Numbers 10 31

Numbers 10:31 kjv

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.

Numbers 10:31 nkjv

So Moses said, "Please do not leave, inasmuch as you know how we are to camp in the wilderness, and you can be our eyes.

Numbers 10:31 niv

But Moses said, "Please do not leave us. You know where we should camp in the wilderness, and you can be our eyes.

Numbers 10:31 esv

And he said, "Please do not leave us, for you know where we should camp in the wilderness, and you will serve as eyes for us.

Numbers 10:31 nlt

"Please don't leave us," Moses pleaded. "You know the places in the wilderness where we should camp. Come, be our guide.

Numbers 10 verses

Numbers 10 31 Meaning

Numbers 10:31 records Moses' plea to Hobab, his brother-in-law (or father-in-law, depending on interpretation of the Hebrew word 'chathan' or who Hobab truly was), to accompany the Israelites on their wilderness journey from Sinai. Moses implores Hobab not to leave them, acknowledging his extensive knowledge of the wilderness terrain and suitability for identifying suitable camping locations, essentially acting "instead of eyes" for the vast congregation in an unknown and hostile environment. It highlights the blend of divine guidance (pillar of cloud/fire) and human wisdom/prudence necessary for the perilous journey.

Numbers 10 31 Context

Numbers chapter 10 marks a significant transition point in the Israelite journey. Following a year at Mount Sinai, where they received the Law and established the tabernacle worship, the time has come for them to break camp and proceed towards the Promised Land. The preceding verses (10:1-10) detail the making and use of silver trumpets to signal their movements, and 10:11-28 describes the organized departure of the tribes. Moses' request to Hobab in verse 31 occurs within this dynamic, highlighting a critical practical need. Despite the miraculous pillar of cloud guiding them, Moses, as a seasoned leader, recognized the pragmatic necessity of local, experienced guidance in navigating an unfamiliar and potentially dangerous wilderness. This passage sets the stage for the challenging realities of their subsequent travels.

Numbers 10 31 Word analysis

• And he said, Leave us not, I pray thee;

  • And he said (וַיֹּאמֶר - vayyōʾmer): Standard narrative transition, Moses speaking.
  • Leave us not (לָה תַּעֲזֹב אֹתָנוּ - lāh taʿăzōḇ ʾōṯānū): This is a strong negative imperative, meaning "do not forsake us," "do not abandon us." The Hebrew root 'azav (עזב) often carries the weight of leaving someone desolate or without help (e.g., Ps 27:9 "forsake me not"). Moses' plea is urgent, indicating his deep concern and reliance on Hobab's practical knowledge.
  • I pray thee (נָא - nāʾ): An particle expressing politeness, entreaty, or urgency. It emphasizes the earnestness of Moses' request, not merely a command but a heartfelt appeal.

• forasmuch as thou knowest how we are to encamp in the wilderness,

  • forasmuch as (כִּי - kī): This conjunction introduces the reason or justification for Moses' plea.
  • thou knowest (יָדַעְתָּ - yāḏaʿtā): The verb yadaʿ (ידע) means to know, often implying intimate knowledge, experience, or familiarity, not just theoretical understanding. Hobab possessed practical, firsthand knowledge of the Sinai wilderness.
  • how we are to encamp (מַחֲנֹתֵנוּ - maḥănōṯēnū): Literally, "our encampments" or "our camping places." It refers to the suitability of locations for a vast multitude—considering water sources, pasture for livestock, defensibility, and access to routes. This practical knowledge was crucial for the survival of perhaps two million people plus their animals.
  • in the wilderness (בַּמִּדְבָּר - bammidbar): The wilderness (midbar) is a desolate, often arid region, perilous and difficult to navigate. This word constantly appears throughout Numbers to emphasize the harsh environment of Israel's journey, highlighting the danger and need for expert guidance.

• and thou mayest be to us instead of eyes.

  • and thou mayest be (וְהָיִיתָ - wəhāyīṯā): Future tense of "to be," indicating the desired outcome.
  • to us (לָּנוּ - lānū): Indicates the beneficiary of Hobab's role.
  • instead of eyes (לְעֵינָיִם - ləʿêynayim): This is a powerful metaphor. The singular form of "eye" is ayin (עין), the dual form here einaim. This expression implies:
    1. Scout/Guide: Someone who sees the path ahead, identifying potential dangers and opportunities.
    2. Wise Counsel: One who has keen perception and good judgment.
    3. Knowledge of the Unknown: Hobab’s familiarity would guide them through unfamiliar terrain, compensating for the Israelites' lack of knowledge.
    4. Practical Vision: While God's pillar provided miraculous direction, it did not reveal detailed specifics like ideal foraging areas or water sources, which was critical for daily survival. Hobab would provide this ground-level, tactical "vision."

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "Leave us not, I pray thee; forasmuch as thou knowest...": This opening highlights Moses' personal appeal, combining humility with a clear articulation of Hobab's specific, essential value to the journey. It's a pragmatic recognition of human skill alongside divine oversight.
  • "...how we are to encamp in the wilderness, and thou mayest be to us instead of eyes.": This phrase perfectly encapsulates the dual reliance. The Israelites have divine leading (cloud by day, fire by night), but Moses also understood the need for human, practical expertise. It acknowledges the complexity of a real-world journey that cannot rely solely on miraculous intervention for every detail. This balances divine providence with human responsibility and cooperation. It also suggests that God often works through the gifts and knowledge of others, rather than bypassing them.

Numbers 10 31 Bonus section

The identity of Hobab and his precise relationship to Moses (Jethro's son, or Jethro himself identified differently) is a point of scholarly discussion, but his significance as a Midianite elder with vast wilderness knowledge remains consistent. This interaction reveals Moses' remarkable humility and practical leadership; despite being God's direct spokesperson, he didn't rely solely on miraculous provisions for every logistical detail. This principle has echoes in Christian life, where prayer and faith are paramount, but wisdom in decision-making, professional counsel, or reliance on experts is also God's means of provision and guidance. It underlines that divine sovereignty often works in concert with human responsibility and the diverse gifts within the community of faith. The very existence of spies (Num 13) sent to scout the land further reinforces this principle: while God promised the land, human effort and strategic intelligence were still expected.

Numbers 10 31 Commentary

Numbers 10:31 serves as a profound illustration of the intersection of divine provision and human prudence in the biblical narrative. While God explicitly led the Israelites by the pillar of cloud and fire (Exod 13:21-22), Moses, as a practical leader, understood the critical need for Hobab's terrestrial knowledge. This was not a lack of faith in God's miraculous guidance, but rather a recognition that God often provides for His people through the skills, experience, and insights of other individuals. Hobab's familiarity with the Midianite wilderness routes, water sources, and tribal movements would be invaluable for the vast, vulnerable congregation. The phrase "instead of eyes" beautifully captures Hobab's envisioned role: to be their perceptive guide, scout, and wise advisor for practical daily concerns of camping, foraging, and navigating the harsh terrain. This verse emphasizes that seeking human wisdom and leveraging specialized skills, particularly in practical matters, complements divine guidance and is a wise aspect of faith, not antithetical to it. It highlights interdependence within God's people, where different gifts and experiences contribute to the well-being of the whole.