Numbers 10:30

30 He said to him, I will not go; but I will depart to my own land, and to my relatives.

Numbers 10:30 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 10:30

And he said unto him, I will not go
Which was a very peremptory answer, he seemed determined, and at a point about it for the present, though it is, probable he afterwards changed his mind, like the young man in the parable, ( Matthew 21:29 ) ;

but I will depart to mine own land, and to my kindred;
which were prevailing motives with him, his native country, his relations, and father's house; to this resolution he came, both because of his substance, and because of his family, as Jarchi.

Numbers 10:30 In-Context

28 Thus were the travels of the children of Yisra'el according to their hosts; and they set forward.

29 Moshe said to Hovav, the son of Re`u'el the Midyanite, Moshe' father-in-law, We are journeying to the place of which the LORD said, I will give it you: come you with us, and we will do you good; for the LORD has spoken good concerning Yisra'el.

30 He said to him, I will not go; but I will depart to my own land, and to my relatives.

31 He said, Don't leave us, please; because you know how we are to encamp in the wilderness, and you shall be to us instead of eyes.

32 It shall be, if you go with us, yes, it shall be, that whatever good the LORD shall do to us, the same will we do to you.