How does Hobab's response reflect human reluctance to follow God's guidance? Setting the Scene Numbers 10 records Israel breaking camp at Sinai for the long journey to Canaan. Moses turns to Hobab—his brother-in-law and an experienced desert guide—and invites him to come along. “‘Come with us, and we will treat you well, for the LORD has promised good to Israel.’ But Hobab replied, ‘I will not go; instead, I am going back to my own land and my own people.’” (Numbers 10:29-30) Hobab’s Initial Hesitation Hobab has heard firsthand of God’s mighty acts, yet his first instinct is, “I’m going home.” His words reveal the familiar tug of comfort over calling. Mirrors in Our Own Hearts Hobab’s reluctance echoes patterns seen throughout Scripture—and in our lives. • Lot’s wife (Genesis 19:26) looked back longingly at what God called her to leave. • The rich young ruler walked away sorrowful when Jesus invited him to follow (Matthew 19:21-22). • Some would-be disciples said, “Let me first…” (Luke 9:59-62), postponing obedience. Common Reasons We Hold Back 1. Attachment to the familiar • “My own land and my own people” (v. 30) = safety, identity, routine. 2. Fear of the unknown • Wilderness travel sounded risky; home felt secure. 3. Underestimating God’s promise • Hobab heard “the LORD has promised good” (v. 29) yet still doubted it would surpass what he already had. 4. Overestimating personal plans • Proverbs 14:12 warns, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Scripture’s Antidote to Reluctance • Trust over sight: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) • Remember past faithfulness: Moses appealed to God’s track record (v. 29); Joshua would later do the same (Joshua 23:14). • Embrace God’s better future: Abraham left Ur “not knowing where he was going” (Hebrews 11:8). Faith looks forward, not backward. • Accept community encouragement: Moses persisted, “Please do not leave us…” (v. 31). Loving exhortation helps loosen our grip on comfort. A Call to Step Forward Hobab eventually appears to have gone, since Judges 1:16 notes the descendants of Moses’ father-in-law settling with Israel. His story reminds us: • Initial reluctance need not be final; God gives space to reconsider. • The journey with God may feel uncertain, but His promises are certain. • Following Him means leaving “my land” for “the place of which the LORD said, ‘I will give it to you’” (Numbers 10:29). Where Hobab hesitated, let’s choose to move—trusting the same faithful God who still guides His people cloud by day, fire by night, and Word forever sure. |
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