Judges 4:11 – Heber the Kenite
Remember in chapter one, we learned of the Kenites? They were a group of people descended from Moses’ father-in-law who settled in the land of the tribe of Judah. In Judges 4:11 we find that these Kenites were descended from a man called Hobab. Numbers 10:29 tells us Hobab was the son of Reuel (also known as Jethro). Reuel was Moses’ father-in-law. However, most translations of Judges 4:11 say that Hobab was Moses’ father-in-law. Is the Bible wrong? Can we not trust what it tells us?
In fact, the very same Hebrew letters are used to spell “father-in-law” and “brother-in-law.” Therefore, as we compare Scripture to Scripture we find it is best to translate the word here as “brother-in-law.” The Bible is not wrong and we can trust what it tells us.
Heber has separated from his people, who are settled in the south, and has instead pitched his tent near Kedesh in the land of Naphtali. Later, we will see that there are good relations between Heber and Jabin, and the LORD will use this to bring about Jabin’s downfall. It is at least partly for this purpose that God ordained Heber’s move to the north of Israel.
God has ordained whatsoever comes to pass. He works out His providential plan even through what may seem to us to be the most inconsequential decisions. Praise be to God that He is in control of all events.
Questions
- Who were the Kenites?
- Who is in control of Heber the Kenites’ move to northern Israel?
- Can we trust the Bible?
Prayer Points
- Praise God for His Providential control of all events.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.