Exodus 18:11 - Now I know that Yahweh is greater than all gods because of the thing in which they dealt arrogantly against them.”
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What does "Exodus 18:11" mean?
This verse, Exodus 18:11, is a statement of recognition by Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, after hearing about the Exodus from Egypt. Let's break down what it means:
"Now I know that Yahweh is greater than all gods...": This is the core of the statement. Jethro, who was likely a priest of Midianite deities (though his faith seems to have been evolving), acknowledges the supremacy of Yahweh, the God of Israel. This is not a theoretical acknowledgement, but a conviction born from witnessing Yahweh's power.
"...because of the thing in which they dealt arrogantly against them.": This refers to the events of the Exodus, specifically how the Egyptians, representing their own gods, acted arrogantly and oppressively towards the Israelites.
"They dealt arrogantly": This describes the Egyptians' hubris and pride. They believed themselves to be superior, both politically and religiously. They enslaved the Israelites, defying what we understand from other sources as moral and social justice, and refusing to acknowledge Yahweh's power.
"Against them": This refers to the Israelites.
The whole verse therefore points to this conclusion: Jethro now understands that Yahweh is superior to all other gods because the Egyptians, despite their arrogance and power, were ultimately defeated by Yahweh. Jethro saw that the actions of the Egyptians and their gods (represented by the Pharaoh) were dealt with powerfully by Yahweh. Their 'arrogance' (in oppressing the Israelites and defying Yahweh) resulted in their downfall. The plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, and the ultimate defeat of Pharaoh's army demonstrated Yahweh's unrivaled power and effectively discredited the Egyptian gods.
In simpler terms:
Jethro is saying, "After hearing about everything that happened, I now realize that Yahweh is the most powerful God because the Egyptians, who thought they were so great and oppressed the Israelites, were completely defeated by Him."
Significance:
Recognition of Yahweh's Power: This verse highlights the overwhelming demonstration of Yahweh's power in the Exodus. It wasn't just a political liberation; it was a religious victory as well.
Conversion/Turning Point: While it's debated whether Jethro fully converted to Judaism, this verse suggests a significant shift in his understanding of the divine. He moves from a polytheistic worldview to acknowledging the supremacy of Yahweh.
Missionary Aspect: The verse demonstrates that the Exodus events had an impact beyond the Israelites. They served as a testimony to the power of Yahweh, even influencing those outside the Israelite community.
Exodus 18:11 - Now I know that Yahweh is greater than all gods because of the thing in which they dealt arrogantly against them.”
What does "Exodus 18:11" mean?
This verse, Exodus 18:11, is a statement of recognition by Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, after hearing about the Exodus from Egypt. Let's break down what it means:
"Now I know that Yahweh is greater than all gods...": This is the core of the statement. Jethro, who was likely a priest of Midianite deities (though his faith seems to have been evolving), acknowledges the supremacy of Yahweh, the God of Israel. This is not a theoretical acknowledgement, but a conviction born from witnessing Yahweh's power.
"...because of the thing in which they dealt arrogantly against them.": This refers to the events of the Exodus, specifically how the Egyptians, representing their own gods, acted arrogantly and oppressively towards the Israelites.
"They dealt arrogantly": This describes the Egyptians' hubris and pride. They believed themselves to be superior, both politically and religiously. They enslaved the Israelites, defying what we understand from other sources as moral and social justice, and refusing to acknowledge Yahweh's power.
"Against them": This refers to the Israelites.
The whole verse therefore points to this conclusion: Jethro now understands that Yahweh is superior to all other gods because the Egyptians, despite their arrogance and power, were ultimately defeated by Yahweh. Jethro saw that the actions of the Egyptians and their gods (represented by the Pharaoh) were dealt with powerfully by Yahweh. Their 'arrogance' (in oppressing the Israelites and defying Yahweh) resulted in their downfall. The plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, and the ultimate defeat of Pharaoh's army demonstrated Yahweh's unrivaled power and effectively discredited the Egyptian gods.
In simpler terms:
Jethro is saying, "After hearing about everything that happened, I now realize that Yahweh is the most powerful God because the Egyptians, who thought they were so great and oppressed the Israelites, were completely defeated by Him."
Significance:
Recognition of Yahweh's Power: This verse highlights the overwhelming demonstration of Yahweh's power in the Exodus. It wasn't just a political liberation; it was a religious victory as well.
Conversion/Turning Point: While it's debated whether Jethro fully converted to Judaism, this verse suggests a significant shift in his understanding of the divine. He moves from a polytheistic worldview to acknowledging the supremacy of Yahweh.
Missionary Aspect: The verse demonstrates that the Exodus events had an impact beyond the Israelites. They served as a testimony to the power of Yahweh, even influencing those outside the Israelite community.