Who was Raguel?

Raguel (also spelled Reuel in other parts of Scripture) was the father-in-law of Moses and a prominent figure among the Midianites. His name in Hebrew is רְעוּאֵל (Re‘uʾel), meaning “friend of God” or “God is friend.” The name Raguel, appearing in Numbers 10:29 (KJV), is widely understood to be an alternate form or transliteration of Reuel, possibly reflecting a title or an honorary name. This connection is supported by a comparison with Exodus 2:18, where he is called Reuel, and Exodus 3:1, where he is referred to as Jethro, suggesting he may have had more than one name or title, as was customary in ancient Semitic cultures.

In Numbers 10:29, Raguel is mentioned as the father of Hobab, whom Moses urges to join Israel in their journey through the wilderness:

“Now Moses said to Hobab son of Reuel the Midianite, Moses’ father-in-law, ‘We are setting out for the place about which the Lord said, “I will give it to you.” Come with us and we will treat you well, for the Lord has promised good things to Israel.’” (NIV)

This passage refers to Reuel/Raguel in relation to Hobab, raising questions about whether Hobab or Raguel was Moses’ actual father-in-law. Most conservative biblical scholars resolve the issue by interpreting Reuel as the grandfather or clan patriarch and Jethro (another name for the same person) as the personal name, with Hobab being either Moses’ brother-in-law or possibly even another name for Jethro. This harmonization respects the biblical inerrancy and affirms the reliability of the text despite apparent discrepancies.

Biblical References and Cross-References

• Numbers 10:29 – Raguel is called the father of Hobab the Midianite.

• Exodus 2:18 – Reuel is mentioned as the father of Zipporah, Moses’ wife.

• Exodus 3:1 – Jethro is called the priest of Midian and Moses’ father-in-law.

• Judges 4:11 – Hobab is also described in connection with Moses.

These references demonstrate that Raguel (Reuel) was a significant spiritual and familial figure in Moses’ life and likely a respected patriarch among the Midianites.

Raguel’s Role in the Bible

Raguel, as the patriarch of Moses‘ Midianite in-laws, had a profound influence on Moses during his time in exile from Egypt. After Moses fled Egypt for killing an Egyptian taskmaster, he found refuge with Reuel and married his daughter Zipporah (Exodus 2:21). This union not only brought familial ties but also introduced Moses to Midianite culture and possibly influenced his leadership style.

When Moses returned to Egypt to lead the Israelites out of bondage, Jethro (another name for Raguel/Reuel) later visited him in the wilderness, offering godly counsel on how to govern the people effectively (Exodus 18). Although not explicitly named Raguel in that chapter, it is clear this priestly figure played a pivotal mentoring role in Moses‘ development as a leader.

The mention of Raguel in Numbers 10:29 occurs during Israel‘s preparation to journey from Sinai toward the Promised Land. Moses invites Hobab, the son of Raguel, to serve as a guide through the wilderness, recognizing his familiarity with the terrain. Though Hobab initially declines, the implication is that he may have joined, aiding the Israelites in their navigation—further showing the important role that Moses‘ Midianite relatives played in Israel’s early wilderness history.

What It Means for Today’s Christians

The story of Raguel teaches several important lessons for believers:

1. God’s Sovereignty in Relationships: God providentially placed Moses with Raguel’s family during a critical phase of his life. In God‘s plan, even time spent in exile can be used for preparation and growth.

2. Wisdom from Outside the Camp: Raguel/Jethro, though not an Israelite, gave wise counsel to Moses. This highlights how God‘s wisdom can sometimes come from those outside our immediate circle or background.

3. Unity Across Cultures: The Midianite connection reminds us that God’s work often transcends ethnic and national boundaries. Raguel’s role as a priest and wise leader shows how God‘s revelation was not confined to Israel alone.

4. Faithful Companionship in the Journey: Moses sought Raguel’s son Hobab to join them, valuing his guidance. This speaks to the importance of wise and godly companions in our spiritual journey.

How Raguel Points to Jesus and the Gospel

Raguel, as a priest and shepherd-figure, prefigures aspects of Christ. Just as Raguel gave counsel to Moses and nurtured him in the wilderness, Jesus is our ultimate Counselor and Shepherd who guides us in our spiritual journey (Isaiah 9:6, John 10:11).

Moreover, Raguel’s welcome of Moses—an outcast from Egypt—mirrors God’s grace in welcoming sinners into His household. Just as Moses became a son-in-law and part of Raguel’s family, believers in Christ are adopted into God‘s family through grace (Romans 8:15).

His role as a non-Israelite priest also foreshadows the inclusion of the Gentiles in the blessings of the covenant, a theme fully realized in the gospel through Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:8, 14).

Broader Biblical Themes

1. God’s Use of Sojourners

Raguel and his family were Midianites, yet played a crucial role in the formation of Israel’s leadership. This illustrates God‘s pattern of using outsiders—like Ruth, Rahab, and the Magi—to accomplish His redemptive purposes.

2. The Role of Spiritual Mentors

Raguel’s wisdom and guidance to Moses models the biblical principle of mentorship and discipleship. God often raises up older, wiser figures to guide the next generation in faith and leadership.

3. Hospitality and Kinship

The hospitality extended to Moses is a recurring biblical theme. God blesses households that welcome the stranger, pointing to the ethic of love and kindness foundational in both Old and New Testaments (Hebrews 13:2).

4. God’s Covenant Mercy

Though Raguel was not part of the Abrahamic covenant community by birth, his role in the story aligns with God’s broader mercy toward all nations—a theme culminating in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).

Reflection Questions

1. What can we learn from Raguel’s hospitality and wisdom in our own lives and ministries?

2. How does God use unexpected relationships and seasons of exile to shape us for His purposes?

3. In what ways does the inclusion of non-Israelite figures like Raguel foreshadow the gospel’s invitation to all people?

4. Who has served as a “Raguel” in your spiritual journey—mentoring, guiding, or offering godly counsel?

5. How can we, like Raguel, support and guide others who are called to leadership in God‘s kingdom?

Raguel’s brief mention in the Bible opens a window into the intricate ways God weaves relationships, wisdom, and grace into His redemptive story. Though often overshadowed by more prominent biblical figures, Raguel stands as a quiet yet significant witness to God’s broader plan of redemption and the richness of His covenant mercy.