2-19-16. Numbers 10:29-36. Human Resource Management 101 by Moses
2-19-16. Numbers 10:29-36. Human Resource Management 101 by Moses
Numbers 10:29-36 Kevin E. Jesmer
Key verse 10:36 2-19-16
“But Moses said, “Please do not leave us. You know where we should camp in the wilderness, and you can be our eyes.”
We can learn come great management principles from Moses. Look at verse 29-36. We are not sure who Hobab was. It could have been another name for Jethro. In Hebrew, Hobab means “marriage relationship”. This man could have been Jethro or a brother of Jethro.
Numbers 10:29-36, “29 Now Moses said to Hobab son of Reuel the Midianite, Moses’ father-in-law, “We are setting out for the place about which the Lord said, ‘I will give it to you.’ Come with us and we will treat you well, for the Lord has promised good things to Israel.” 30 He answered, “No, I will not go; I am going back to my own land and my own people.” 31 But Moses said, “Please do not leave us. You know where we should camp in the wilderness, and you can be our eyes. 32 If you come with us, we will share with you whatever good things the Lord gives us.” 33 So they set out from the mountain of the Lord and traveled for three days. The ark of the covenant of the Lord went before them during those three days to find them a place to rest. 34 The cloud of the Lord was over them by day when they set out from the camp. 35 Whenever the ark set out, Moses said, “Rise up, Lord! May your enemies be scattered; may your foes flee before you.” 36 Whenever it came to rest, he said, “Return, Lord, to the countless thousands of Israel.”
Moses complimented Hobab’s skills. By complimenting Hobab’s desert skills, Moses was letting him know he was needed. It was not just empty words. Moses saw the facts held up the man’s skills in high esteem. People cannot know that they are appreciated if you do not let tell them. Complimenting those who deserve it, builds relationships and helps people know that they are valued members of the group.
Moses was very inclusive. “29 Now Moses said to Hobab son of Reuel the Midianite, Moses’ father-in-law, “We are setting out for the place about which the Lord said, ‘I will give it to you.’ Come with us and we will treat you well, for the Lord has promised good things to Israel.” 30 He answered, “No, I will not go; I am going back to my own land and my own people.” 31 But Moses said, “Please do not leave us. You know where we should camp in the wilderness, and you can be our eyes. 32 If you come with us, we will share with you whatever good things the Lord gives us.”
Hobab was not an Israelite. But Moses was inviting him to be part of the people of God. He was taking an outsider and making him an insider. This same invitation is given to us, who were once outsiders and were made insiders through faith. Listen to Jesus’ invite in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (NIV) Weary and burdened Hobab was being invited to find rest among the people of God.
He appears to have ignored the invite saying in verse 29b, “…No, I will not go; I am going back to my own land and my own people.” In the end, I am not sure what he chose to do. Maybe Moses was able to change his mind. But how foolish he would be to ignore such an invite and how blessed he would be if he accepted it!
Moses looked for ways for people to utilize their talents. Look at verse 31, “But Moses said, “Please do not leave us. You know where we should camp in the wilderness, and you can be our eyes.” Hobab had some clear skills that were very valuable in the work of God. Moses helped him to see his talents and to find ways to apply them. And there was room within the body to apply his skills. This is a role of any spiritual leader to help people discover their talents and apply them.
Moses inspired the people to obey the Lord. Verse 34-36, “The cloud of the Lord was over them by day when they set out from the camp. 35 Whenever the ark set out, Moses said, “Rise up, Lord! May your enemies be scattered; may your foes flee before you.” 36 Whenever it came to rest, he said, “Return, Lord, to the countless thousands of Israel.” Psalm 68 was written as a result of this prayer of Moses. He was always ready to inspire others to obey the Lord, by encouraging them, reminding them that God is with them and leading them in victory.
Moses prayed to the Lord on behalf of his people. Any leader, must support their people in prayer.
Moses gave his people the proper perspective on what is happening. Look at verses 35-36 again, “35 Whenever the ark set out, Moses said, “Rise up, Lord! May your enemies be scattered; may your foes flee before you.” 36 Whenever it came to rest, he said, “Return, Lord, to the countless thousands of Israel.” He framed what was happening, helping his people to see things from God’s point of view. During times of change, it is the role of a spiritual leader to help people frame what is happening around them.
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