HOBAB

Edward Griffin (1770—1837)
 

Numbers 10:29-32
"One day Moses said to his brother-in-law, Hobab son of Reuel the Midianite: "We are on our way to the place the LORD promised us, for he said, 'I will give it to you.' Come with us and we will treat you well, for the LORD has promised wonderful blessings for Israel!"

But Hobab replied, "No, I will not go. I must return to my own land and family."

"Please do not leave us," Moses pleaded. "You know the places in the wilderness where we should camp. Come, be our guide. If you do, we will share with you all the blessings the LORD gives us."

While many in these days are joining themselves to the Church of God and setting out for Canaan, I have selected this text as affording interesting and seasonable matter.

When this invitation was given by Moses, the people of God had just separated themselves from all the other nations of the earth, and formed themselves into a church-state by the solemn transactions at Sinai, and were then setting out for Canaan. All who did not accompany them would be left behind in a wretched heathen state. A strong line of division was thenceforth to be drawn between the people of God and the rest of the world. Under these circumstances it was the duty and privilege of Hobab and all good men to join themselves to Israel, so that they might live among religious ordinances, among sabbaths and tabernacles, and enjoy the presence of God in the Shekinah-glory, and worship him in the only way of his appointment.

Before that day the true worshipers had been scattered; an Abraham in one nation, an Abimelech in another, a Job in a third, an Eliphaz, a Bildad, a Zophar, an Elihu, and a Jethro in others. And the presence of God had been manifested in all places where his worshipers had lived. In one place he would appear visibly, in another in dreams, in a third he would utter himself from the whirlwind. Before this no particular forms of worshiping and sacrificing were appointed, but all the varieties were accepted. But now the time had come when God would live abroad among the nations no more, but would confine his presence to the mercy seat which was to be established at Canaan. The particular forms in which he chose to be worshiped were minutely prescribed; a great part of which could be observed no where but in the city which he should choose to place his name in. His worshipers would thenceforth disappear from other countries, and the whole world would be given up to pagan darkness; while the light, collected to a point, would shine with concentrated luster among the chosen tribes.

Under these circumstances it was the duty and privilege of Hobab to unite his destinies with the people of God and to follow them to the land of promise. Thus doing he would enjoy the blessings of the Church, and entail a glorious inheritance on his children, by bringing them to be of the household of faith, who otherwise would be left in the glooms of heathen darkness.

And now, my brethren, while thousands in these days are joining themselves to the Lord and publicly setting out for the heavenly Canaan, is it not the duty of all who wish to serve the God of Abraham, to go along with them? What countless blessings might they thus secure to themselves and to their children; their poor children who otherwise may perish for lack of a father's faith and a mother's prayers. They must either accompany God's people, or be left behind in wretchedness and ruin.

When this invitation was given it was a time of jubilee and joy with the Church. They had just avouched the Almighty Jehovah for their God and Father; they had been graciously received as his family, and were then, under the brightest auspices, setting out for the happy land given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. What glorious prospects lay before the eye of Moses as he thus addressed Hobab. And with these prospects before him, how could he bear to leave so dear a friend behind? How did his heart yearn to take all his kindred with him. His beloved friends from whom he had received so much kindness while a stranger among them, and with whom he had spent so many happy hours—to see their face no more—to leave them destitute of all the blessings of God's covenant—this was more than he could bear. And why should they lose so much? The way of Canaan was as open to them as to Moses. And of what urgent necessity it was that they should go at that time. If they did not set out then, probably they never would follow after. Never again would they find such a company setting out together for the promised land.

Must they never taste the delicious fruits of Canaan and the spiritual blessings of Abraham's seed? Must they sink into the sins and perish under the ruins of the heathen world? How could Moses endure the thought? In his eyes I read his soul as he presses the invitation upon Hobab: "Come with us and we will treat you well, for the LORD has promised wonderful blessings for Israel!" What love and goodness glowed in this address. He wished Hobab and his family to go:
because such an accession to the Church would advance the glory of God;
because he regarded their happiness as human beings, and more especially as beloved friends;
because he coveted the pleasure of their society;
and because he calculated on the advantages to be derived from them by the way. For similar reasons do those who are setting out for the heavenly Canaan, earnestly desire their friends and acquaintance to go along with them. The greater the number, the greater the glory to God. They have also a sincere desire for the best happiness of their fellow men. Their benevolence, as expansive as the light, embraces the great family of man, and would gladly bring them all home to their Father's house. It is not in their hearts to monopolize the blessings to themselves. Especially do they desire to have the friends of their heart accompany them.

What agonizing throes agitate the bosoms of pious children for their ungodly parents—for their unsanctified brothers and sisters—of pious parents for their unregenerate children—and of pious husbands and wives for their unrenewed partners. They long to see them happy after death, and they greatly desire the pleasure of their religious society and friendship. As soft as the dews of Hermon are the delights of Christian communion, especially with those whom the ties of nature have bound to our hearts. To tread with them the pleasant paths of wisdom, to mingle our sympathies and cares and joys and trials—this is a banquet next to the happiness of Heaven. How much is often lost in family circles for lack of this heavenly fellowship.

Another motive to wish that our friends may accompany us, is the advantage to be derived from their counsels, prayers, and watchful friendship. They may be to us instead of eyes. Religious friendship has peculiar advantages when shedding its benign influence upon the domestic relations. Two lovely sisters walking hand in hand in the ways of Zion—a husband and wife holding sweet communion together when they sit in the house and when they walk by the way—of what great advantage may they be in supporting and animating each other.

What a great assistance might youthful companions be to each other, would they agree to set out together in the heavenly course. why cannot such happy associations be formed on the high road to Zion? Why should parents be torn from children, husbands from wives, and brothers from brothers? Why need any be left behind? The road to Canaan is as open to them who loiter in Midian, as to those who are on their way. And what opportunity so favorable to commence the journey, as when such crowds are setting out for the holy country?

Now they need not travel the long and difficult way alone. But the time will come when all the pilgrims will have got home, and this road will no longer be frequented. And then the cry will be, 'Alas that we did not set out in season!'

There were strong reasons to enforce this invitation of Moses. He was not going to visit the inclement regions of Scythia, nor the sickly fens of Egypt; but to live under the healthful skies of Canaan—in a country fair and fruitful, brightened with cheerful suns, and fanned with temperate and healthy breezes. And God had spoken good concerning Israel. They were to enjoy the happiest commonwealth beneath the skies—to live under laws framed by God himself. They were to enjoy the oracles of God, the ordinances of his worship, the tabernacle, sabbaths, and holy feasts; and all their institutions were to be stamped with God and religion. Their economy and order would be, throughout, a delicious banquet for a holy taste. How infinitely superior to the motley and irregular rites of pagan superstition. The God of the whole earth had engaged to be their God, to fix his residence among them, and to sit on the mercy seat between the cherubim, diffusing blessings around the land, pardoning their sins, hearing their prayers, and holding blessed communion with them. Here alone was the Gospel of peace to be heard and the great atonement to be displayed. Their sacrifices and all their holy rites were to be full of Christ.

In a word, all that was precious in the manifestations of God—all that was valuable in the plan of grace revealed for the salvation of a ruined world—all that was glorious in all creation—in Heaven and earth—was, in a sense, to meet in a point in the Church, and to dwell among sacrifices streaming with blood, among tabernacles and temples and holy rites and praying thousands. In this nation the great Messiah was to appear, with all his blessings for men. Indeed God had spoken good concerning Israel. Great was to be the increase of their prosperity and joy; insomuch that every heart that loved God would thrill with transport.

Israel was a name which should live in honor when all other nations should be blended in one common grave. Their prosperity was to rise and extend and lengthen, even through the ages of eternity. How did Balaam, when perched on Abarim, inflated with the big inspiration and enrapt with the grandeur of his subject—how did he soar and stretch to more than mortal height when descanting on the future glory of Israel. This, all this, was the blessedness which Hobab was invited to partake.

With increased interest we shall now look upon the invitation again:

"One day Moses said to his brother-in-law, Hobab son of Reuel the Midianite: "We are on our way to the place the LORD promised us, for he said, 'I will give it to you.' Come with us and we will treat you well, for the LORD has promised wonderful blessings for Israel!"

But Hobab replied, "No, I will not go. I must return to my own land and family."

"Please do not leave us," Moses pleaded. "You know the places in the wilderness where we should camp. Come, be our guide. If you do, we will share with you all the blessings the LORD gives us."

How could he resist so tender, so pressing, so advantageous an offer? What a fatal calculation would it have been for him to have lingered in Midian. He could not stay. He did not resist the entreaties of the prophet Moses. He went with him. He went, and he had no cause to repent of it. He saw the glory of Israel. His posterity partook of the prosperity of the nation and the blessings of Abraham. And this day, we trust, he is rejoicing that he went with Moses.

And now, my dear brethren, with the voice of sincere friendship I would apply this invitation to every person in the house who is not on his way to the heavenly Canaan. In the name and behalf of that blessed company who are bound to the land of promise, I present you an affectionate invitation to come along with them. I know they greatly desire your company. They would not monopolize the blessings to themselves. They would gladly impart to you a share of all that God bestows on them. They wish you to partake of their happiness for time and eternity. Indeed they know not how to leave you behind. As they cannot at present speak for themselves, I will address you as their organ, and wish the invitation may be received as coming from them.

Imagine that you hear the voice of some beloved child or parent or brother or sister or husband or wife, calling to you from the Church: "We are on our way to the place the LORD promised us, for he said, 'I will give it to you.' Come with us and we will treat you well, for the LORD has promised wonderful blessings for us. We are bound, not to an earthly Canaan, but to the mount of vision, the Zion of the skies; to fairer fields than Moses saw from Pisgah; to the land of the River of Life:
better watered than the plain of Jordan,
more beautiful than Tirzah and Jerusalem,
more bountiful than Gilead or the valley of Eshcol,
more delectable than the vineyards of Engedi,
stronger than the castles of the Anakim,
and more magnificent than the mountains of Lebanon.

This is the land of which the Lord has said, I will give it to you. Unworthy indeed we are, yet our Father has allowed us to hope for a bright inheritance in Heaven. It is decreed that earth-born worms shall be enrapt above the sun and stars, to fly with angels through the upper spheres, and to expand in regions of exhaustless life. Into his own hands has he taken the charge to carry us through the windings of the wilderness, to subdue the giants, and to put us into peaceful possession of the blessed country. We have the place by no uncertain tenure. It is made over to us by a covenant well ordered in all things and sure. And now we advertise you that our face is fixedly set to go up to this Jerusalem. Come with us and we will do you good; for the Lord has spoken good concerning us. The most transporting prospects are spread out before the view of Christians. Eye has not seen nor ear heard, what God has prepared for them that love him. For these enchanting scenes we are toiling and pressing forward, and hope soon to enter the portals of the celestial city and leave all these lower worlds behind.

Come with us and share in all our glory. There are seats enough around the throne for you, and we would not occupy them alone. The mountains and valleys of Canaan are spacious enough to admit you and your little ones. Heaven is wide enough for all. There is room enough in the heart of God, merits enough in Christ, ministering angels enough to attend you. There is room enough in the Church to admit you, room enough at the table of the Lord to receive you, and room enough in the hearts of Christians to entertain you.

Come with us from Midian and unite your destinies with the Israel of God. Theirs is the only interest which will stand when worlds decay; the only bark that will ride through the storms of conflicting elements and enter the blissful haven; the only thing that will rise unimpaired from amidst the ruins of dissolving worlds.

Come then and embark your all on that bottom which supports the fortunes of Israel. Unite your destinies with theirs, to rise as they rise, and to fall only when they fall. Come and take your chance with them, and say as Ruth did to Naomi, "Where you go, I will go; and where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God."

Come along with us! Think not, beloved friends, that we call you to venture among dangers which we will not encounter ourselves, or to engage in labors which we ourselves would shun, or that we are pressing a blessing upon you which we despise. No, we offer you what we hold most dear, and what worlds would not purchase from us. We will cheerfully go with you through all your perils and toils. We will keep by your side in every extremity, and will never leave you in the hour of trial. We would not send you alone through unexplored ways. Only come with us, and we will go with you.

Come with us and we will do you good. There is nothing in our power that we will not do for you. We will assist you by our counsels, we will cheer you by our sympathies, and employ our prayers for you. Our heads, our hearts, our hands shall be ready to assist you. We will do what lies in us to support you in affliction and to strengthen you in temptation. We will watch over you with a brother's care; will rejoice when you rejoice and weep when you weep. We will unite our counsels with yours against the common foe, and will stand or fall with you. We will clinch hands and together break through the thickest ranks. Together we will conquer and together we will reign. Not death itself shall long divide us.

We here, with great affection and desire, offer ourselves for your companions and assistants by the way. We seek and court your alliance. Take us and we are yours. We freely confess to you that we ourselves also want your assistance. Like the Hebrews, we are in a wilderness, surrounded by enemies and dangers; and you may be to us instead of eyes. ,Beset with difficulties and foes we call for your assistance. Come up to the help of the Lord against the mighty. We should be obliged by your counsels, sympathies, and prayers; and much would we value the pleasure of your society.

And it shall be, if you go with us, yes it shall be, that what goodness the Lord shall do unto us—the same will we do unto you. You shall take part with us in the Gospel, in its precious promises, in the privilege of pardon, in all our consolations. We will welcome you to the table of the Lord; and there, as in a banqueting house, we will joyfully impart to you that sacred feast which we ourselves receive. You shall share in our labors, our watchings, our trials. You shall have your full share in our final inheritance, in our crowns and diadems, and shall reign with us forever and ever. In all the good, for time and eternity, which we receive from the Lord, you, dear brethren, shall have your part! Only come along with us and share our fortunes with us. Come drink at our fountains, repose in our valleys, and bring your little ones to partake of our harvests, our sacred feasts, and the delights of our tabernacle. We shall rejoice to embrace you as brethren. With overflowing hearts we will welcome you to the maternal care of our mother, the Church. We shall delight to show you all the rare things which we discover in these new climates, the mysterious regions of Zion. We will lead you around and show you the glory of the temple and all its sacred order. We will lead you to Calvary, and show you a Savior reeking in blood. When we have attended you home, we will lead you around the upper skies, and show you the magnificence of the New Jerusalem. This done, we will choose out one common abode in some fair immortal field, and dwell together like one soul through the unmeasured ages of eternity. You see our hearts are ready to take part with you in all things. Only come and be with us, and we will be with you.

And now who among you all will consent, and this day set out with us for the promised land? Will none consent? Must we go alone, and gather the grapes and reap the harvest of Canaan without you? We confess to you our whole souls—we know not how to leave you behind. Often shall we look back and sigh for your company. O gratify our anxious desires and come along with us. Forsake your idol gods and your father's house, and come and take shelter under the wings of the God of Israel.

There is a voice gone out; an alarm is heard, that tempests are gathering over the land of Midian. I see the perturbations of the troubled sky—the fury of the winds driving together the high-charged clouds; and now a general stillness holds the pulse of nature—dreadful quiet before the bursting of the angry storm. "Up, get out of this place; for the Lord will destroy this city."

Vast and eternal will be the difference between those who set out for Canaan, and those who stay behind. The impassable gulf will divide many a father's house; a parent on one side, and a child on the other—a brother on one side, and a sister on the other; and what is most affecting of all, this line will break the nuptial tie and forever divide the husband from the wife of his bosom.

Are none affected at the sight of such crowds setting out for Mount Zion, while they are left behind? And why, my dear friends, will you not also go? Are not your souls as precious as theirs? Have you not as much need to go? Would it not be as much to your advantage? And have you not as good a right? for all are equally invited to share in the promised land. Come then with us and we will do you good. And it shall be, if you go with us, yes it shall be, that what goodness the Lord shall do unto us, the same will we do unto you. Amen.