רְעוּאֵל

רְעוּאֵל

Reuel, the name of Moses' father-in-law, also of an Edomite and an Israelite

Definition

Reuel is a Hebrew proper name meaning 'friend of God,' borne by several significant biblical figures. Most notably, Reuel is identified as the father-in-law of Moses in Exodus 2:18, though he is more commonly known by the name Jethro. The name also designates an Edomite, a grandson of Esau, appearing in the genealogies of Genesis 36:4, 10, 13, and 17. Additionally, a Reuel is listed as the father of Eliasaph, a leader of the tribe of Gad, in Numbers 2:14 and 10:29. In 1 Chronicles 1:35, the Edomite Reuel is again mentioned, confirming his place in the lineage of Esau.

Biblical Usage

The name Reuel is used ten times in the Old Testament, primarily in genealogical and narrative contexts. It appears in the Genesis 36 genealogy of Esau's descendants, establishing the Edomite lineage. In Exodus 2:18, it identifies Moses' father-in-law when he meets the priest of Midian. The name is also used for a tribal leader of Gad in the wilderness census and marching orders in Numbers 2:14 and 10:29. The usage consistently marks personal identity within family and tribal structures.

Etymology

The name Reuel (רְעוּאֵל) is a compound of two Hebrew elements: 'רְעוּ' (rᵉʻû), likely meaning 'friend' or 'companion' (from the same root as H7466, רֵעַ), and 'אֵל' (ʼêl, H410), the common word for 'God.' Thus, the name translates directly to 'friend of God.' This theophoric name (containing God's name) reflects a common naming practice expressing a relationship or devotion to the divine.

Semantic Range

As a theophoric name meaning 'friend of God,' Reuel carries theological weight, reflecting the ideal relationship between humanity and the divine. This is exemplified in the figure of Moses' father-in-law, Jethro/Reuel, a priest who blesses the God of Israel and offers wise counsel to Moses (Exodus 18). The name serves as a reminder that God seeks relationship with individuals from various nations, including Midianites and Edomites, foreshadowing the universal scope of God's covenant. Understanding the name's meaning enriches the reading of these narratives by highlighting the theme of divine friendship and guidance. In ancient Semitic culture, names were deeply significant, often describing character, destiny, or a family's relationship to God. A name like Reuel ('friend of God') was not merely a label but a statement of identity and piety. The fact that it is borne by both an Edomite (a descendant of Esau) and the Midianite father-in-law of Moses indicates that this concept of divine friendship was recognized beyond the specific covenant line of Israel, reflecting a broader ancient Near Eastern understanding of personal deities. Jethro (Yithrô, H3503) — An alternative name for Moses' father-in-law, Reuel, possibly a title meaning 'his excellence.'

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