Exodus 18:12Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Aaron also honored Jethro by sharing a meal, inviting the elders to partake in bread together. The Scripture states, ‘And Aaron came, and all the elders of Israel, to eat bread with the father-in-law of Moses before God.’ This action mirrors Christ, who—like Aaron—provides us with the bread of life, nourishing not only the Gentiles but also, primarily, the chosen ones of Israel, represented by the elders. The act of ‘eating bread ... before God’ serves as a profound symbol of sanctification, highlighting the significance of a meal held in divine presence, especially concerning the sacramental feast and those who participate in it.

Jethro brought sacrifices to the Lord, which means he either presented them through Moses or designated items intended for sacrifice, so that they could be offered to God in the location that He would select.

Jethro, in the midst of Jehovah's people, serves as a priest, illustrating that both he and his father Raguel were ministers of the one true God, the Creator of all. This priesthood was a legacy passed down through generations alongside sacred customs and divine promises. During the Exodus, it is likely that few such priests remained, given the spread of naturalistic myths and beliefs in regions such as Arabia, Syria, and Phoenicia. Nevertheless, the later arrival of the prophet Balaam from Peor near the Euphrates, who possessed knowledge of the true God, suggests that a remnant of wise individuals remained, who did not succumb to idolatry but revered the true God instead. From the east, likely the Euphrates region, three wise men traveled to honor the infant Jesus Christ. Their gathering resembled a communal thanksgiving celebration, following a ceremonial act of gratitude for salvation, as noted by O. Gerlach.