Traveling with God

Setting Out 

My husband and I love to travel.  Before a trip, I start planning what to bring and I pack over the course of at least a week before we go. Before we pull out of the driveway, we pray to God for protection, a sweet time of rest and adventure and we pray that we will honor Him with our time.  The Israelites are given directives by God Himself on their marching order and travel plans. 

The divisions of the camps moved out in the order designated by the Lord, led by the leaders chosen by the Lord.  The ark lead the way, with the cloud above it.  Judah’s division set out behind the ark. Then the tabernacle was packed up and carted off by the Gershonites and Merarites.  Next, Reuben’s division set out.  “Then the Kohathites set out, carrying the holy things.  The tabernacle was to be set up before they arrived.” (Numbers 10:21) The divisions of the camp of Ephraim followed the Kohathites, under their standard. The divisions of the camp of Dan went last as a rear guard.  Dan will make sure none are left behind.  God makes a provision for everyone. 

Paul tells us that Mount Sinai has to do with the giving of the law (Galatians 4:24).  The Law shows us our sin and brings us to Christ. Israel moved on to the Desert of Paran.  “The Desert of Paran is a large plateau in the northeastern Sinai, south of what later would be called the Negev of Judah, and west of the Arabah.  This forms the southernmost portion of the Promised Land, the presumed staging area for the assault on the land itself…This unusual line of attack from the south would stun the inhabitants of the land.” (Expositor’s Commentary) 

Hobab 

Before Moses marched with the Kohathites, he spoke to Hobab, his brother-in-law.  Hobab was the son of Reuel the Midianite, Moses’ father-in-law.  His wife Zipporah’s father had come to them out in the wilderness back in Exodus 18 to bring Moses’ wife and children back to him as they had stayed in Midian while Moses dealt with Pharaoh.  Reuel is also known as Jethro.  Hobab is never mentioned before Numbers chapter 10.  We do not know if Hobab came with Jethro to deliver Zipporah and the boys.  We do know that Jethro returned home to Midian shortly after delivering Moses' family to him, because it expressly says so in Exodus 18:27.  It is thought that Hobab came with Reuel to visit Moses back in Exodus 18 but that he stayed with the Israelites when Jethro returned home.  Now that Israel is moving on, Hobab is inclined to return home. 

Moses implores Hobab to stay with Israel.  He wants Hobab to see the promised land.  He says the Israelites will treat Hobab well, “for the Lord has promised good things to Israel.”  Hobab says he wants to go back to his own land and his own people.  Moses further entreats Hobab, “Please do not leave us.  You know where we should camp in the desert and you can be our eyes.  If you come with us, we will share with you whatever good things the Lord gives us.” (vv. 31-32) My initial response to this request is: “God is their eyes and knows where they should camp!”  But Matthew Henry says, “Even those that were led by miracle must not slight the ordinary means of direction.” And I can see the sense in having more detail than God might give via a cloud(!) I am always looking for more detail than God gives me.  However, less detail calls for more faith. Can you think of an example of using an “ordinary means” when you already had divine direction? 

We are bound for the Promised Land and should invite others to join us.  We should tell of all the benefits of our future home and entreat others to join us on the journey.  Hobab was probably close to Moses.  Moses had lived with Zipporah and her family for 40 years.  Moses surely had a desire to help Hobab to truly believe in the Living God.  Hobab was resistant; this indicates that he does not already know God or he would have been the one refusing to leave, like Ruth clinging to Naomi (Ruth 1:16-18).  Moses wanted Hobab to come with them.  He offered him good things from the Lord, based on God’s promise.  This new land would be flowing with milk and honey.  Israel would live in houses they did not build, eat from fields and vineyards they did not plant and enjoy peace time free from enemy threat if they follow the Lord.  Hobab could experience all of this and more. 

Judges 1:16 tells us that the descendants of Moses’ father-in-law, the Kenites, are given land in Canaan.  This is an indication that Hobab did, in fact, accompany Israel on their journeys.  Those that have begun well should use that as a reason for their persevering, because otherwise they lose the benefit of all they have done and suffered.  (Matthew Henry)  Hobab had been with them thus far; he chose to stay with Israel and help to conquer the Promised Land. 

Prayer is Critical

In this first journey, Israel traveled for three days (v. 33). The ark of the covenant went before them. “The cloud of the Lord was over them by day when they set out from camp.” (v. 34) They have never traveled as an organized group before this.  Sinai was the mountain of God.  Now God dwelt with them above the cherubim on the atonement cover of the ark. When they moved, He went with them. Looking to the cloud every day to see if it lifted and therefore the community needed to prepare to leave can be equated with looking to the Lord every morning to honor Him and look for His leading in your life.  Start your day today with looking to the Lord and listening for His voice.  Let Him lead and guide you in your life’s journey day by day so that you can remain in His will. 

Moses emphasized the need for prayer at the beginning and end of every day’s journey by composing prayers that he recited whenever the ark set out and whenever it came to rest.  At the setting out of the ark, Moses said, “Rise up, O Lord! May your enemies be scattered; may your foes flee before you.”  And whenever the ark came to rest, Moses said, “Return, O Lord, to the countless thousands of Israel.”  We need to pray for our community and pray for God’s presence to remain with us so we can rest in the presence of our enemies. The formula here indicates that Moses is asking for God to curse the enemies of Israel and bless His people.  Blessings and curses are found throughout the word of God. 

  

Deuteronomy 11:26-30 tells us that when the Israelites entered the promised land, they would pronounce blessings and curses on opposing mountains.  Blessings were promised for obedience and curses would result from wandering from God and His laws. The curses go on and on.  They snowball.  Just like in Romans 1 where man chooses his own way over and over then God gives him over to his own sinful desires.  “They exchange the truth of God for a lie.” (Romans 1:25)  

God told Abraham he would bless those who bless Abraham and curse those who curse him and all nations would be blessed through Abraham.  God is a God of blessing.  Obey Him to receive His blessings.  Matthew 5:1-15 tells us of blessings God has for us. These are called the Beatitudes.  The beatitudes refer to believers seeing their need for Jesus to receive blessings.  We cannot do life on our own.  We need the only True God, Jesus the One and Only.   Travel with Him and any others who will be helpful to you and don't forget to pray!