrase "All That God Had Done"

The verse emphasizes that Yitro heard "all that God had done". The Mechilta (Yitro 1) explains this refers to both the Exodus and the giving of the Manna, showing Hashem's continuous care for Israel. Sforno adds that Yitro recognized these were not natural events but direct divine intervention.

Yitro's Relationship to Moshe

The Torah specifies Yitro as "Choten Moshe" (Moshe's father-in-law). The Kli Yakar notes this connection is mentioned to show that despite his familial tie, Yitro's decision to join Bnei Yisrael was based on spiritual recognition, not just family loyalty. The Or HaChaim highlights that Yitro's conversion was complete, as he later advises Moshe on judicial systems (Shemot 18:17-23).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Zevachim 116a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the timing of Yitro's arrival and his reaction to the miracles performed for Israel.
📖 Sanhedrin 94a
Mentioned in a discussion about the recognition of God's power by non-Jews, specifically referencing Yitro's acknowledgment of God's deeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was Yitro (Jethro) and why is he important in this verse?
A: Yitro was Moshe's (Moses') father-in-law and a priest of Midyan. This verse is important because it shows how news of the Exodus reached other nations, demonstrating God's greatness. Yitro later joins the Jewish people and offers wise advice to Moshe about setting up a judicial system (Exodus 18:13-26). Rashi explains that Yitro heard about both the splitting of the Red Sea and the war with Amalek.
Q: Why does the Torah mention that Yitro heard what God did for Israel?
A: The Torah emphasizes this to show how God's miracles became known to other nations, fulfilling the divine purpose that 'all the earth shall be filled with the glory of Hashem' (Numbers 14:21). The Midrash (Mechilta) notes that Yitro's recognition of God's power led him to convert and join the Jewish people, setting an example of how divine miracles can inspire others.
Q: What can we learn from Yitro's reaction in this verse?
A: We learn the importance of recognizing and acknowledging God's hand in history. Yitro didn't ignore the news; he took it seriously and was moved to action (as seen later when he joins Moshe). The Rambam teaches that recognizing God's miracles is a step toward true wisdom and connection with the Divine.
Q: Why does the verse mention both 'what God did for Moshe' and 'for Israel'?
A: Rashi explains that this teaches us God performed miracles both for Moshe personally (like saving him from Pharaoh) and for the entire nation (like the Exodus and splitting the sea). This shows God's care for both individuals and the community, a fundamental Jewish concept.
Q: How does this verse connect to the rest of the Exodus story?
A: This verse introduces Yitro's arrival, which leads to important developments: 1) Yitro acknowledges God's greatness (Exodus 18:11), 2) He brings Moshe's wife and children back to him, and 3) He advises Moshe on establishing a court system. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 94a) sees this as the beginning of the process of establishing proper governance for Israel.