“One day Moses said to his brother-in-law, Hobab son of Reuel the Midianite, “We are on our way to the place the Lord promised us, for he said, ‘I will give it to you.’ Come with us and we will treat you well, for the Lord has promised wonderful blessings for Israel!” But Hobab replied, “No, I will not go. I must return to my own land and family.” “Please don’t leave us,” Moses pleaded. “You know the places in the wilderness where we should camp. Come, be our guide. If you do, we’ll share with you all the blessings the Lord gives us.” They marched for three days after leaving the mountain of the Lord, with the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant moving ahead of them to show them where to stop and rest. As they moved on each day, the cloud of the Lord hovered over them. And whenever the Ark set out, Moses would shout, “Arise, O Lord, and let your enemies be scattered! Let them flee before you!” And when the Ark was set down, he would say, “Return, O Lord, to the countless thousands of Israel!””

‭‭Numbers‬ ‭10‬:‭29‬-‭36‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Some scholars disagree about the identity of Hobab. Some believe him to be yet another name of Jethro, alongside Reuel. Yet the plain reading of the text would indicate that he was Jethro’s son and Moses’ brother in law. He was not a Hebrew. Instead he was a midianite. Midianites were children of Abraham, just not Osaac descended. The promise for Isaac didn’t directly belong to them. That said, two things might be true. Moses was keen to involve other people in his ministry. This could be seen as a purely good thing. Indeed commentators seem to think that the invitation to Hobab was good and a symbol of the extension of Gods grace. However, it must be said that the Midianites became a problem quickly for Israel. They brought Baal back into the camp in the later chapters of Numbers. It should also be noted that Moses’ invitation seems to be, either under false pretenses or out of insecurity. Clearly God said he would specifically provide direction. Hobab was unnecessary for this task. It cannot be overstated that the last time Baal was brought into the camp, it was through Aaron, who God folded into Moses’ ministry because he was insecure about God’s power. We need to be careful about why we invite others into our lives.

Hobab’s Identity: Some scholars believe Hobab is another name for Jethro, while others believe he was Jethro’s son and Moses’ brother-in-law.

Hobab’s Role: Moses invited Hobab to join his ministry, potentially symbolizing God’s grace, but also potentially reflecting Moses’ insecurity.

Midianites’ Impact: The Midianites, including Hobab, later became a problem for Israel by reintroducing Baal worship.