Numbers 10:30
And he said unto him, I will not go; but I will depart to mine own land, and to my kindred.
Original Language Analysis
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אֵלֵ֑ךְ
H1980
אֵלֵ֑ךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
4 of 11
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
כִּ֧י
H3588
כִּ֧י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 11
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
6 of 11
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
אַרְצִ֛י
to mine own land
H776
אַרְצִ֛י
to mine own land
Strong's:
H776
Word #:
8 of 11
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
Historical Context
Hobab was Moses' brother-in-law (Midianite, possibly the son of Reuel/Jethro). This exchange occurred as Israel prepared to depart Mount Sinai after receiving the Law. Midianites were descendants of Abraham through Keturah (Genesis 25:2), making them distant relatives of Israel. The invitation to Hobab reflects the period's tribal alliance patterns.
Questions for Reflection
- When has God called you away from 'your own land' (comfort, family expectations, security) to follow Him into unfamiliar territory?
- How does Moses' invitation to Hobab ('what goodness the LORD shall do unto us, the same will we do unto thee') reflect the gospel invitation to outsiders?
- What 'desert expertise' has God given you that could serve His people, even if you feel like an outsider?
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Analysis & Commentary
And he said unto him, I will not go; but I will depart to mine own land, and to my kindred—Hobab's (חֹבָב, Ḥōḇāḇ) initial refusal reveals the tension between natural family loyalty and divine calling. His desire to return to Midian (miḏyān) mirrors our struggle between comfort and faith. Moses' plea (v. 31-32) transforms this from mere pragmatism into covenant invitation—Hobab would share in God's promises to Israel.
The narrative leaves Hobab's final decision ambiguous, though Judges 1:16 and 4:11 suggest he eventually accompanied Israel. His expertise as a desert nomad (ʿêynê, 'eyes,' v. 31) was valuable, but more significant was Moses' offer to include him in Israel's blessing. This foreshadows the inclusion of Gentiles in God's covenant people.