Jethro in Rabbinic Literature - Religion

Religion

Jethro was the first to utter a benediction to God for the wonders performed by Him for the Israelites (comp. Exodus xviii. 10). Such a thing had not been done either by Moses or by any of the Israelites (Sanh. l.c.; Mek. l.c. 2). Jethro knew that God was greater than all the gods (comp. Ex. xviii. 11), because he had previously worshiped all the idols of the world (Mek. l.c.; Tan. l.c.); but at the same time he did not deny to idols all divine power (Yalk., Ex. 269). According to Rabbi Joshua, Moses purposely sent Jethro away so he wouldn't be present at the revelation of the Law (comp. Exodus 18.27, Hebr.).

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