And Moses said unto Hobab, the son of Raguel the Midianite, Moses’ father in law, We are journeying unto the place of which the LORD said, I will give it you: come thou with us, and we will do thee good: for the LORD hath spoken good concerning Israel. 30 And he said unto him, I will not go; but I will depart to mine own land, and to my kindred. 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. 32 And it shall be, if thou go with us, yea, it shall be, that what goodness the LORD shall do unto us, the same will we do unto thee. (Num 10:29-32 KJV)
- Hobab by some commentators is Jethro, the father in law to Moshe. However, the more likely identity of Hobab is that of a brother in law to Moshe
- Moshe came to value the knowledge and counsel that Hobab brought to him and Israel
- Often we fail to see the resources that Father places before us
- Often we cut off our noises to spite our faces
- Our godly spouses, siblings, parents, and friends are excellent sources of knowledge and sound counsel
- Additionally, those whom Father has put into our lives–friends, co-workers, neighbors, etc, though they may not be believers, may be tremendous sources of knowledge and counsel that we would be remiss to overlook
- Counsel is vital to the Believer of Messiah–Where no advice is, the people fall; but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety. (Pro 11:14 DBY) The way of a fool is right in his own eyes; but he that is wise hearkeneth unto counsel. (Pro 12:15 DBY) Without counsel purposes are disappointed; but in the multitude of counsellors they are established. (Pro 15:22 DBY) Plans are established by counsel; and with good advice make war. (Pro 20:18 DBY)
- Moshe recognized that Hobab’s invaluable strengths rested upon his knowledge, experiences, and understanding of the wilderness. As a Midianite, Hobab was raised and lived in the wilderness. Moshe was raised and experienced in the ways of warfare, organization, leadership. He obviously realized his lack of knowledge and understanding in this areas of Hobab’s strengths and thus Moshe pleaded with Hobab to dwell with Israel. In exchange, Hobab would reap the tremendous benefits to be had by Israel as promised by Yehovah
- As believers in Yehovah, we tend to place little trust and hope in the people around us. Indeed, the Bible counsels us to trust Yehovah over man–It is better to trust in Jehovah than to put confidence in man; (Psa 118:8 DBY) However, Yehovah is faithful to provide for our needs–But my God shall abundantly supply all your need according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (Phi 4:19 DBY) Yet we must be wise in the ways of Yehovah and not overlook opportunities and assistance–Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. (Mat 10:16 KJV)
- Sometimes, the most unlikely persons in our lives–especially unbelievers–may be just the solution to our problem and or the key to our every day success
The take away from this dear friend is to keep your eyes and ears open for opportunity to receive the council and guidance and assistance you may require in every aspect of your life. Do not under-estimate the value that a believer or non-believer could bring to your business, school work if you’re a student, career, home life, or your spirit life. Yehovah provides us with common sense and a spirit of discernment. If we are to live the abundant life, we must be always in search and always open to opportunities to enhance our endeavors in every area of our lives.
