The Seven Names of Jethro and What Each One Reveals

Yalkut Shimoni on Nach 38:1

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

"And the children of the Kenite, Moses' father-in-law, went up from the city of palm trees" (Judges 1:16). Jethro was called by seven names: Jether, Jethro, Heber, Hobab, Reuel, Putiel, and Kenite. Jether [from yeter, "added"], because through him an additional passage was added to the Torah. Jethro [yitro, "his excess"], because he abounded in good deeds. Heber ["joined"], because he joined himself to the Holy One, blessed be He. Hobab [from chaviv, "beloved"], because he was beloved to the Holy One, blessed be He. [Some add: ben, "son," because he was like a son to the Holy One.] Reuel [from rea, "friend"], because he was like a friend to the Holy One. Putiel [read as nifter, "departed"], because he departed from idolatry.

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