Exodus 23:23-24
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The verse emphasizes God's direct action in removing these nations, not just through Israel's military might, but by His own power. What's often missed is that "cut them off" doesn't necessarily mean total extermination of every individual, but rather the cessation of their nations and cultures, paving the way for Israel's settlement.
“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, you shall not bow down to their gods nor serve them, nor do as they do, but you shall utterly overthrow them and break their pillars in pieces.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse is part of God's instructions to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land, assuring them that His "Angel" will lead and protect them. It follows promises of guidance and protection through their journey and precedes further commands about how to deal with the inhabitants of the land, emphasizing that God will drive them out so Israel can possess it. The mention of specific nations highlights the daunting task ahead, setting the stage for divine intervention in their conquest.
Who is this 'Angel' God sends, and how does God's presence empower Israel?
This verse introduces a powerful promise: God Himself, through a special 'Angel,' will go before the Israelites. This isn't just any angel; it signifies God's direct presence and leadership. It's a promise of divine guidance and protection as they face immense challenges.
A Divine Commander
The 'Angel' here is often understood as a manifestation of God Himself, or a supreme angelic being acting with divine authority. He is the one who will actively bring them into the land, ensuring their progress.
Assurance in the Face of Giants
Facing the Amorites, Hittites, and other established nations must have seemed overwhelming. But the promise of God's 'Angel' leading means Israel isn't alone. God's power is the ultimate force at work, guaranteeing their eventual victory.
Does 'cut them off' mean complete annihilation, or something else?
The phrase 'I will cut them off' is significant. While it certainly implies a forceful removal and judgment upon these nations, the historical context suggests it wasn't always a total extermination of every individual.
National Cessation, Not Individual Extinction
Commentators note that 'cut them off' can mean to end their existence or to remove their influence and power. Some individuals from these nations continued to live in the land, and some even integrated into Israelite society, as seen with figures like David's mighty men who included Hittites and Jebusites.
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Judgment and Divine Sovereignty
This judgment was a consequence of the deep-seated sin and idolatry of these nations. God's action was a righteous act of judgment, ensuring that the land would be purified for His people and that Israel wouldn't be corrupted by the surrounding pagan practices.
Understand the original words
mal'ak · Hebrew Noun
A supernatural messenger sent by God to act on His behalf; in this context, it refers to a divine figure possessing the authority of God Himself.
'avad · Hebrew Verb
Religious worship or total devotion to God; it implies the work of a servant or a life lived in accordance with divine will.
shachah · Hebrew Verb
An act of prostration or religious submission to a deity, indicating reverence, worship, or acknowledgement of authority.
This passage echoes the same promise of divine guidance and conquest over the nations of Canaan, emphasizing God's active role in bringing His people into the promised land and clearing it of inhabitants.
Joshua 11:20This verse directly states that the Lord hardened the hearts of these nations, leading them to battle against Israel, which explains how God fulfilled His promise to 'blot them out' by enabling Israel to defeat them.
Judges 2:21-23This passage serves as a crucial follow-up, highlighting the consequence of Israel's failure to fully obey God's command to drive out the remaining nations, showing that their presence was a persistent snare.
1 Corinthians 10:13While not directly about conquest, this passage speaks of God's provision of a way out of temptation, which aligns with the idea of God's 'Angel' going before Israel and clearing the path for them.
pooleExodus 23:23: "For mine Angel shall go before thee, and bring thee in unto the Amorites, and the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites: and I will cut them off."
No text from Poole on this verse.
pulpitExodus 23:23: "For mine Angel shall go before thee, and bring thee in unto the Amorites, and the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites: and I will cut them off."
Verse 23. - The Amorites, and the Hittites, etc. The nations of Canaan proper, to whom the Gergashites are sometimes added. See the comment on 2 Samuel 3:8. I will cut them off. Or "cut them down," i.e., destroy them from being any longer nations, but not exterminate them, as is generally…
The verse emphasizes God's direct action in removing these nations, not just through Israel's military might, but by His own power. What's often missed is that "cut them off" doesn't necessarily mean total extermination of every individual, but rather the cessation of their nations and cultures, paving the way for Israel's settlement.
This verse is part of God's instructions to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land, assuring them that His "Angel" will lead and protect them. It follows promises of guidance and protection through their journey and precedes further commands about how to deal with the inhabitants of the land, emphasizing that God will drive them out so Israel can possess it. The mention of specific nations highlights the daunting task ahead, setting the stage for divine intervention in their conquest.
This verse is part of God's instructions to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land, assuring them that His "Angel" will lead and protect them. It follows promises of guidance and protection through their journey and precedes further commands about how to deal with the inhabitants of the land, emphasizing that God will drive them out so Israel can possess it. The mention of specific nations highlights the daunting task ahead, setting the stage for divine intervention in their conquest.
"“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, you shall not bow down to their gods nor serve them, nor do as they d…" — The verse emphasizes God's direct action in removing these nations, not just through Israel's military might, but by His own power. What's often missed is that "cut them off" doesn't necessarily mean…
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Last reviewed October 2026
