After the journey toward Paran began, Moses asked his brother-in-law, Hobab, to guide the Israelites (literally and you will serve for us for eyes) (compare Judges 4:11). In this way, Hobab would share in their promised blessings. As a Midianite shepherd, Hobab knew the routes and possible sources of food and water in the Sinai Peninsula.
Reuel the Midianite: See “Jethro (Reuel)” Profile.
my own land and my own people: Midian was probably in northwestern Arabia. Judges 1:16 suggests that Hobab accepted the request.