Exodus 23:20 kjv

Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared.

Exodus 23:20 nkjv

"Behold, I send an Angel before you to keep you in the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared.

Exodus 23:20 niv

"See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared.

Exodus 23:20 esv

"Behold, I send an angel before you to guard you on the way and to bring you to the place that I have prepared.

Exodus 23:20 nlt

"See, I am sending an angel before you to protect you on your journey and lead you safely to the place I have prepared for you.

Exodus 23 verses

Exodus 23 20 Meaning

Exodus 23:20 reveals God's gracious promise to the Israelites, affirming His unwavering commitment to guide and protect them on their wilderness journey to the Promised Land. He pledges to send a divine messenger, an Angel with exceptional authority, to safeguard them through dangers and ensure they reach the divinely prepared inheritance.

Exodus 23 20 Context

The verse appears within the "Book of the Covenant" (Exod 20:22-23:33), following the foundational Ten Commandments and a series of detailed civil and cultic laws given to Israel at Mount Sinai. After stipulating how the people were to live as God's redeemed community, Exodus 23 transitions to God's promises of victory and provision as they journey towards the Promised Land, provided they remain obedient. Verse 20 initiates this segment, offering assurance of divine companionship and protection for their imminent journey and conquest of Canaan, culminating in their arrival at the pre-ordained inheritance. Historically, Israel stood on the cusp of departing Sinai, preparing for the challenging and lengthy wilderness trek and the subsequent warfare required to settle in the land God had promised their forefathers.

Exodus 23 20 Word analysis

• Behold (הִנֵּה, hinneh): An interjection signaling importance, drawing immediate attention to what follows. It emphasizes the solemnity and certainty of God's declaration.

• I send (שֹׁלֵחַ, sholeakh): The participle indicates an active, ongoing intention and an assured future action from God Himself. It highlights God's sovereignty and initiative in providing for His people.

• an Angel (מַלְאָךְ, mal'akh): This Hebrew term means "messenger" and can refer to a human or divine agent. In this context, given the following verse (Exod 23:21), "for My name is in him," and other Old Testament appearances (e.g., Exod 3:2-6, Judg 2:1), this "Angel" is widely understood to be more than an ordinary created angel. Many scholars interpret it as the "Angel of the Lord" (Malak YHWH), often identified as a pre-incarnate manifestation of Christ (a Christophany), embodying God's presence and authority. It directly counteracts polytheistic tendencies by emphasizing God's singular, powerful representative.

• before you (לְפָנֶיךָ, l'faneykha): Literally "to your face" or "in your presence." It implies the Angel will go as a vanguard, leading the way, clearing obstacles, and setting the pace for the journey. It signifies direct, visible, and personal guidance.

• to guard you (לִשְׁמָרְךָ, lishmorcha): To watch over, protect, preserve. This highlights divine providence against the dangers of the wilderness—both physical threats (enemies, wild animals) and spiritual ones (idolatry, rebellion).

• on the way (בַּדֶּרֶךְ, baderekh): Refers to the physical journey through the wilderness but carries broader spiritual implications of life's path or pilgrimage. It emphasizes God's presence and protection throughout life's journey for His people.

• and to bring you (וְלַהֲבִיאֲךָ, v'lahavi'akha): Indicates the Angel's active role in safely conducting them to their destination. It underscores that arrival is not by their own strength but by God's guiding power.

• to the place (אֶל-הַמָּקוֹם, el-hamaqom): Refers primarily to the physical land of Canaan. It's a specific, pre-ordained destination, not an arbitrary one, symbolizing God's covenant faithfulness and promise-keeping.

• which I have prepared (אֲשֶׁר הֲכִנֹתִי, asher hechinoti): Emphasizes God's sovereign foresight, meticulous planning, and divine authority over their destiny. It conveys that their inheritance is a gift, not something they earn, though it requires faithful cooperation.

• "Behold, I send an Angel before you": This powerful opening declaration immediately establishes God's initiative and sovereign commitment. The sending of "an Angel" highlights a divine delegate, but one uniquely endowed with God's presence and authority. This statement assured the Israelites that their journey would be divinely led and empowered, dispelling fears of facing the unknown wilderness alone.

• "to guard you on the way": This phrase underlines God's protective care throughout the arduous journey. It's a promise of safekeeping from dangers, sustenance in harsh conditions, and overall providential watchfulness. This demonstrates God's consistent covenantal faithfulness, acting as a divine shepherd leading His flock.

• "and to bring you to the place which I have prepared": This confirms God's ultimate purpose and provision: bringing them safely to their destined inheritance. The "place... I have prepared" speaks to God's meticulous planning and assures the completion of His covenant promises. This land, a land "flowing with milk and honey," was not random but specifically chosen and made ready by God. It also points to the broader theological truth that God has ultimate destinations—both physical and spiritual—for His people, secured by His divine will.

Exodus 23 20 Bonus section

The figure of the "Angel" in this verse, specifically the "Angel of the Lord" (מַלְאַךְ יְהוָה, Mal'akh YHWH) from broader biblical texts, frequently served as God's personal representative to a degree that suggested identity with YHWH Himself. This complex portrayal (simultaneously distinct from God, yet speaking and acting as God) provides significant Old Testament anticipation of the New Testament revelation of Christ—distinct from the Father yet embodying the fullness of the Godhead. This pre-incarnate manifestation ensured divine leadership, authority, and accountability for Israel. The promise in Exodus 23:20 is not just for the initial generation but extends spiritually to all believers, illustrating God's continual faithfulness to His church in leading them through the challenges of this world to their eternal inheritance. It reminds believers that the journey of faith is under constant, divine surveillance and active leadership, assuring a successful arrival at the destination God has prepared.

Exodus 23 20 Commentary

Exodus 23:20 presents a pivotal promise of divine guidance and protection, transitioning from law to covenant blessings and responsibilities. The "Angel" signifies not merely a subordinate messenger but a unique divine presence, perhaps even the pre-incarnate Christ, acting as God's vanguard. His role is multifaceted: leading the path, shielding from perils, and ensuring arrival at the preordained destination. This underscores God's active involvement in the lives of His people, His faithfulness to His covenant promises, and His sovereign control over their journey and destiny. The journey to Canaan becomes a metaphor for the Christian walk, wherein believers are similarly guided, protected, and brought to an ultimate, heavenly "prepared place" by the constant presence and power of God's Spirit. Obedience to this divine guide, as explicitly mentioned in the subsequent verse (Exod 23:21), is crucial for experiencing these promised blessings.