Find Your Hobab

In Numbers chapter 10, we meet a fellow by the name of Hobab. 

If you’re anything like me, you don’t remember reading about Hobab before. He’s only mentioned twice in the Bible. He is, we’re told, Moses’s brother-in-law, the son of Reuel (which is apparently another name for Moses’s father-in-law Jethro – see Exodus 18). In Numbers 10, as the Israelites are about to embark on what will turn into a 40-year journey through the wilderness, Moses turns to his wife’s family for help.

One day Moses said to his brother-in-law, Hobab son of Reuel the Midianite, “We are on our way to the place the Lord promised us, for he said, ‘I will give it to you.’ Come with us and we will treat you well, for the Lord has promised wonderful blessings for Israel!”

But Hobab replied, “No, I will not go. I must return to my own land and family.”

“Please don’t leave us,” Moses pleaded. “You know the places in the wilderness where we should camp. Come, be our guide. If you do, we’ll share with you all the blessings the Lord gives us.” (10:29-32)

The Israelites were entering a desolate, unknown territory. But Hobab hadn’t lived all his life in Egypt like the Israelites. He knew the lay of the land before them, and he could guide Moses and the people on their journey.

In life we find ourselves walking so many roads that we have never travelled before, but others have. As you parent, at work, going through a divorce, caring for aging parents, following Jesus—most of the challenges we face have been faced and overcome (or at least survived) by someone before us. Others have journeyed through that wilderness and come out with experience and wisdom that can guide us on our journeys.

They are our Hobabs.

Moses understood how critical this kind of guide is. That’s why he wouldn’t take “No” for an answer. When Hobab balked at Moses’s first offer, he pleaded—‘Please! You know where we ought to camp out here. Come and be our guide’. (10:31) Moses knew that “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Prov 15:22) Hobab’s counsel was essential for Israel’s success.

And wise, experienced guides are essential for our journeys, as well. Moses was never shy about accepting help from others—Aaron, Jethro, Hobab—and we shouldn’t be either. The Lord created people to do life together, and Jesus called twelve disciples to follow him together, because we’re stronger and more faithful when we have strong and faithful supporters in our lives. “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” (Ecc 4:12)

So don’t try to cross this wilderness alone. Don’t enroll in the school of hard knocks when you know plenty of graduates who’re ready to share what they learned. Seek counsel for the challenges ahead. Enlist a guide for the journey.

Find your Hobab.

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