Exodus 23:23 kjv

For mine Angel shall go before thee, and bring thee in unto the Amorites, and the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites: and I will cut them off.

Exodus 23:23 nkjv

For My Angel will go before you and bring you in to the Amorites and the Hittites and the Perizzites and the Canaanites and the Hivites and the Jebusites; and I will cut them off.

Exodus 23:23 niv

My angel will go ahead of you and bring you into the land of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites and Jebusites, and I will wipe them out.

Exodus 23:23 esv

"When my angel goes before you and brings you to the Amorites and the Hittites and the Perizzites and the Canaanites, the Hivites and the Jebusites, and I blot them out,

Exodus 23:23 nlt

For my angel will go before you and bring you into the land of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites, and Jebusites, so you may live there. And I will destroy them completely.

Exodus 23 verses

Exodus 23 23 Meaning

Exodus 23:23 articulates a divine promise and assurance to the nation of Israel as they stand on the threshold of entering the promised land. It declares that God's special "Angel" will precede them, actively clearing the way by driving out the six powerful indigenous nations inhabiting Canaan: the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites, and Jebusites. This verse emphasizes God's sovereign power, His commitment to His covenant, and His direct intervention on behalf of His people to secure their inheritance. It underscores that the conquest is not merely a human endeavor but a divine act of displacement.

Exodus 23 23 Context

Exodus 23:23 is situated within the "Book of the Covenant" (Exo 20:22 - 23:33), following a detailed set of moral, civil, and ceremonial laws delivered by God to Moses at Mount Sinai. Specifically, verses 20-33 of chapter 23 contain divine promises and warnings concerning Israel's impending entry into the Promised Land. This section contrasts with the preceding judicial and social laws by shifting focus to the relationship with the surrounding pagan nations.

The verse emphasizes God's initiative in the conquest. It immediately precedes injunctions against making covenants with these nations or worshipping their idols, thereby establishing the divine intention for complete separation and conquest rather than assimilation. Historically, Israel was about to embark on their journey from Sinai, and this promise served as a crucial encouragement and an affirmation of God's faithful leadership in securing the land promised to their forefathers. It also laid the theological groundwork for why these nations had to be dispossessed: their idolatry and wickedness.

Exodus 23 23 Word analysis

• For (kî - כִּי): A conjunction indicating causation or confirmation. It introduces the reason or explanation for the commands and promises that God has been giving.
• my angel (mal'akî - מַלְאָכִי): "My messenger" or "My angel." This refers to a divine representative. Often, in the Old Testament, "the Angel of the LORD" (a specific form, distinct from general angels) is seen as a manifestation of God Himself (a theophany or Christophany), embodying His presence and authority. This underscores the power and divine nature of the one who will go before Israel, distinguishing him from ordinary created angels.
• will go before you (hôlēk ləpāneykhā - הוֹלֵךְ לְפָנֶיךָ): Implies active leading, guiding, and clearing the path. It speaks of divine presence and proactive intervention in front of the people, signifying protection and strategic movement.
• and bring you (wəhēḇi’ṭykā - וְהֵבֵאתִיךָ): "And I will cause you to come" or "I will lead you." The verb is "bring" in the Hiphil stem, which denotes causing an action. This shows God as the primary agent who ensures their successful arrival into the designated place, highlighting His power and faithfulness.
• to the Amorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Canaanites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites: A list of six out of the typical seven (Girgashites often included elsewhere) dominant nations inhabiting the land of Canaan. These names represent the full extent of the current occupants whose land Israel is to inherit. The enumeration emphasizes the specificity of God's promise regarding the formidable enemies they will face.
• and I will wipe them out (wəhikhraṭîm - וְהִכְרַתִּים): "And I will cut them off," "I will utterly destroy them." The verb kārath (כָּרַת) means to cut, cut off, or cut down. In the Hiphil, it often implies bringing about complete destruction, extermination, or cessation of existence. This emphasizes the divine commitment to the removal of these nations, signifying God's power and justice against pagan wickedness, clearing the land for Israel to dwell without compromise.

Exodus 23 23 Bonus section

The specific listing of six nations instead of the more common seven (excluding the Girgashites) found elsewhere (e.g., Deut 7:1) suggests a representative rather than exhaustive enumeration. This variance in lists across different passages highlights the totality of the conquest promised by God. The "Angel of the LORD" (or "Angel of His presence") signifies a deeper engagement of God than a mere messenger. It prefigures the consistent theme throughout Israel's history where divine presence is linked to success and the lack of it (due to disobedience) leads to failure. The promise also foreshadows the future fulfillment in the Person of Christ, who truly "goes before" His people to conquer spiritual foes and bring them into their ultimate inheritance and rest (Heb 4:8). The entire historical account of the conquest, though marred by Israel's partial obedience, ultimately testifies to God's enduring faithfulness to the core promise given in this verse.

Exodus 23 23 Commentary

Exodus 23:23 serves as a pivotal assurance in God's covenant with Israel. It follows laws for ethical living and anticipates the entry into the Promised Land. The identity of "my angel" is profound; it represents God's personal, powerful presence and direct involvement. This "Angel of the LORD" is not merely a subordinate messenger but a divine agent who effectively embodies God's power and authority, similar to how God himself goes before them (Exo 33:14). This underscores that the conquest is divinely initiated and executed, not reliant on Israel's military might alone, but on God's omnipotence and faithfulness to His covenant promise.

The naming of the specific nations highlights the very real, established peoples who occupied the land. These were not phantom enemies but well-organized entities with strong fortresses and armies, serving as a practical challenge to Israel's faith. God's declaration, "I will wipe them out," uses strong language of total annihilation, reflecting the divine judgment upon these cultures for their egregious idolatry and wickedness (e.g., child sacrifice, perversion as noted in Lev 18, Deut 18). This comprehensive removal was crucial not just for land possession but also to prevent spiritual contamination of Israel through intermarriage and idol worship, issues repeatedly addressed later in Scripture. The verse thus sets a clear theological foundation for the holiness of the land and the absolute exclusivity of Israel's worship of the LORD. It's a reminder that God actively intervenes in history to fulfill His redemptive purposes for His people.