How does Numbers 10:31 emphasize the importance of seeking wise counsel in life? Setting the Scene • Israel is on the move from Sinai toward the Promised Land. • God is visibly leading through the pillar of cloud and fire, yet Moses still turns to Hobab, his Midianite relative, for on-the-ground guidance. • Numbers 10:31: “But Moses replied, ‘Please do not leave us. You know where we should camp in the wilderness, and you can be our eyes.’” Seeing the Verse’s Emphasis • “Please do not leave us” – Moses humbly admits need; leadership does not equal self-sufficiency. • “You know where we should camp” – Hobab’s experience complements God’s supernatural direction; skill and wisdom are gifts worth using. • “You can be our eyes” – counsel provides perspective we do not have on our own, protecting us from unseen dangers. Why Moses Sought Hobab’s Counsel • Hobab was a seasoned desert dweller; practical know-how mattered for two million travelers. • God often works through human agents (Exodus 18:17-24; Jethro advising Moses). • Receiving counsel honors God’s design for community and diverse gifting (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). Lessons for Our Lives • Wise counsel is not a sign of weak faith; it is an act of faithful stewardship. • Spiritual guidance (cloud and fire) and practical insight (Hobab) are complementary, not competing. • Refusing counsel can expose us to avoidable hardship; seeking it aligns with God’s wisdom pattern. Supporting Scriptures • Proverbs 11:14 – “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” • Proverbs 15:22 – “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” • Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 – “Two are better than one… If either of them falls, the one can raise up his companion.” • Acts 15:6 – The apostles and elders gathered to deliberate, modeling collective discernment. Practical Application Steps 1. Identify godly, experienced believers who have walked the road you are on; invite their input before major decisions. 2. Weigh counsel against Scripture; wise advisers will never steer you contrary to God’s revealed Word. 3. Maintain humility—be ready to adjust plans when insight exposes blind spots. 4. Offer your own expertise to others; you may be the “Hobab” someone else needs today. |
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