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Numbers 10:29 - Inviting converts to join Israel

Numbers 10:29 - במדבר 10:29

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר מֹשֶׁה לְחֹבָב בֶּן־רְעוּאֵל הַמִּדְיָנִי חֹתֵן מֹשֶׁה נֹסְעִים אֲנַחְנוּ אֶל־הַמָּקוֹם אֲשֶׁר אָמַר יְהוָה אֹתוֹ אֶתֵּן לָכֶם לְכָה אִתָּנוּ וְהֵטַבְנוּ לָךְ כִּי־יְהוָה דִּבֶּר־טוֹב עַל־יִשְׂרָאֵל׃

English Translation

And Moshe said to Ḥovav, the son of Re῾u᾽el, the Midyanite, Moshe’s father in law, We are journeying to the place of which the Lord said, I will give it you: come thou with us, and we will do thee good: for the Lord has spoken good concerning Yisra᾽el.

Transliteration

Va'yomer Moshe l'Chovav ben-Re'uel haMidyani choten Moshe nos'im anachnu el-hamakom asher amar Adonai oto eten lachem lecha itanu v'heitavnu lach ki-Adonai diber-tov al-Yisrael.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֗ה לְ֠חֹבָ֠ב בֶּן־רְעוּאֵ֣ל הַמִּדְיָנִי֮ חֹתֵ֣ן מֹשֶׁה֒ נֹסְעִ֣ים <b>׀</b> אֲנַ֗חְנוּ אֶל־הַמָּקוֹם֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אָמַ֣ר יְהֹוָ֔ה אֹת֖וֹ אֶתֵּ֣ן לָכֶ֑ם לְכָ֤ה אִתָּ֙נוּ֙ וְהֵטַ֣בְנוּ לָ֔ךְ כִּֽי־יְהֹוָ֥ה דִּבֶּר־ט֖וֹב עַל־יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֗ה לְ֠חֹבָ֠ב בֶּן־רְעוּאֵ֣ל הַמִּדְיָנִי֮ חֹתֵ֣ן מֹשֶׁה֒ נֹסְעִ֣ים ׀ אֲנַ֗חְנוּ אֶל־הַמָּקוֹם֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אָמַ֣ר יְהֹוָ֔ה אֹת֖וֹ אֶתֵּ֣ן לָכֶ֑ם לְכָ֤ה אִתָּ֙נוּ֙ וְהֵטַ֣בְנוּ לָ֔ךְ כִּֽי־יְהֹוָ֥ה דִּבֶּר־ט֖וֹב עַל־יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bamidbar 10:29) describes Moshe's invitation to his father-in-law, Chovav (also identified as Yitro in Shemot 18), to join Bnei Yisrael on their journey to Eretz Yisrael. This occurs after the departure from Har Sinai and before the travels through the wilderness.

Chovav's Identity

Rashi (on Shemot 18:1) identifies Chovav as Yitro, Moshe's father-in-law, based on the Midrash (Sifrei Bamidbar 10:29). The name "Chovav" (meaning "beloved") reflects his closeness to Moshe and his acceptance of Hashem. The Talmud (Zevachim 116a) discusses Yitro's conversion and his righteous status among the nations.

Moshe's Invitation

Moshe's words, "We are journeying to the place of which the Lord said, I will give it you", emphasize the divine promise of Eretz Yisrael. Ramban (on Bamidbar 10:29) explains that Moshe sought Chovav's guidance due to his familiarity with the wilderness, as Yitro was a Midyanite shepherd (Shemot 3:1).

The Promise of Good

When Moshe says, "we will do thee good", Rashi explains that this refers to a share in the land. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 10:29) elaborates that Moshe offered Chovav a portion in the future division of Eretz Yisrael, though Chovav ultimately declined (see Sifrei). The phrase "for the Lord has spoken good concerning Yisrael" alludes to the blessings and prosperity awaiting Bnei Yisrael.

Chovav's Role and Legacy

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 94a) notes that Chovav's descendants (the Kenites) later settled among Bnei Yisrael (see Shoftim 1:16). The Midrash (Tanchuma, Beha'alotcha 12) highlights that Chovav's presence would bring merit to the nation, as he was a righteous convert who recognized Hashem's greatness.

Lessons from the Verse

  • Hachnasat Orchim (Welcoming Guests): Moshe's invitation reflects the mitzvah of including others in the journey toward kedusha (holiness).
  • Gratitude to Mentors: Moshe honored his father-in-law, acknowledging Yitro's past guidance (Shemot 18).
  • Trust in Divine Promise: The verse reinforces emunah (faith) in Hashem's promise of Eretz Yisrael.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was Chovav in the Torah?
A: Chovav was Moshe's father-in-law, also known as Yitro (Jethro) in other parts of the Torah. He was a Midianite priest who later recognized Hashem's greatness. The name 'Chovav' is used here, which some commentaries (like Rashi) explain as a term of endearment meaning 'beloved.'
Q: Why did Moshe invite Chovav to join the Jewish people?
A: Moshe invited Chovav to join Bnei Yisrael on their journey to Eretz Yisrael because he valued his wisdom and guidance (as seen earlier when Yitro advised Moshe on setting up a judicial system). Additionally, the verse states that Moshe promised to do good for him, as Hashem had promised goodness to Israel—showing the importance of sharing spiritual blessings with righteous converts and allies.
Q: What is the significance of 'the place Hashem promised' in this verse?
A: The 'place' refers to Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel), which Hashem promised to give to the Jewish people. This highlights the central role of the Land of Israel in Jewish destiny and the fulfillment of divine promises. The Talmud and Midrash often emphasize the holiness and uniqueness of Eretz Yisrael as the designated homeland for the Jewish nation.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Moshe's invitation to Chovav?
A: We learn the importance of welcoming righteous converts (gerim) and those who support the Jewish people. The Rambam teaches that we must treat converts with love and respect, as they have chosen to join the covenant of Avraham. Moshe's offer to Chovav reflects this principle of inclusion and kindness.
Q: Why does the Torah mention that Hashem 'spoke good concerning Israel'?
A: This phrase reinforces the idea that Hashem's promises to Bnei Yisrael are reliable and benevolent. The Midrash explains that Hashem's 'good' includes the Torah, Eretz Yisrael, and the World to Come. By reminding Chovav of this, Moshe emphasized that joining the Jewish people meant sharing in these divine blessings.