The term "Priest of Midian" primarily refers to Jethro, also known as Reuel, who is a significant figure in the Old Testament. He is introduced in the Book of Exodus as the father-in-law of Moses and a priest of the Midianites, a nomadic tribe descended from Midian, one of Abraham's sons through Keturah (Genesis 25:1-2).

Biblical References:

1. Exodus 2:16-22: Jethro first appears in the narrative when Moses flees from Egypt to the land of Midian. Moses encounters Jethro's seven daughters at a well, where he assists them in watering their flock. In gratitude, Jethro invites Moses to stay with his family, eventually giving his daughter Zipporah to Moses in marriage. "Moses agreed to stay with the man, and he gave his daughter Zipporah to Moses in marriage" (Exodus 2:21).

2. Exodus 3:1: Jethro is identified as a priest of Midian, indicating his role as a religious leader among his people. "Now Moses was tending the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian" (Exodus 3:1). This suggests that Jethro held a position of spiritual authority, possibly overseeing religious practices and rituals among the Midianites.

3. Exodus 18: Jethro's most notable contribution to the biblical narrative occurs when he visits Moses after the Exodus from Egypt. Hearing of the Israelites' deliverance, Jethro brings Moses' wife and sons to him. During this visit, Jethro observes Moses' heavy burden of leadership and offers wise counsel on delegating responsibilities. He advises Moses to appoint capable men as leaders over groups of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens to judge the people, allowing Moses to focus on more significant matters. "You will surely wear yourself out, and these people as well. For the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone" (Exodus 18:18).

4. Numbers 10:29-32: Jethro, also referred to as Hobab in this passage, is invited by Moses to join the Israelites on their journey to the Promised Land. Moses values Jethro's knowledge of the wilderness and seeks his guidance. "Please do not leave us, since you know where we should camp in the wilderness, and you can serve as our guide" (Numbers 10:31).

Theological Significance:

Jethro's role as the priest of Midian and his interactions with Moses highlight several theological themes. His recognition of Yahweh's power and his offering of sacrifices to God (Exodus 18:12) demonstrate the acknowledgment of the God of Israel by a non-Israelite, emphasizing the universal reach of God's sovereignty. Jethro's wise counsel to Moses underscores the importance of shared leadership and the practical application of wisdom in governance.

Jethro's presence in the narrative also serves as a reminder of God's providence and the interconnectedness of different peoples in the biblical account. His relationship with Moses and his positive influence on the Israelite community illustrate the potential for cooperation and mutual respect between different cultures and faiths.

Cultural and Historical Context:

The Midianites were a nomadic people inhabiting the region east of the Gulf of Aqaba, in the northwestern part of the Arabian Peninsula. As descendants of Abraham, they shared a distant kinship with the Israelites. The role of a priest in Midianite society likely involved religious leadership, mediation between the divine and the people, and the performance of rituals and sacrifices.

Jethro's identity as both a priest and a wise counselor reflects the broader ancient Near Eastern context, where religious and civic leadership were often intertwined. His account provides insight into the diverse religious landscape of the time and the ways in which different cultures interacted with and influenced one another.