Jethro was the first to utter a benediction to God for the wonders performed by Him for the Israelites (Exodus 18:10); such a thing had not been done either by Moses or by any of the Israelites. Jethro knew that God was greater than all the gods (Exodus 18:11), because he had previously worshiped all the idols of the world; but at the same time he did not deny to idols all divine power. According to Rabbi Joshua, Moses purposely sent Jethro away so he would not be present at the revelation of the Law.