In the Bible, Reuel is a name meaning “friend of God.” He is notably identified as the father-in-law of Moses and a priest of Midian, as mentioned in Exodus 2:18.
Scripture
16 Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came and drew water and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock.
17 Now the shepherds came and drove them away, but Moses stood up and saved them, and watered their flock.
18 When they came home to their father Reuel, he said, “How is it that you have come home so soon today?”
19 They said, “An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds and even drew water for us and watered the flock.”
20 He said to his daughters, “Then where is he? Why have you left the man? Call him, that he may eat bread.”
21 And Moses was content to dwell with the man, and he gave Moses his daughter Zipporah.
22 She gave birth to a son, and he called his name Gershom, for he said, “I have been a sojourner in a foreign land.”
Meaning of Reuel in the Bible
The name “Reuel,” which translates to “friend of God,” carries profound significance in the Biblical narrative, particularly within the context of kinship and divine relationships. As the father-in-law of Moses and a priest of Midian (Exodus 2:18), Reuel represents a bridge between different cultures and the emerging story of Israel’s salvation history. His role emphasizes that the plan of God encompasses all nations, not just Israel. This idea is reinforced in Exodus 18, where Reuel, also known as Jethro, imparts wisdom to Moses regarding leadership and delegation, showcasing his spiritual insight and commitment to God’s purpose.
In a broader theological sense, Reuel’s character embodies the ideal of relational fidelity to God and to others. His name suggests a covenantal relationship, paralleling the way God engages in friendship with His people, as seen in verses like James 2:23, which states, “And the scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness’—and he was called a friend of God.” Just as Reuel provides counsel and support to Moses, God invites believers into deep communion and friendship, offering guidance and wisdom for life’s challenges. Thus, the figure of Reuel reinforces the notion that true friendship, whether with God or one another, is grounded in mutual respect, understanding, and shared purpose within the divine narrative.
Reuel’s narrative encourages us to recognize the significance of cross-cultural relationships in the pursuit of divine mission. As an outsider to Israel’s lineage, Reuel’s engagement with Moses illustrates a fundamental biblical theme: God’s work often transcends ethnic and cultural boundaries. His presence in Moses’ life not only signifies a personal connection but also highlights God’s ability to utilize various people to accomplish His plans. This ongoing theme of divine inclusivity invites believers to reflect on how friendships and alliances can expand their understanding of God’s purpose and community.
Moreover, Reuel’s counsel to Moses about leadership and the establishment of a judicial system illustrates the importance of wise mentorship and community governance in the biblical context. His input represents a critical moment, showcasing the value of collaboration and shared wisdom. This mentorship echoes throughout Scripture, where relationships function as a means of providing guidance and support toward fulfilling God’s calling. In this light, Reuel symbolizes not only a familial bond but a divine orchestration of mentorship that enhances one’s capacity to lead effectively. His legacy reminds us that wisdom can come from unexpected places, reinforcing the need for humility and openness when navigating the complexities of life and leadership.
The Significance of Names in Biblical Context
In the Bible, names often carry deep meanings and reflect the character or role of the individual. The name “Reuel,” which means “friend of God” or “shepherd of God,” highlights the importance of relationships with the divine. This name suggests a connection to God that is characterized by trust and guidance, emphasizing the idea that individuals can be in communion with the divine and serve as intermediaries for others.
The Role of Reuel in the Narrative of Moses
Reuel, also known as Jethro, plays a crucial role in the life of Moses, serving as a mentor and advisor. His presence in the narrative underscores the theme of wisdom and counsel in leadership. Reuel’s guidance helps Moses navigate the challenges of leading the Israelites, illustrating the importance of seeking wise counsel and the value of community support in fulfilling one’s divine mission.
The Broader Theme of Divine Friendship
The name Reuel also reflects a broader biblical theme of friendship with God. Throughout scripture, the idea of being a friend of God is associated with faithfulness, obedience, and a deep relational connection. This theme encourages believers to cultivate their relationship with God, emphasizing that such a bond can lead to divine guidance and blessings in their lives.
How to Strengthen Your Relationship with God
Strengthening your relationship with God is a deeply personal journey that requires intention and openness. Start by carving out dedicated time for prayer and reflection each day; this is your sacred space to communicate with God, share your thoughts, and listen for His guidance. Dive into the Scriptures, allowing the Word to speak to you and illuminate your path—consider keeping a journal to jot down insights or verses that resonate with you. Surround yourself with a community of fellow believers who can encourage and challenge you in your faith; engaging in fellowship can provide support and accountability. Lastly, practice gratitude and service; recognizing God’s blessings in your life and extending love to others can deepen your connection with Him. Remember, it’s not about perfection but about progress—take each step with an open heart, and you’ll find your relationship with God blossoming in beautiful ways.
Bible References to the Meaning of Reuel:
Numbers 10:29-32: 29 And Moses said to Hobab the son of Reuel the Midianite, Moses’ father-in-law, “We are setting out for the place of which the Lord said, ‘I will give it to you.’ Come with us, and we will do good to you, for the Lord has promised good to Israel.”
30 But he said to him, “I will not go. I will depart to my own land and to my kindred.”
31 And he said, “Please do not leave us, for you know where we should camp in the wilderness, and you will serve as eyes for us.
32 And if you do go with us, whatever good the Lord will do to us, the same will we do to you.”
Genesis 36:4-10: 4 Adah bore Eliphaz to Esau, Basemath bore Reuel,
5 Oholibamah bore Jeush, Jalam, and Korah.
6 Then Esau took his wives, his sons, his daughters, and all the members of his household, his livestock, all his beasts, and all his property that he had acquired in the land of Canaan.
7 For their possessions were too great for them to dwell together. The land of their sojournings could not support them because of their livestock.
8 So Esau settled in the hill country of Seir. Esau is Edom.
9 These are the generations of Esau the father of the Edomites in the hill country of Seir.
10 These are the names of Esau’s sons: Eliphaz the son of Adah the wife of Esau, Reuel the son of Basemath the wife of Esau.
1 Chronicles 1:35-37: 35 The sons of Esau: Eliphaz, Reuel, Jeush, Jalam, and Korah.
36 The sons of Eliphaz: Teman, Omar, Zepho, Gatam, Kenaz, and Timna, and Amalek.
37 The sons of Reuel: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah.
Exodus 3:1-6: 1 Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, and he led his flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God.
2 And the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed.
3 And Moses said, “I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.”
4 When the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.”
5 Then he said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.”
6 And he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.
Exodus 18:1-12: 1 Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses’ father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses and for Israel his people, how the Lord had brought Israel out of Egypt.
2 Now Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, had taken Zipporah, Moses’ wife, after he had sent her home,
3 Moses went out to meet his father-in-law and bowed down and kissed him. They asked each other of their welfare and went into the tent.
4 And the name of the other was Eliezer, for he said, “The God of my father was my help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh.”
5 Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, came with his sons and his wife to Moses in the wilderness where he was encamped at the mountain of God.
6 He had said to Moses, “I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons with her.”
7 Then Moses went out to meet his father-in-law and bowed down and kissed him. And they asked each other of their welfare and went into the tent.
8 Then Moses told his father-in-law all that the Lord had done to Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, all the hardship that had come upon them in the way, and how the Lord had delivered them.
9 Jethro rejoiced for all the good that the Lord had done to Israel, in that he had delivered them out of the hand of the Egyptians.
10 Jethro said, “Blessed be the Lord, who has delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians and out of the hand of Pharaoh and has delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians.
11 Now I know that the Lord is greater than all gods, because in this affair they dealt arrogantly with the people.
12 And Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, brought a burnt offering and sacrifices to God; and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat bread with Moses’ father-in-law before God.
Numbers 2:1-2: 1 The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying,
2 The people of Israel shall camp each by his own standard, with the banners of their fathers’ houses. They shall camp facing the tent of meeting on every side.
Rev. François Dupont is a dedicated church minister with a wealth of experience in serving spiritual communities. With a calm and serene demeanor, he has been devoted to sharing the message of love, compassion, and tolerance for over two decades. Through his thoughtful sermons, compassionate counseling, and unwavering support, Rev. Dupont has touched the lives of countless individuals, allowing them to find solace and strength during difficult times. His serene presence and deep understanding of the human condition make him a trusted guide for those seeking spiritual nourishment and guidance.