Numbers 10:29 - Moses said to Hobab, the son of Reuel the Midianite, Moses’ father-in-law, “We are journeying to the place of which Yahweh said, ‘I will give it to you.’ Come with us, and we will treat you well; for Yahweh has spoken good concerning Israel.”
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What does "Numbers 10:29" mean?
This verse from Numbers 10:29 describes Moses inviting Hobab, his brother-in-law, to join the Israelites on their journey to the Promised Land. Let's break it down:
"Moses said to Hobab, the son of Reuel the Midianite, Moses’ father-in-law...": This identifies the person Moses is addressing. There's a bit of textual difficulty here. Some argue that Reuel is another name for Jethro, Moses' father-in-law. Others believe that Hobab is the son of Reuel, and Jethro is Hobab's father. Regardless, the key point is that Hobab has a familial connection to Moses, through Moses' marriage.
"...“We are journeying to the place of which Yahweh said, ‘I will give it to you.’": This explains the context of the invitation. Moses reminds Hobab that the Israelites are on a divinely ordained mission, travelling towards the land God promised them.
"Come with us, and we will treat you well...": This is the invitation itself. Moses extends an offer to Hobab to join the Israelites and promises good treatment. This suggests that Hobab had valuable skills or knowledge that could be beneficial to the Israelites.
"...for Yahweh has spoken good concerning Israel.”": This is the reason behind the offer and a persuasive argument. Moses emphasizes that God has promised good things for Israel, implying that Hobab could share in these blessings by joining them. It's also a statement of faith - Moses believes in the promise of God.
In essence, the verse is a diplomatic invitation based on shared connection and the promise of future benefits. Moses recognizes that Hobab, with his knowledge of the desert and perhaps other skills, could be a valuable asset to the Israelites. He appeals to Hobab's self-interest (good treatment, sharing in Israel's blessings) and to their existing relationship. It also underscores the Israelites' faith in God's promise of a land of their own.
Possible reasons for the invitation, based on traditional interpretations and the surrounding context, could include:
Knowledge of the terrain: Hobab likely had extensive knowledge of the desert and its resources, which could be invaluable to the Israelites as they traversed it.
Scouting and guidance: He may have been skilled in scouting and could help them find the best routes and resources.
Diplomatic connections: As a Midianite, Hobab might have had connections with other tribes in the region, which could be useful for trade or peaceful relations.
A desire to share the faith: While not explicitly stated, Moses might have hoped that Hobab would be drawn to the God of Israel and join them in worship.
The next verse describes Hobab's initial reluctance to accept the invitation, so it is important to read it as part of a larger conversation.
Numbers 10:29 - Moses said to Hobab, the son of Reuel the Midianite, Moses’ father-in-law, “We are journeying to the place of which Yahweh said, ‘I will give it to you.’ Come with us, and we will treat you well; for Yahweh has spoken good concerning Israel.”
What does "Numbers 10:29" mean?
This verse from Numbers 10:29 describes Moses inviting Hobab, his brother-in-law, to join the Israelites on their journey to the Promised Land. Let's break it down:
"Moses said to Hobab, the son of Reuel the Midianite, Moses’ father-in-law...": This identifies the person Moses is addressing. There's a bit of textual difficulty here. Some argue that Reuel is another name for Jethro, Moses' father-in-law. Others believe that Hobab is the son of Reuel, and Jethro is Hobab's father. Regardless, the key point is that Hobab has a familial connection to Moses, through Moses' marriage.
"...“We are journeying to the place of which Yahweh said, ‘I will give it to you.’": This explains the context of the invitation. Moses reminds Hobab that the Israelites are on a divinely ordained mission, travelling towards the land God promised them.
"Come with us, and we will treat you well...": This is the invitation itself. Moses extends an offer to Hobab to join the Israelites and promises good treatment. This suggests that Hobab had valuable skills or knowledge that could be beneficial to the Israelites.
"...for Yahweh has spoken good concerning Israel.”": This is the reason behind the offer and a persuasive argument. Moses emphasizes that God has promised good things for Israel, implying that Hobab could share in these blessings by joining them. It's also a statement of faith - Moses believes in the promise of God.
In essence, the verse is a diplomatic invitation based on shared connection and the promise of future benefits. Moses recognizes that Hobab, with his knowledge of the desert and perhaps other skills, could be a valuable asset to the Israelites. He appeals to Hobab's self-interest (good treatment, sharing in Israel's blessings) and to their existing relationship. It also underscores the Israelites' faith in God's promise of a land of their own.
Possible reasons for the invitation, based on traditional interpretations and the surrounding context, could include:
Knowledge of the terrain: Hobab likely had extensive knowledge of the desert and its resources, which could be invaluable to the Israelites as they traversed it.
Scouting and guidance: He may have been skilled in scouting and could help them find the best routes and resources.
Diplomatic connections: As a Midianite, Hobab might have had connections with other tribes in the region, which could be useful for trade or peaceful relations.
A desire to share the faith: While not explicitly stated, Moses might have hoped that Hobab would be drawn to the God of Israel and join them in worship.
The next verse describes Hobab's initial reluctance to accept the invitation, so it is important to read it as part of a larger conversation.