Numbers 10:31

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And he said, Leave us not, I pray thee; forasmuch as thou knowest how we are to encamp in the wilderness, and thou mayest be to us instead of eyes.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Moshe continued, "Please don't leave us, because you know that we have to camp in the desert, and you can serve as our eyes.

Berean Standard Bible:

“Please do not leave us,” Moses said, “since you know where we should camp in the wilderness, and you can serve as our eyes.

American Standard Version:

And he said, Leave us not, I pray thee; forasmuch as thou knowest how we are to encamp in the wilderness, and thou shalt be to us instead of eyes.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And he said^{H559}, Leave^{H5800} us not, I pray thee; forasmuch as thou knowest^{{H3651}{H3045}} how we are to encamp^{H2583} in the wilderness^{H4057}, and thou mayest be to us instead of eyes^{H5869}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Numbers 10:31

**Themes:**
- Leadership and guidance: The verse underscores the importance of experienced leadership in navigating challenges, with a particular emphasis on the value of those who possess specialized knowledge.
- Reliance on others: It reflects a theme of interdependence within the community, acknowledging that the collective success depends on the unique contributions of individuals.
- The wilderness journey: This theme represents both a literal journey through the desert and a metaphorical journey of faith and growth.

**Historical Context:**
- The Israelites are in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt, preparing to journey towards the Promised Land.
- The speaker in Numbers 10:31 is likely Moses, addressing Hobab, the son of Reuel (also known as Jethro), Moses' father-in-law. Hobab is a Kenite who is familiar with the wilderness terrain.
- The Israelites are not yet familiar with traveling and living in the wilderness, so they seek Hobab's expertise to guide them through the unfamiliar and often harsh environment.

In essence, Numbers 10:31 captures a moment where the Israelites acknowledge their need for Hobab's local knowledge to safely navigate the wilderness, emphasizing the value of expert guidance during times of uncertainty and transition.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H559
   There are 4434 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָמַר
   Transliteration: ʼâmar
   Pronunciation: aw-mar'
   Description: a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude); answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet.
   
2. Strong's Number: H5800
   There are 206 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עָזַב
   Transliteration: ʻâzab
   Pronunciation: aw-zab'
   Description: a primitive root; to loosen, i.e. relinquish, permit, etc.; commit self, fail, forsake, fortify, help, leave (destitute, off), refuse, [idiom] surely.
   
3. Strong's Number: H3651
   There are 41 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: כֵּן
   Transliteration: kên
   Pronunciation: kane
   Description: from כּוּן; properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner, time and relation; often with other particles); [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you.
   
4. Strong's Number: H3045
   There are 873 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יָדַע
   Transliteration: yâdaʻ
   Pronunciation: yaw-dah'
   Description: a primitive root; to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including observation, care, recognition; and causatively, instruction, designation, punishment, etc.); acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot.
   
5. Strong's Number: H2583
   There are 135 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: חָנָה
   Transliteration: chânâh
   Pronunciation: khaw-naw'
   Description: a primitive root (compare חָנַן); properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch atent; gen. to encamp (for abode or siege); abide (in tents), camp, dwell, encamp, grow to an end, lie, pitch (tent), rest in tent.
   
6. Strong's Number: H4057
   There are 257 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מִדְבָּר
   Transliteration: midbâr
   Pronunciation: mid-bawr'
   Description: from דָבַר in the sense of driving; a pasture (i.e. open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert; also speech (including its organs); desert, south, speech, wilderness.
   
7. Strong's Number: H5869
   There are 830 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עַיִן
   Transliteration: ʻayin
   Pronunciation: ah'-yin
   Description: probably a primitive word; an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape); affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves).