Exodus 23:22

KJV

But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries.

KJV (with Strong's)

But if thou shalt indeed {H8085} obey {H8085} his voice {H6963}, and do {H6213} all that I speak {H1696}; then I will be an enemy {H340} unto thine enemies {H341}, and an adversary {H6887} unto thine adversaries {H6696}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But if you listen to what he says and do everything I tell you, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and a foe to your foes.

Berean Standard Bible

But if you will listen carefully to his voice and do everything I say, I will be an enemy to your enemies and a foe to your foes.

American Standard Version

But if thou shalt indeed hearken unto his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 23:22 presents a pivotal conditional promise within the "Book of the Covenant," assuring the nascent nation of Israel of God's active, personal, and powerful protection against their adversaries. This divine pledge is contingent upon their wholehearted and comprehensive obedience to His voice and all His revealed commands. It underscores the profound theological principle that Israel's security, prosperity, and success in the Promised Land were directly tied to their covenant faithfulness, with God Himself committing to engage in battle on their behalf against any who opposed them.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 23:22 is strategically positioned within the "Book of the Covenant" (Exodus 20-23), a foundational legal and ethical corpus delivered by God to Moses at Mount Sinai. This collection of statutes, judgments, and ordinances elaborates upon the Ten Commandments, providing the detailed framework for Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh in their civil, social, and religious life. Immediately preceding this verse, God promises to send His angel to guide and guard Israel on their journey to the Promised Land, specifically commanding them to "[pay careful attention to him and obey his voice](/exodus/23-21 "Exodus 23:21 - Obedience to the Angel of the Lord")" (Exodus 23:20-21). Verse 22 then broadens this specific command to encompass general obedience to "all that I speak," extending the promise of divine assistance and protection beyond the angel's guidance to God's broader covenantal requirements. This characteristic "if...then" structure is central to covenant theology, where blessings are explicitly contingent upon faithfulness, establishing a clear cause-and-effect relationship between Israel's actions and God's response.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time these words were spoken, Israel was encamped at Mount Sinai, having recently experienced a miraculous deliverance from centuries of Egyptian bondage. They stood as a nascent nation, divinely liberated but facing a perilous journey through the wilderness and the formidable task of conquering and settling the land of Canaan, which was inhabited by numerous, often hostile, and idolatrous peoples. The concept of a suzerainty treaty, prevalent in the Ancient Near East, provides a crucial backdrop for understanding this covenant. In such treaties, a great king (suzerain) would establish terms with a lesser king or vassal, promising protection and blessings in exchange for unwavering loyalty and obedience. Here, Yahweh functions as the Divine Suzerain, establishing His covenant with Israel as His chosen vassal nation. The promise to be an "enemy unto thine enemies" was not merely a theological abstract but a practical necessity for a people facing formidable military and spiritual opposition as they sought to inherit the land God had promised their forefathers, as evidenced by their encounters with aggressive groups like the [Amalekites](/exodus/17 "Exodus 17 - Battle with Amalek") and the various [Canaanite tribes](/numbers/13-29 "Numbers 13:29 - Canaanites in the Land").
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 23:22 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness and its Consequences**, emphasizing that Israel's well-being and success are directly tied to their obedience to God's commands. This verse illustrates the principle of **Conditional Blessings**, where divine favor and protection are not automatic but are predicated on human responsiveness to God's revealed will. It also powerfully portrays God as the **Divine Warrior** or **Divine Protector**, who actively engages in the battles of His people. This theme is foundational to Israel's understanding of Yahweh, who had already demonstrated His power in the [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - Crossing the Red Sea") and His victory over Pharaoh. The promise here reinforces God's **Sovereignty and Omnipotence**, demonstrating His ability and willingness to overcome any opposition that threatens His covenant purposes for His people. This divine commitment to fight for Israel is a recurring motif, seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 20:4](/deuteronomy/20-4 "Deuteronomy 20:4 - The Lord Fights for You") and throughout the historical books.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Obey (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** The Hebrew verb שָׁמַע (H8085, _shâmaʻ_) means more than simply "to hear." It implies a deep, attentive listening that leads to understanding and, crucially, responsive action. In this context, "obey his voice" signifies not just passive reception of God's commands but an active, intentional commitment to live in accordance with them. The repetition in "shalt indeed obey" (a literal translation of the Hebrew infinitive absolute construction) intensifies the demand, emphasizing the absolute necessity of wholehearted and consistent obedience that translates into practical living.
* **Enemy (Hebrew, _ʼôyêb'_):** The Hebrew word אוֹיֵב (H341, _ʼôyêb_) is an active participle meaning "hating" and functions as a noun for "adversary," "enemy," or "foe." In this context, it refers to those who are hostile to Israel. God's promise to be an "enemy" to their enemies signifies His direct, personal, and powerful engagement against those who oppose His covenant people. It describes God taking on an adversarial role Himself, indicating active intervention and warfare on Israel's behalf.
* **Adversary (Hebrew, _tsârar'_):** The Hebrew term צָרַר (H6887, _tsârar_) is a primitive root meaning "to cramp," literally or figuratively. It conveys the idea of causing distress, besieging, or being in a strait. By promising to be an "adversary unto thine adversaries," God pledges to confront and overcome those who seek to constrict, oppress, or bring distress upon His obedient people, ensuring their freedom and flourishing. This word reinforces the active, oppressive nature of Israel's foes and God's powerful response to their attempts to hinder His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice":** This opening clause establishes the absolute and foundational condition for the ensuing divine promise. The emphatic "indeed obey" (a powerful Hebrew infinitive absolute construction) highlights the critical importance of Israel's full, active, and consistent adherence to God's commands, whether delivered directly or through His appointed messenger, the angel mentioned in the preceding verses. It is a profound call for responsive listening that translates directly into intentional and comprehensive action, emphasizing the quality and totality of their obedience.
* **"and do all that I speak":** This phrase expands and reinforces the scope of the required obedience, moving beyond just "hearing" to "doing." It's not merely about acknowledging or even obeying specific instructions, but about comprehensively living out every command, statute, and principle God reveals. The word "all" signifies the totality of God's revealed will, emphasizing that partial, selective, or superficial obedience is insufficient to secure the full measure of His promised protection and blessings.
* **"then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies":** This is the first part of God's reciprocal promise, contingent upon Israel's faithfulness. If Israel fulfills their covenant obligations, God pledges to actively intervene on their behalf. He will personally become an "enemy" to those who are enemies of His people, taking on an adversarial role against their human and spiritual foes. This signifies divine intervention in a way that goes beyond mere defense to active, offensive opposition, demonstrating God's commitment to His covenant.
* **"and an adversary unto thine adversaries":** This second phrase functions as a synonymous parallelism, reiterating and intensifying the previous promise. God's commitment to fight for Israel is not casual or passive; He will be a direct and potent "adversary" to any who oppose, distress, or seek to confine His people. The repetition underscores the certainty, thoroughness, and comprehensive nature of God's protective and offensive action on behalf of His covenant people, assuring them of His unwavering support.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 23:22 powerfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is the **Conditional Clause**, structured as an "if...then" statement, which is fundamental to the covenantal framework of the Old Testament. This structure clearly delineates the cause-and-effect relationship between Israel's obedience and God's promised action, highlighting the reciprocal nature of the covenant. **Parallelism** is strikingly evident in the repeated structure of God's promise: "I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries." This synonymous parallelism reinforces the certainty and totality of God's commitment to defend His people, using two distinct but related terms ("enemy" and "adversary") to convey the same powerful idea of divine opposition. Furthermore, **Anthropomorphism** is employed as God is described in human-like terms, taking on the role of an "enemy" and "adversary." This device helps human readers grasp God's active, personal, and relational involvement in the affairs of His people, illustrating His willingness to engage in conflict on their behalf. The use of the infinitive absolute in "shalt indeed obey" also serves as an **Intensification**, emphasizing the absolute necessity and thoroughness of the required obedience, underscoring its non-negotiable nature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates God's character as a faithful covenant partner and a divine warrior. It reveals that God is not a distant, disengaged deity but one who actively intervenes in His people's circumstances, taking their battles as His own. The promise of divine intervention against adversaries is a powerful demonstration of God's sovereignty, His omnipotence, and His unwavering commitment to uphold His covenant promises. It underscores the theological truth that true security, victory, and flourishing come not from human might, strategic alliances, or military prowess, but from faithful, comprehensive obedience to God. This principle of conditional blessing, where divine favor and protection are inextricably linked to human responsiveness and alignment with God's will, is a recurring and central theme throughout the Old Testament, showcasing God's justice, His holiness, and His desire for a people who walk in obedient fellowship with Him.

* [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1-14 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience")
* [Joshua 1:7-9](/joshua/1-7-9 "Joshua 1:7-9 - Success Through Obedience to the Law")
* [Psalm 18:1-3](/psalms/18-1-3 "Psalm 18:1-3 - God Our Deliverer and Shield")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific covenant context of Exodus 23:22 belongs to ancient Israel, the underlying principle of God's active involvement in the lives of His obedient people remains profoundly relevant for believers today. Though our salvation is secured by grace through faith in Jesus Christ and not by works, our ongoing walk of discipleship and our experience of God's protective hand are often deeply intertwined with our willingness to hear and obey His voice. This verse encourages us to cultivate a posture of responsive listening to God's Word and the Holy Spirit's guidance, trusting that as we align our lives with His will, He will indeed contend with our spiritual and even earthly adversaries. It calls us to surrender our battles to Him, recognizing that He is our ultimate defender and advocate, capable of overcoming any opposition we face. This promise fosters a deep trust in God's power and faithfulness, empowering us to live courageously and with spiritual confidence in a world often filled with hostility, knowing that the Lord Himself fights for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge our understanding of God's active involvement in our daily lives and spiritual battles?**
* **In what specific areas might God be calling for deeper, more consistent obedience from me today, and what "enemies" might He be preparing to contend with on my behalf?**
* **How does trusting God as our "enemy to our enemies" impact our personal response to opposition, criticism, or adversity, encouraging us to rely on Him rather than our own strength?**

### FAQ
**Is this promise still relevant for Christians today?**

Answer: Yes, while the immediate covenant context of Exodus 23:22 applies to ancient Israel under the Old Covenant, the underlying principle of God's faithfulness to those who obey Him remains eternally true. For Christians, our salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")). However, our discipleship, our experience of God's blessings, and our ability to stand firm against spiritual opposition are often directly linked to our obedience to God's revealed will. God still fights for His people, though the nature of the "enemies" may often be spiritual principalities and powers, as described in [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces"). When we obey Christ, we can trust that God is actively working on our behalf, providing protection and victory over the spiritual forces of darkness and the challenges of this world.

**Who are "thine enemies" and "thine adversaries" in this context?**

Answer: In the immediate historical context of Exodus, "thine enemies" and "thine adversaries" primarily refer to the literal nations and peoples who would oppose Israel's entry into and settlement of the Promised Land. This included the various Canaanite tribes, the Amalekites (who attacked Israel in the wilderness, as seen in [Exodus 17:8-16](/exodus/17-8-16 "Exodus 17:8-16 - Battle with Amalek")), and any other hostile forces that would seek to prevent God's purposes for His people. More broadly, it encompasses any individual or group that stands in opposition to God's will and His covenant people. For the Christian, while literal human enemies may exist, the primary "adversaries" are often spiritual forces, the temptations of the flesh, and the systems of the world that oppose God's kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 23:22 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Covenant promise of divine protection was conditional upon Israel's obedience, Christ perfectly fulfilled this condition on humanity's behalf. He is the perfectly obedient Son, who "[humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")" (Philippians 2:8). Through His sinless life and perfect obedience, Christ secured the ultimate victory over our greatest enemies: sin, death, and the devil. The New Testament declares that through His resurrection and ascension, Christ "[disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")" (Colossians 2:15). For believers, united with Christ by faith, God's promise to be an "enemy unto thine enemies" is realized in Christ's decisive victory and His ongoing intercession for us as our High Priest. We are called to "[love Him by keeping His commandments](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - Jesus on Love and Obedience")" (John 14:15), not to earn salvation, but as a grateful response to His grace and as a means of experiencing His continued protection and power in our lives. The Holy Spirit empowers us to walk in this obedience, enabling us to overcome spiritual adversaries because "[the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world](/1_john/4-4 "1 John 4:4 - Greater is He Who is in You")" (1 John 4:4). Thus, the promise of God fighting for His people is fully realized in the person and work of Jesus Christ, our victorious Lord and Defender, who has already secured the triumph over all that opposes us.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 12:3

And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

Deuteronomy 30:7

And the LORD thy God will put all these curses upon thine enemies, and on them that hate thee, which persecuted thee.

Zechariah 2:8

For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.

Jeremiah 30:20

Their children also shall be as aforetime, and their congregation shall be established before me, and I will punish all that oppress them.

Numbers 24:9

He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion: who shall stir him up? Blessed [is] he that blesseth thee, and cursed [is] he that curseth thee.

Acts 9:4

And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

Acts 9:5

And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: [it is] hard for thee to kick against the pricks.