Lexical Summary Chobab: Hobab Original Word: חֹבָב Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Hobab From chabab; cherished; Chobab, father-in-law of Moses -- Hobab. see HEBREW chabab NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom chabab Definition father-in-law of Moses NASB Translation Hobab (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs חֹבָב proper name, masculine (compare Phoenician proper name חב; WeSkizzen iii, 171. 217 suggests comparison with  serpent) — son of Reuel, חֹתֵן of Moses (see חתן), Numbers 10:29 (J E), Judges 4:11; insert ׳ח probably also Judges 1:16, see GFM. Topical Lexicon Scriptural Occurrences 1. Numbers 10:29–31 – “Now Moses said to Hobab son of Reuel the Midianite, Moses’ father-in-law, ‘We are setting out for the place of which the Lord said, “I will give it to you.” Come with us and we will treat you well, for the Lord has promised good things to Israel.’ … ‘You know where we should camp in the wilderness, and you can serve as our eyes.’” Identity and Genealogical Placement Numbers identifies Hobab as “son of Reuel the Midianite” while Judges calls him “father-in-law of Moses.” Most interpreters reconcile the statements by viewing Hobab as the brother-in-law of Moses (son of Reuel/Jethro) but, in Near-Eastern idiom, also styled “father-in-law” because he stood as senior representative of Jethro’s household once Jethro returned to Midian (Exodus 18). Either reading preserves the textual integrity and sustains the straightforward sense that Hobab belongs to the Midianite-Kenite clan into which Moses married. Historical Setting Hobab appears in the second year after Israel’s exodus, when the nation breaks camp at Sinai and embarks toward Canaan (Numbers 10). Centuries later, his descendants, the Kenites, dwell in northern Canaan during the era of the Judges. Thus Hobab forms a bridge between the wilderness community and a settled, covenant-friendly clan in the Promised Land. Role in Israel’s Wilderness Journey Moses’ invitation, “you can serve as our eyes,” shows Hobab’s practical value. A Midianite shepherd familiar with desert topography, he could advise on watering places, terrain, and hazards. His potential service illustrates two principles: Whether Hobab ultimately accompanied Israel is unstated, but the later presence of Kenites within Israelite territory implies that his lineage remained positively disposed to the covenant people. Legacy among the Kenites Judges 4:11 traces Heber and, by implication, Jael (Judges 4:17–22) to Hobab. The Kenites live peaceably among Israelites (Judges 1:16), maintain distinct identity, and at times render decisive aid—as Jael does by defeating Sisera, securing deliverance for Israel. This demonstrates the enduring benefit Moses promised Hobab: “Whatever good the Lord does for us, we will do for you” (Numbers 10:32). Theological Themes 1. Covenantal Hospitality – Israel’s leader extends generous invitation to an outsider, reflecting God’s broader salvific purpose. Practical Applications for Believers • Appreciate the contributions of those outside one’s immediate community whom God may appoint as guides. Forms and Transliterations חֹבָ֖ב חבב לְ֠חֹבָב לחבב choVav ḥō·ḇāḇ ḥōḇāḇ lə·ḥō·ḇāḇ lechoo ləḥōḇāḇLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Numbers 10:29 HEB: וַיֹּ֣אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֗ה לְ֠חֹבָב בֶּן־ רְעוּאֵ֣ל NAS: said to Hobab the son KJV: said unto Hobab, the son INT: said Moses to Hobab the son of Reuel Judges 4:11 2 Occurrences |
    |