Numbers 10:31
And he said, Leave us not, I pray thee; forasmuch as thou knowest how we are to encamp in the wilderness, and thou mayest be to us instead of eyes.
Original Language Analysis
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
2 of 14
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
נָ֖א
H4994
נָ֖א
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
3 of 14
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
אֹתָ֑נוּ
H853
אֹתָ֑נוּ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כִּ֣י׀
H3588
כִּ֣י׀
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כֵּ֣ן
us not I pray thee forasmuch as thou knowest
H3651
כֵּ֣ן
us not I pray thee forasmuch as thou knowest
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
8 of 14
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
יָדַ֗עְתָּ
H3045
יָדַ֗עְתָּ
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
9 of 14
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
חֲנֹתֵ֙נוּ֙
how we are to encamp
H2583
חֲנֹתֵ֙נוּ֙
how we are to encamp
Strong's:
H2583
Word #:
10 of 14
properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s
בַּמִּדְבָּ֔ר
in the wilderness
H4057
בַּמִּדְבָּ֔ר
in the wilderness
Strong's:
H4057
Word #:
11 of 14
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
Cross References
Historical Context
The 'wilderness' (מִדְבָּר, miḏbār) between Sinai and Canaan was Hobab's native territory. His Midianite knowledge of water sources, safe routes, and camping sites would prove invaluable. This occurred circa 1446-1406 BC during Israel's wilderness wandering. Moses' request shows the value of local expertise in unfamiliar terrain.
Questions for Reflection
- When have you been tempted to rely solely on 'spiritual guidance' while ignoring practical wisdom God has provided through others?
- How can you be 'eyes' for others in areas where God has given you specialized knowledge or experience?
- What does Moses' humble request teach about leadership—even when you have divine authority?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Leave us not, I pray thee; forasmuch as thou knowest how we are to encamp in the wilderness—Moses appeals to Hobab's practical knowledge: thou mayest be to us instead of eyes (וְהָיִ֥יתָ לָּ֖נוּ לְעֵינָ֑יִם, wəhāyîṯā lānū ləʿênayim). This phrase acknowledges human instrumentality within divine guidance—the pillar of cloud led Israel, yet human wisdom remained valuable.
This challenges both hyper-spiritualism (ignoring practical wisdom) and rationalism (trusting only human knowledge). God often provides direction through consecrated human expertise. Moses' humility in seeking help, despite having direct divine revelation, models leadership that honors others' gifts while maintaining ultimate dependence on God's guidance.