Jethro was the “priest of Midian” and the father-in-law of Moses (Exodus 3:1; 4:18). He was also called “Reuel” (Exodus 2:18) and is described as a Midianite in Numbers 10:29.

The original Midianites were probably descendants of Midian, one of Abraham’s sons by Keturah (Genesis 25:1-4). The land where they lived then became known as “Midian” (Exodus 2:15). It is likely that the people who lived in the land of Midian were then all called Midianites, even if they were not descendants of Midian. For example, some descendants of Ishmael appear to be called Midianites (Genesis 37:25,28; Judges 8:24).

We don’t know whether Jethro was a descendant of Midian, or whether he had some other ancestry but lived in the land of Midian.

In Judges 1:16, Jethro is described as a “Kenite” but that may not relate directly to his ancestry. The word keni in Aramaic means “smith” and it is thought that the Kenites may have been metal workers.

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4 Responses to Who were Jethro’s ancestors?

  1. Johnny says:

    Jethro a descended of Ishmael

    This subject has bothered me for years now because if you have ever watched the 10 commandments movie you will notice that when Moses first arrived in the household of Jethor and his daughters a man sitting there told Moses that {{{we are the descendents of Ishmael the obedient ones}}}!!! Has you ever seen the Ten Commandments and noticed this yourself! If not it would be worth it to go out and rent it and check it out!

    Praise him
    Brother Johnny

  2. Pr.Innocent says:

    I thank every participant to this view of Jethro’s ancestry for without deep reading it is not easy to understand that through every corner of family God chose people to amke a record for the spiritual history.

    so I appreciate for for your contribution.

  3. Andre Lafond says:

    To believe that Hollywood who gave us the 10 commandment movie could help us understand the Bible is kind of outrageous. Satan would do everything to hide Bible Truths from the servants of the Lord.

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