Episode Details

Host Lance Smith examines Numbers 10:31 and the apparent tension between divine guidance (the pillar of cloud) and Moses inviting Hobab as a guide. The episode explains how God’s macro-direction and human practical wisdom work together, clarifies Hobab’s identity as Moses’ brother-in-law and his family’s integration into Israel, and applies the lesson: trusting God doesn’t exclude seeking wise help.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Geisler, Norman L., and Thomas Howe. The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Baker Books, 1992. Available at: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI 
2. Guzik, David. “Numbers 10 – Two Silver Trumpets, the Departure from Sinai,” Enduring Word Bible Commentary. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/numbers-10/
3. “Hobab—Jethro or Moses’ Brother-in-Law? (Numbers 10:29),” Knowing Scripture. https://knowingscripture.com/articles/hobab-jethro-or-moses-brother-in-law-numbers-10-29
4. “Commentary on Numbers 10:11–36,” BiblicalScholarship.org. https://biblicalscholarship.wordpress.com/2017/02/12/commentary-on-numbers-1011-36/
5. “Who Is Moses’ Father-in-Law: Reuel, Jethro or Hobab?” Abundant Springs Church Blog. https://abundantsprings.church/blog/who-is-moses-father-in-law-reuel-jethro-or-hobab
6. “Numbers 10:33 – The Ark Going Before Israel,” TheBibleSays.com. https://thebiblesays.com/en/commentary/num+10:33
7. “Numbers 10:29–32: Why did Moses rely on Hobab’s guidance if God was leading them?” BibleHub Q&A. https://biblehub.com/q/why_did_moses_need_hobab's_guidance.htm 
8. HarperCollins Study Bible (NRSV), Fully Revised and Updated Edition. Edited by Harold W. Attridge and the Society of Biblical Literature. HarperOne, 2006.