Charles Ellicott Commentary Numbers 10:31

"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." — Numbers 10:31 (ASV)

How we are to encamp ... — It is clear from these words, as well as from many similar indications, that despite the direct guidance granted from heaven and the miraculous interventions of Providence that the Israelites experienced throughout their journeys, Moses did not neglect to make use of all the ordinary precautions that it was his duty, as the leader of his people, to take. The line of march and the places of encampment were clearly marked out by the cloud, but many difficulties would arise during the journeys and at the encampments, which Hobab’s familiarity with the desert would enable him to address.