Numbers 10:30

30 “I will not go,” Hobab replied. “Instead, I am going back to my own land and 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 This was the order of march for the Israelite divisions as they set out.

29 Then Moses said to Hobab, the son of Moses’ father-in-law Reuel the Midianite, “We are setting out for the place of which the LORD said: ‘I will give it to you.’ Come with us, and we will treat you well, for the LORD has promised good things to Israel.”

30 “I will not go,” Hobab replied. “Instead, I am going back to my own land and my own people.”

31 “Please do not leave us,” Moses said, “since you know where we should camp in the wilderness, and you can serve as our eyes.

32 If you come with us, we will share with you whatever good things the LORD gives us.”