And he said, Leave us not, I pray thee; forasmuch as thou knowest how we are to encamp in the wilderness, and thou mayest be to us instead of eyes.
And he said, 'Please don't leave us, because you know how we should set up camp in the wilderness, and you can be like eyes for us.'
Moses is asking his brother-in-law Hobab not to leave them because his knowledge of the wilderness would be invaluable as their guide.
📚 Historical Context
This occurs as the Israelites are preparing to leave Mount Sinai after receiving the Law and building the tabernacle. Moses is speaking to Hobab (also called Jethro), his Midianite brother-in-law, who knew the wilderness terrain well from years of living there as a nomad. Though God had promised to guide them with the cloud and fire, Moses recognized the practical value of having someone with local knowledge of the land.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.