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Exodus 23:22

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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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Context

Exodus 23:22 is part of a larger section (chapters 20-23) known as the "Book of the Covenant," which outlines specific laws, statutes, and judgments given by God to Moses for the Israelites. These laws cover various aspects of civil, social, and religious life, forming the foundation of their covenant relationship with God. Immediately preceding this verse, God promises to send an angel to guide and protect Israel on their journey to the promised land, provided they obey the angel's voice (Exodus 23:20-21). Verse 22 then extends this promise of divine assistance and protection, making it explicitly conditional upon the people's obedience to God's broader commands.

Key Themes

  • Conditional Blessing and Covenant Faithfulness: This verse powerfully illustrates the "if...then" structure of the Old Covenant. God's promise of protection is not unconditional; it is directly tied to Israel's obedience. This highlights the principle that blessings follow obedience within the covenant framework.
  • Divine Protection and Advocacy: God pledges to actively engage on behalf of His people, becoming an "enemy" to their enemies and an "adversary" to their adversaries. This signifies God's powerful commitment to defend Israel against those who oppose them, ensuring their safety and success against hostile nations as they entered and settled the land of Canaan.
  • The Importance of Obedience: The core message is clear: obedience to God's commands is paramount. It is the pathway to experiencing His full blessing, protection, and victory over challenges. This principle underscores the value God places on a people who listen to and act upon His word.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "obey his voice" comes from the Hebrew word שָׁמַע (shama), which means not just to hear, but to listen attentively, understand, and act upon what is heard. It implies a deep, responsive hearing that leads to action. When God says "I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries," the terms for "enemy" (שָׂטָן, satan, meaning 'adversary' or 'accuser') and "adversary" (צַר, tzar, meaning 'distressor' or 'opponent') emphasize God's active and personal commitment to confront and overcome any forces that threaten His obedient people. He is not merely passively protective but actively engages in spiritual and physical warfare on their behalf.

Practical Application

While believers today live under the New Covenant of grace through faith in Jesus Christ, the principle of obedience remains vital. This verse reminds us that walking in alignment with God's will often opens the door to experiencing His protection and provision in our lives. Though our salvation is not conditional upon our works, our experience of God's blessings and our ability to stand firm against spiritual opposition are often linked to our willingness to love God by obeying His commands. When we heed His voice and follow His guidance, we can trust that He will fight our battles and be our strong defender, just as He promised Israel. It encourages us to trust in God's power to overcome obstacles, knowing that the Lord our God Himself fights for us.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 12:3 (14 votes)

    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 (9 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

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

  • Acts 9:5 (4 votes)

    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.