I think a lot about leadership. It seems like so many organizations rise or fall on good leadership. But since it is a hot topic of conversation, there are usually a myriad of different opinions about what constitutes “good leadership.” For me, there is no better place to explore this than the Bible.
Recently, I have been listening to the Bible read out-loud to me. I reported a few months back that I am using YouVersion on my Droid. I have been listening to the Book of Numbers. Some fascinating stories have emerged about being a good leader and follower through the Israelites time in the wilderness.
Tabernacle covered by smoke or fire
Let me set the table. Israel has just been removed from Egypt by God. Moses is the leader appointed by God to lead them out of Egypt and into the desert. As instructed in the Law, they have built a portable worship center called the Tabernacle.
The tabernacle was covered in a cloud by day and by what “looked like fire” by night (Num 9:15-16). The Israelites followed the cloud of God wherever it led. By the Lord’s command either they camped or set out (9:23). So Israel camps periodically in one location and then moves.
In the desert was a whole lot of uncertainty. Scorching heat, stinging scorpions, durst storms, a lack of water, and bands of marauding Amalekites all made desert travel a formidable challenge. And let’s face it, the Israelites had been “city folk.” They had been in Egypt where these were not their challenges (not to make slavery out to be a picnic).
Into the story comes an odd character named Hobab. Remember Moses’ father-in-law, Reuel. He was the one who took in Moses when he fled Egypt. And Moses had been treated well by Reuel. Reuel had a son named Hobab and he was with Moses during these days. Hobab saw that the tabernacle was moving into the desert but he was going back to his land and his people. Moses desperately wants Hobab to go with him and promises him a share of “whatever good” the Lord gives to us (10:29-30).
But then we see Moses’ true motive. Moses says, “Please do not leave us. You know where we should go in the desert, and you can be our eyes.” (10:31). Uh-oh. I thought God was the one leading in the desert. I thought God in essence was “the eyes.” So why is Moses hanging onto Hobab?
Don’t we all have a Hobab in our lives? God has promised to lead us, but we want the security blanket of Hobab. We want the guy “who has been there,” the earthly veteran. Hobab knew the desert in a way that Moses did not.
I wonder how God felt about Moses’ desire for Hobab? The Bible never does say. But I can imagine that God was shaking his head. Come on Mo’. I’m with you! I am your eyes, your ears, your feet. Can you need anything more?
We all have Hobab moments. Who is your Hobab? And how is God wanting you to cut him loose?
Brian Boone 
March 30th, 2012 at 1:34 pm
I have thought about that incident and was surprised, too, that God didn’t appear to take offense. Another example of God’s grace. But you are right. It is hard to totally let go when you see an opportunity to get “help” from another source. Thanks for sharing.