Numbers 10:30

30 Hobab answered, "No. I can't go. I'm going back to my own land. I'm returning to my own people."

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 As the companies of Israel started out, that was the order they marched in.

29 Moses spoke to Hobab, the son of Reuel. Reuel was Moses' father-in-law. Reuel was from Midian. Moses said to Hobab, "We're starting out for the place the LORD promised to us. He said to us, 'I will give it to you.' So come with us. We'll treat you well. The LORD has promised to give good things to Israel."

30 Hobab answered, "No. I can't go. I'm going back to my own land. I'm returning to my own people."

31 But Moses said, "Please don't leave us. You know where we should camp in the desert. You can be our guide.

32 So come with us. The LORD will give us good things. We'll share them with you."