Hobab

AI summary: Hobab matters because the cross references place him at the point where Israel's pilgrimage through the wilderness meets the practical wisdom of local knowledge and relational loyalty. His connection to Moses' family and to the later Kenite presence in the land shows that not all covenant-adjacent figures are Israelites by birth. Taken together, the material presents Hobab as a valued relative and guide whose connection helps broaden the human network around Israel's journey.¹

Beloved, the Kenite, has been usually identified with Jethro (q.v.), Ex. 18:5, 27; comp. Num. 10:29, 30. In Judg. 4:11, the word rendered “father-in-law” means properly any male relative by marriage (comp. Gen. 19:14, “son-in-law,” A.V.), and should be rendered “brother-in-law,” as in the R.V. His descendants followed Israel to Canaan (Num. 10:29), and at first pitched their tents near Jericho, but afterwards settled in the south in the borders of Arad (Judg. 1:8-11, 16). ³