Hobab

A member of the Midianite people who was connected to Moses's family (Numbers 10:29; Judges 4:11). He was either Moses's father-in-law or his brother-in-law. If he was Moses's father-in-law, he was also known by two other names. He is usually called Jethro (Exodus 3:1; 4:18; 18:1–12). But he is also called Reuel (Exodus 2:18). Jethro served as a priest of Midian (Exodus 18:1). He was the ancestor of the Kenite people (Judges 4:11).

Scholars are not sure whether Hobab was Moses's father-in-law or brother-in-law. In Judges 4:11, Hobab seems to be the same person as Jethro. Some ancient copies of the Bible add the name"Hobab" when mentioning "the Kenite, Moses' father-in-law" in Judges 1:16. They also add his name when talking about Reuel in Exodus 2:18. However, Numbers 10:29a could mean that Hobab was Reuel's son (making him Moses's brother-in-law). In this passage, Moses asks Hobab to help guide the Israelites through the wilderness because he knew the area well.

See also Jethro.