Cecily Zamora
There are two references to Hobab in the Bible, which have led to some confusion over his relationship with Moses. In Numbers 10:29, Hobab is referred to as the son of Reuel the Midianite, Moses' father-in-law, which would make him Moses' brother-in-law. However, in Judges 4:11, Hobab is referred to as Moses' father-in-law. Some scholars argue that Hobab was Moses' brother-in-law, and that the reference in Judges 4:11 is a scribal error. Others argue that Hobab was in fact Moses' father-in-law, and that Hobab and Jethro were the same person.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Relationship with Moses | Brother-in-law, Father-in-law |
| Hebrew name | Hobab ben-Reuel |
| Other names | Hovav, Raguel |
| Hobab's father | Reuel, a Midianite |
| Reuel's other names | Jethro, Jehtro, Jether, Chovav |
| Hobab's descendants | Kenites |
| Hobab's occupation | Desert sheik |
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What You'll Learn
Who is Hobab?
The identity of Hobab has been a point of contention in the Bible, with various references suggesting he was either Moses' brother-in-law or father-in-law.
The Hebrew word "choten" (חֹתֵ֣ן) is usually translated as "father-in-law" in English, but some argue that it has a broader meaning of any "relative" or "in-law" by marriage. This would mean that Hobab, Moses' brother-in-law, and Reuel/Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, were both his relatives by marriage. This interpretation is supported by the fact that in Hebrew, the words for "father-in-law" and "brother-in-law" are very similar: "ḥōṯēn" and "ḥāṯān" respectively, and in the original Hebrew manuscripts, the small markings that differentiate these words today did not exist.
Another argument for Hobab being Moses' brother-in-law is based on the chronological order of the books of the Bible. Numbers, which refers to Hobab as the son of Reuel/Jethro, was written before Judges, which refers to Hobab as Moses' father-in-law. It is logical to assume that the firsthand reference in Numbers is more accurate, making Hobab Moses' brother-in-law.
However, many scholars disagree and argue that Hobab was, in fact, Moses' father-in-law. This interpretation suggests that Hobab was an alternate name for Jethro, who was Moses' father-in-law.
Regardless of the exact nature of their relationship, Hobab played an important role in Moses' life and in the Bible. He was a Gentile through whom God worked, demonstrating his grand plan for the world. Hobab is also known for his hospitality, welcoming Moses into his family after hearing that Moses had rescued his daughters.
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Why are the texts different?
The texts in the Book of Numbers and the Book of Judges differ in their references to Hobab, leading to some confusion about his exact relationship to Moses.
In the Book of Numbers, specifically in Numbers 10:29, Hobab is introduced as "the son of Reuel the Midianite, Moses' father-in-law." This description would imply that Hobab is Moses' brother-in-law, as he is the son of Moses' father-in-law, Reuel. This interpretation is supported by the fact that Moses' wife, Zipporah, is identified as the daughter of Reuel in Exodus 18:2 and Exodus 2:18, further reinforcing the familial connection.
However, in the Book of Judges, specifically in Judges 4:11, there is a discrepancy as Hobab is referred to as "the father-in-law of Moses." This contradiction has led to various interpretations and attempts at reconciliation. One suggestion is that Hobab is a third name for Jethro, who is also mentioned as Moses' father-in-law in Exodus 3:1. However, this theory has been rejected by some scholars due to the description of Hobab as the "'son' of Reuel" in Numbers 10:29.
Another possible explanation is that the word "choten" in Hebrew, typically translated as "father-in-law" in English, can also be understood more broadly as any "relative" by marriage. This interpretation allows for both Reuel and Hobab to be referred to as Moses' "choten", indicating a relationship by marriage without specifying the exact nature of the relationship. This broader understanding of "choten" helps to reconcile the two texts and suggests that Hobab was indeed Moses' brother-in-law, as stated in some translations of Judges 4:11.
Additionally, it is worth noting that the Book of Numbers was written by Moses himself and is considered one of the five Books of Moses. As it was written firsthand and earlier than the Book of Judges, it is generally accepted that the reference to Hobab in Numbers is more accurate than the later reference in Judges. This further supports the interpretation of Hobab as Moses' brother-in-law.
While the exact relationship between Hobab and Moses has been a point of contention, it is clear that Hobab played an important role in Moses' life and journey. He is described as an experienced desert sheik whose knowledge and companionship were valued by Moses and the Israelites during their travels.
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Is Scripture inerrant?
The question of whether Hobab is Moses' brother-in-law or father-in-law has been a point of contention. This is because the Hebrew word "choten" (חֹתֵ֣ן) is usually translated as "father-in-law" in English, but it can also be interpreted as any "relative" by marriage. In the book of Numbers, Hobab is referred to as the “son” of Reuel, Moses' father-in-law, which would make him Moses' brother-in-law. However, in the book of Judges, Hobab is referred to as the father-in-law of Moses, creating an apparent contradiction.
This discrepancy has led to discussions about the inerrancy of Scripture. The doctrine of biblical inerrancy holds that the Scriptures, in their original manuscripts and when interpreted correctly, are wholly true and without error in all that they affirm. This belief is of particular significance within evangelicalism and is also held by the Catholic Church, although with some nuances. The doctrine of inerrancy is rooted in the belief that God is true and trustworthy, and as the divine author of Scripture, it reflects his character. Jesus himself quoted Scripture and treated it as true and trustworthy, and the New Testament authors shared this view.
However, there are those who do not interpret Scripture so literally. They focus on the intended meaning rather than the veracity of the written words. Historical critics argue that the authors of the Bible were limited by the worldviews of their time. Additionally, discrepancies and errors in Scripture have been acknowledged and attributed to copyists and translators, not the original authors or the Holy Spirit. For example, Luther and Calvin were aware of these discrepancies and spoke of "errors," but they did not believe they originated from the human authors of Scripture.
The question of whether Scripture is inerrant is a complex one. While some Christians hold firmly to the belief in biblical inerrancy, others recognize the presence of discrepancies and errors, especially in scientific and historical statements. Ultimately, the interpretation of Scripture is a matter of faith and perspective, and it is influenced by one's understanding of God and the nature of divine revelation.
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Who was Moses' father-in-law?
There is some discrepancy in the naming of Moses' father-in-law in the Bible. Moses married Zipporah, the daughter of Jethro, also known as Reuel, a priest of Midian. However, in Judges 4:11, Hobab is referred to as Moses' father-in-law, which has been a point of contention.
Some scholars suggest that Hobab is, in fact, Moses' brother-in-law, and that the word "choten" in Hebrew, usually translated as "father-in-law" in English, can also be interpreted as any "relative" by marriage. This would mean that Hobab was the son of Reuel/Jethro, and the brother of Zipporah, Moses' wife. This interpretation is supported by the New Living Translation (NLT) and the New International Version (NIV).
However, other scholars argue that Hobab is indeed Moses' father-in-law, and that Hobab is simply another name for Jethro. This is supported by the fact that Hobab is referred to as "the son of Reuel the Midianite, Moses' father-in-law" in Numbers 10:29, suggesting that Reuel and Jethro are the same person, and Hobab is their son.
Regardless of the specific familial relationship, Hobab played an important role in Moses' life and in the Bible. He is remembered for his hospitality towards Moses, welcoming him into his family and accompanying him on his journey to the Promised Land.
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Why was Hobab important to Moses?
The Bible mentions Hobab's name a few times, and he is believed to be either Moses' brother-in-law or father-in-law. However, there is a discrepancy in the naming of Moses' father-in-law, with three names being mentioned: Reuel, Jethro, and Hobab. This has been a point of contention, but some scholars suggest that Reuel and Jethro are the same person, and Hobab is Moses' brother-in-law.
Hobab was important to Moses because of the relationship he formed with him. After Moses fled Egypt, he met Hobab and his daughter, and they camped together near "the mountain of God". Moses later married Hobab's daughter, Zipporah. When Moses received a calling from God to return to Egypt and free the enslaved people, Hobab returned to his own country. However, Moses asked Hobab to join him on his trek to the Promised Land, as he could guide them in the wilderness. Hobab initially refused, but it is believed that he eventually changed his mind and went with Moses and the Israelites into Canaan, as his descendants settled there.
Hobab's hospitality towards Moses is also notable. When Hobab heard that Moses had rescued his daughters, he welcomed Moses into his family. This act of kindness is remembered and valued, and it showcases God working through the Gentiles, indicating His grand plan for the world.
The relationship between Moses and Hobab also had a positive impact on the relationship between the Israelites and the Kenites, who were a nomadic tribe with a history of good relations with Israel. This relationship is honoured and respected in the Old Testament, and David also treats the Kenites well during his rule, possibly in remembrance of Hobab's kindness to Moses.
In conclusion, Hobab was important to Moses as a father figure, a guide, and a connection to the Kenites. He showed Moses hospitality and kindness, and their relationship had lasting impacts on both their lives and the broader relationships between their peoples.
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Frequently asked questions
It is unclear whether Hobab is Moses' brother-in-law or father-in-law. While some sources suggest that he is Moses' brother-in-law, others claim that he is his father-in-law.
The confusion arises due to differences in translations of the Hebrew word "choten" (חֹתֵ֣ן), which can mean either "father-in-law" or "brother-in-law".
Hobab is believed to be the son of Reuel, also known as Jethro. This would make him Moses' brother-in-law. However, some sources suggest that Hobab is another name for Jethro, which would make him Moses' father-in-law.
Hobab is mentioned in Numbers 10:29 and Judges 4:11. In Numbers, he is referred to as the son of Reuel the Midianite and Moses' father-in-law. In Judges, he is referred to as the father-in-law of Moses and an ancestor of the Kenites.
