Yitro

Yitro, also known as Jethro or Reuel, is a figure in the Hebrew Bible, particularly significant in the book of Exodus. He is the father-in-law and father figure of Moses, the leader who guided the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt.

According to the biblical account, Yitro was a Midianite priest who met Moses after his flight from Egypt. Moses had killed an Egyptian who was abusing a Hebrew and had then fled to Midian to escape punishment, but he was taken in by Yitro and married his daughter Zipporah. After living among the Midianites for a period of time, Moses was instructed by a divine presence in a burning bush to return to Egypt and demand that the Israelites be freed from their bondage.

Yitro accompanied Moses on his journey to Egypt and was present when Moses encountered Aaron and other Israelites who had remained in the land. Yitro played a significant role in advising Moses on how to establish a system of governance over the Israelites, promoting the idea of judges to help Moses in his leadership.

Yitro is also notable for the song he led the Israelites in, upon hearing of the miraculous events that were unfolding in front of them. The song, Exodus 18:9-12, expressed the connection between the Israelites and the divine power that had guided them. Yitro's role in biblical narrative is that of a wise and supportive figure, providing Moses with guidance and encouragement, as well as facilitating the incorporation of non-Israelites into the community of the faithful.