Numbers 10:30

30 But he replied, "I will not go; I would rather go back to my own country and my own kinsmen."

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 is how the people of Isra'el traveled by companies; thus they moved forward.

29 Moshe said to Hovav the son of Re'u'el the Midyani, Moshe's father-in-law, "We are traveling to the place about which ADONAI said, 'I will give it to you.'Come with us, and we will treat you well, because ADONAI has promised good things to Isra'el."

30 But he replied, "I will not go; I would rather go back to my own country and my own kinsmen."

31 Moshe continued, "Please don't leave us, because you know that we have to camp in the desert, and you can serve as our eyes.

32 If you do go with us, then whatever good ADONAI does for us, we will do the same for you."