And Moses said unto Hobab, the son of Raguel the Midianite, Moses' father in law, We are journeying unto the place of which the LORD said, I will give it you: come thou with us, and we will do thee good: for the LORD hath spoken good concerning Israel.

NUMBERS 10:29KJV
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Numbers 10:29 (KJV)

What does Numbers 10:29 mean?

Numbers 10:29 shows Moses inviting Hobab to join Israel on its journey to the land the LORD had promised them. Moses offers Hobab a share in the good that lies ahead, connecting that offer to what the LORD has said about Israel.

The invitation comes as Israel is setting out from Sinai. Moses speaks to a member of his extended family, not simply to someone already traveling with the Israelites. The offer “we will do thee good” presents Hobab as a person who would benefit from going with them.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 10:29

  • “journeying” — נָסַע (nasaʿ): This word can mean to set out or move on. It suits a traveling camp: Israel is leaving one stopping place for another.
  • “law” — חָתָן (ḥatan): This word refers to a male relative by marriage. The KJV phrase “Moses’ father in law” identifies a family connection relevant to Moses’ invitation.

Why Numbers 10:29 matters

  • Moses grounds his offer in a promise, not merely in his own plans. He points to the place the LORD said, “I will give it you,” and to the good the LORD had spoken concerning Israel.
  • Hobab’s knowledge also matters to the journey. In verse 31, Moses asks him to stay because he knows where they can camp in the wilderness.
  • The invitation leads to a further promise of shared benefit. In verse 32, Moses says that whatever good the LORD gives Israel, they will share with Hobab.

Where else these words appear

“Hobab” Hebrew H2246 · used in 2 verses

  • Judges 4:11 Now Heber the Kenite, which was of the children of Hobab the father in law of Moses, had severed himself from the Kenites, and pitched his tent unto the plain of Zaanaim, which is by Kedesh.

“Midianite” Hebrew H4084 · used in 7 verses

  • Genesis 37:28 Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.
  • Numbers 25:14 Now the name of the Israelite that was slain, even that was slain with the Midianitish woman, was Zimri, the son of Salu, a prince of a chief house among the Simeonites.
  • Numbers 25:17 Vex the Midianites, and smite them:

“Raguel” Hebrew H7467 · used in 10 verses

  • Genesis 36:4 And Adah bare to Esau Eliphaz; and Bashemath bare Reuel;
  • Genesis 36:17 And these are the sons of Reuel Esau's son; duke Nahath, duke Zerah, duke Shammah, duke Mizzah: these are the dukes that came of Reuel in the land of Edom; these are the sons of Bashemath Esau's wife.
  • 1 Chronicles 1:35 The sons of Esau; Eliphaz, Reuel, and Jeush, and Jaalam, and Korah.

“law” Hebrew H2859 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 34:9 And make ye marriages with us, and give your daughters unto us, and take our daughters unto you.
  • Exodus 18:14 And when Moses' father in law saw all that he did to the people, he said, What is this thing that thou doest to the people? why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand by thee from morning unto even?
  • Judges 19:4 And his father in law, the damsel's father, retained him; and he abode with him three days: so they did eat and drink, and lodged there.