The verse we're looking at is from Numbers 10:30: "And he said to him: I will not go; but to my land and to my kindred I will go." Who is "he," and why won't he go? This "he" is Chovav, the father-in-law of Moses. Moses is trying to convince Chovav to join the Israelites on their journey through the wilderness. He's inviting him to be part of something monumental, a nation forging its destiny.
But Chovav resists. Why? Because he's got roots. Deep roots.
According to Sifrei Bamidbar, Chovav essentially tells Moses, "I'm not going anywhere. My land calls to me, and so do my family." But the commentary doesn't stop there. It delves into the reasons behind this reluctance. It paints a picture of a man deeply content with his life. "Both because of my land and because of my kindred I will not go (with you)," Chovav insists.
The commentary then breaks down the nuances of Chovav’s attachment. It isn't just one thing holding him back. "There are some who have a land, but no possessions; others who have possessions, but no family." He's saying that some people might have a place to call home, but lack the means to truly thrive there. Others might be wealthy, but lack the warmth of a loving family.
But Chovav? He's got it all. "But I have a land, possessions, and family." He's blessed with a complete life. He has a place, the means to live comfortably, and the people he loves around him.
And there's one more layer to this. The text adds, "and I was a priest in my land." He wasn't just from there; he had a respected role and a sense of purpose. He held a position of honor and responsibility within his community. This isn’t just about comfort; it's about belonging and purpose.
Chovav emphasizes his point, almost as if arguing with himself: "If I will not go (home) because of my land, I will go because of my possessions; and if I will not go because of my possessions, I will go because of my family." He's saying that even if one of these ties were to weaken, the others would still be strong enough to keep him rooted.
So, what does this all mean? It's a reminder that sometimes, the greatest adventures aren't about forging new paths, but about appreciating the blessings we already have. It's about recognizing the value of home, family, and community. It's a question we all face at some point: do we chase the unknown, or do we cherish the known? And is there a right answer? Maybe the right answer is different for each of us, depending on what "land," "possessions," and "family" mean in our own lives.