Yitro's Sacrifices and Eating Bread Before God

Points of Dispute

These are some of the central points of dispute (נקודות המחלוקת) between the various exegetes:

What was the purpose of Yitro's visit?
- Family Reunification – see Yitro's Purpose.
- Conversion – Ramban 18:1,12.
- Diplomatic Mission – R. D"Z Hoffmann 18:7,12, Cassuto Intro to Shemot 18.
Did Yitro convert?
See Yitro's Religious Identity for details.
- Yes – Ramban 18:12, R. Bachya 18:12, Seforno 18:12.
- No – Cassuto 18:12.
When did Yitro arrive?
See Chronology.
- In the first year before the Decalogue – Ramban Shemot 18:12.
- In the first year after the Decalogue – see Chronology.
- In the second year – R. Saadia 18:8-21, Ibn Ezra Long Commentary Shemot 18:1, Cassuto 18:12.