Understanding Biblical Names and Cultural Context When reading the book of Exodus, some readers notice what appears to be a contradiction concerning the name of Moses’ father-in-law. In Exodus 2:18, he is called Reuel, but in Exodus 3:1 and Exodus 4:18, he is referred to as Jethro. This raises an important question: Was Moses’ father-in-law Reuel or Jethro? Let’s explore what the Bible says and how we can understand this using both Scripture and cultural context. 1. The Two Names: Reuel and Jethro In Exodus 2:16–18, after fleeing Egypt, Moses arrives in the land of Midian and helps the daughters of a Midianite priest: “Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters… When the girls returned to Reuel their father, he asked them, ‘Why have you returned so early today?’”(Exodus 2:16–18, NIV) Later, in Exodus 3:1, it says: “Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian…” And again in Exodus 4:18, Jethro is mentioned by name: “Then Moses went back to Jethro his father-in-law and said to him, ‘Let me return to my own people in Egypt to see if any of them are still alive.’” At first glance, this may seem like a contradiction—but it isn’t. It’s a reflection of ancient Near Eastern naming customs. 2. Biblical Pattern: One Person, Multiple Names In the Bible, it was common for individuals to have more than one name or title. This could include a birth name, a spiritual name, a title, or a name given by others. A clear example is Jacob, who was later renamed Israel by God: “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.”(Genesis 32:28, NIV) Both names are used throughout Scripture depending on the context. Similarly, Saul of Tarsus later became known as Paul (Acts 13:9). This same principle applies to Moses’ father-in-law. Reuel (meaning “friend of God” in Hebrew) may have been his given name or clan/family name, while Jethro (possibly meaning “excellence” or “abundance”) could have been his personal or priestly title. 3. Who Was Reuel? Who Was Jethro? Reuel is mentioned only in Exodus 2:18 in connection with the daughters returning to their father. Some scholars believe Reuel may refer to the patriarch of the family (perhaps even Jethro’s father), or it may be another name for Jethro himself. Jethro is consistently referred to as the priest of Midian and Moses’ father-in-law in later passages. He plays an important role not only in Moses’ life but also in the leadership structure of Israel. In Exodus 18, Jethro advises Moses to delegate responsibilities to other leaders—a key moment in Israel’s administrative history. “Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said.”(Exodus 18:24, NIV) 4. Theological Significance of Jethro Jethro, though a Midianite, is portrayed positively in Scripture. He recognizes the work of God and offers sacrifices to Him: “Jethro was delighted to hear about all the good things the Lord had done for Israel… He said, ‘Praise be to the Lord…’ Then Jethro… brought a burnt offering and other sacrifices to God.”(Exodus 18:9–12, selected) This encounter shows that God’s covenant grace and truth were already being recognized by people outside Israel—highlighting God’s wider redemptive plan (cf. Genesis 12:3). 5. Conclusion: No Contradiction, Just Cultural Context There is no contradiction in the names Reuel and Jethro—they refer to the same person. This is consistent with ancient naming customs and other biblical examples of people having more than one name. So, Moses’ father-in-law is both Reuel and Jethro. Understanding this enhances our appreciation for the rich cultural and theological layers of Scripture. May the Lord bless you as you seek His truth
Question:What is the Book of Enoch, and should we as Christians believe in it? Answer:The Book of Enoch is an ancient writing classified among the Apocrypha, believed to have been composed between roughly 200 BC and 400 AD. Some Christian groups regard it as a secret or hidden book because it contains mysterious revelations about God and the history of the world. However, it was never included in the canonical Bible of 66 books that most Christians accept today. The reason the Book of Enoch—and other apocryphal writings—were excluded from the Bible is not simply because they were “secret” or too spiritual. Rather, these writings contain many teachings and stories that conflict with the core doctrines of Christianity and biblical truth. Historical Context and Discovery The Book of Enoch was rediscovered in the 18th century in Ethiopia and later translated into other languages. It is sometimes called 1 Enoch because there are other Enochic writings as well. In 1947, fragments of the book were also found among the Dead Sea Scrolls in caves near the Dead Sea, confirming its antiquity and influence among some ancient Jewish groups. Who Was Enoch? Enoch is a biblical figure mentioned in Genesis 5:18–24 (ESV): “Enoch walked with God after he fathered Methuselah 300 years and had other sons and daughters. Thus all the days of Enoch were 365 years. Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him.” Unlike other humans, Enoch did not die but was taken directly by God, a unique event that later fueled speculation that he was given special heavenly knowledge. Contents of the Book of Enoch The book includes elaborate stories about angels—specifically 200 “watchers” or angels who fell from heaven because they lusted after human women and took them as wives (Genesis 6:1–4 alludes to such events). Their offspring were giants called the Nephilim, described as beings of enormous size and great violence. Enoch’s book details how these angels taught humanity forbidden knowledge, such as the use of weapons, sorcery, astrology, and other forms of corruption. This narrative attempts to explain the wickedness of humanity before the flood. However, many of these accounts stretch beyond what Scripture teaches and include mythological or legendary elements that cannot be substantiated by biblical revelation or reason. Theological Considerations The Bible does not teach that angels marry or reproduce with humans. Jesus himself clarified that in the resurrection, people “neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven” (Matthew 22:29–30, ESV). Angels were created as spiritual beings without physical reproductive functions. Furthermore, the New Testament affirms that after death comes judgment (Hebrews 9:27, ESV): “And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.” This contradicts teachings found in some apocryphal books about purgatory or prayers for the dead. Why Christians Should Be Cautious While the Book of Enoch contains some historical and theological insights, it is filled with stories and ideas that contradict the core message of the Bible. It includes many myths and speculative traditions that can mislead believers. Church tradition and biblical scholarship affirm that the canonical 66 books of the Bible are sufficient for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). Some Christian traditions, such as the Roman Catholic Church, include additional apocryphal books in their Bible canon, increasing the total number of books to 73. However, these additional books also contain teachings that differ from Protestant interpretations, such as the doctrine of purgatory and prayers for the dead, which are not supported by Scripture. Conclusion The Book of Enoch is a fascinating ancient text with some connections to biblical themes but is not inspired Scripture and should not be regarded as authoritative or infallible. Christians should base their faith on the 66 canonical books of the Bible, which have been divinely inspired and preserved by the Holy Spirit. Jesus warned against being led astray by teachings that do not align with Scripture (Matthew 22:29). Therefore, it is wise to be discerning and cautious about accepting writings outside the biblical canon, especially when they contain theological errors or myths. May the Lord bless and guide you in all truth.