Stick In the Mud

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!” But Hobab replied, “No, I will not go. I must return to my own land and family.” “Please don’t leave us,” Moses pleaded. “You know the places in the wilderness where we should camp. Come, be our guide. If you do, we’ll share with you all the blessings the LORD gives us.” They marched for three days after leaving the mountain of the LORD, with the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant moving ahead of them to show them where to stop and rest. As they moved on each day, the cloud of the LORD hovered over them. And whenever the Ark set out, Moses would shout, “Arise, O LORD, and let your enemies be scattered! Let them flee before you!” And when the Ark was set down, he would say, “Return, O LORD, to the countless thousands of Israel!” [Numbers 10.29-36]

Did Moses almost goof up big time?

I found only two mentions of Hobab in the Bible - here and in the book of Judges where Heber, a descendant of Hobab is mentioned. There is nothing that indicates that Hobab went with Israel when they left Mount Sinai as their guide.

I can only imagine Hobab's refusal to come with Israel was a good thing, particularly for Moses.

To me, it is very clear that God intended to lead Israel by His "cloud" as is confirmed in the last part of the passage above. I cannot see how Hobab would have fit into that scenario.

I don't know if there is a lesson for me (us) here today, but, if there is, it would be that sometimes we wind up doing God's will of no volition of our own. There are times that we would make a wrong decision except for the refusal of another person to go along.

A "stick in the mud" could be God's way of protecting us.

To me, this says God knows how to keep us - even when we don't know how to keep ourselves.

Father, if what I have concluded here today is right, then I want to thank You for all the people in my life who did not "go along" with my plans who, inadvertently kept me from disaster.