Numbers 10:30

30 But Hobab replied, “No, I will not go. I must return to my own land and family.”

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 This was the order in which the Israelites marched, division by division.

29 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!”

30 But Hobab replied, “No, I will not go. I must return to my own land and family.”

31 “Please don’t leave us,” Moses pleaded. “You know the places in the wilderness where we should camp. Come, be our guide.

32 If you do, we’ll share with you all the blessings the LORD gives us.”