Exodus 23:25

KJV

And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

And ye shall serve {H5647} the LORD {H3068} your God {H430}, and he shall bless {H1288} thy bread {H3899}, and thy water {H4325}; and I will take {H5493} sickness {H4245} away {H5493} from the midst {H7130} of thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

"You are to serve ADONAI your God; and he will bless your food and water. I will take sickness away from among you.

Berean Standard Bible

So you shall serve the LORD your God, and He will bless your bread and your water. And I will take away sickness from among you.

American Standard Version

And ye shall serve Jehovah your God, and he will bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 23:25 presents a foundational covenantal promise, articulating that divine blessing and protection are contingent upon Israel's faithful service to the Lord. This verse assures comprehensive provision of essential sustenance (symbolized by "bread" and "water") and immunity from disease, thereby underscoring God's profound desire for the holistic well-being and flourishing of His people as they prepared to inhabit the Promised Land and live in accordance with His divine statutes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 23:25 is strategically placed within the "Covenant Code" (found in [Exodus 20:22-23:33](/exodus/20-22-23-33 "The Covenant Code - Detailed Laws for Israel")), which constitutes a detailed elaboration of the Ten Commandments delivered at Mount Sinai. This section meticulously outlines specific civil, social, and religious laws intended to govern the nascent nation of Israel. The verses immediately preceding this passage (e.g., [Exodus 23:1-19](/exodus/23-1-19 "Exodus 23:1-19 - Laws of Justice, Compassion, and Worship")) delineate regulations concerning justice, compassion for the vulnerable, Sabbath observance, and the three annual pilgrimage festivals. Verse 25, along with the subsequent verses ([Exodus 23:26-33](/exodus/23-26-33 "Exodus 23:26-33 - Further Blessings and Warnings")), marks a pivotal shift from specific commands to a series of conditional promises and warnings. It emphasizes the tangible blessings of obedience (provision, health, victory over enemies) and the severe consequences of disobedience (God's withdrawal of favor). Thus, Exodus 23:25 functions as a climactic summary of the benefits of covenant fidelity, directly linking the people's practical obedience to the Lord with manifest divine favor.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of this divine pronouncement, the Israelites were a newly liberated people, having recently escaped Egyptian bondage, and were encamped at the foot of Mount Sinai. They stood on the precipice of a transformative journey through the wilderness toward the Promised Land. In the broader ancient Near East, health and prosperity were almost universally perceived as direct indicators of divine favor, while sickness, famine, and defeat were interpreted as clear signs of divine displeasure or curses from the gods. For a nomadic people, reliable access to food and water was not merely convenient but absolutely critical for survival, and the unchecked spread of disease could easily decimate an entire population. Therefore, God's promise in Exodus 23:25 was profoundly significant, offering them an unparalleled assurance of divine provision and protection in a harsh and often unforgiving environment. This promise directly countered the pervasive fears and existential realities of their ancient world, setting the God of Israel apart from the capricious and often malevolent deities of surrounding nations by demonstrating His unique power, unwavering faithfulness, and benevolent care for His covenant people.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching theological and narrative themes found throughout the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness and Reciprocity**, emphasizing that God's blessings are intimately tied to Israel's obedience and service to Him. This foundational principle is reiterated throughout the Law, particularly in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience"). Secondly, it underscores God's character as a **Benevolent Provider and Protector**, demonstrating His active involvement in the daily lives and physical well-being of His people, not just their spiritual or national destiny. This theme of divine provision is central to the wilderness narratives, from manna and water ([Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna and Quail") and [Exodus 17](/exodus/17 "Exodus 17 - Water from the Rock")) to the promise of a land flowing with milk and honey ([Exodus 3:8](/exodus/3-8 "Exodus 3:8 - A Land Flowing with Milk and Honey")). Finally, it speaks to the theme of **Holistic Well-being**, revealing God's concern for both the physical and spiritual health of His people, a concept that transcends mere ritualistic worship and encompasses every aspect of life.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Serve (Hebrew, _ʻâbad'_):** This verb (H5647) is a primitive root meaning "to work (in any sense); by implication to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc." In the context of "serving the LORD your God," it encompasses far more than mere ritualistic worship. It denotes a comprehensive devotion that includes practical obedience to God's commands, unwavering loyalty to the covenant, and a lifestyle that actively honors His name. It implies a life wholly dedicated to God's will, manifesting not just in religious duties but in every sphere of existence, signifying a deep and active commitment.
* **Sickness (Hebrew, _machăleh'_):** The noun (H4245) refers to "disease, infirmity, sickness." In an ancient world where medical knowledge was rudimentary and diseases were often rampant and fatal, the promise to "take sickness away" (using the verb H5493, _çûyr_, meaning "to turn off, remove, cause to depart") was an extraordinary assurance of divine protection and miraculous intervention. It speaks directly to God's sovereign power over all physical ailments and His benevolent desire for the physical flourishing and vitality of His covenant people, setting them apart from other nations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And ye shall serve the LORD your God":** This opening clause establishes the fundamental condition upon which all subsequent blessings are predicated. The act of "serving" (H5647, _ʻâbad_) implies a profound and comprehensive commitment to God's covenant, encompassing not only acts of worship but also diligent obedience to His laws, unwavering loyalty, and a lifestyle that consistently reflects His holiness. It is presented not as a mere suggestion but as a binding covenantal obligation, highlighting the reciprocal nature of the sacred relationship between the Almighty God and the nation of Israel.
* **"and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water":** This phrase delivers a powerful promise of divine provision for the most essential elements of sustenance. "Bread" (H3899, _lechem_) and "water" (H4325, _mayim_) function as a **merism**, collectively representing all necessary provisions for life, from daily food to vital hydration. God explicitly promises to supernaturally ensure their daily needs are abundantly met, thereby protecting them from the constant specter of famine and scarcity that plagued ancient societies. This blessing signifies not just adequacy, but security and abundance in their most basic necessities.
* **"and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee":** This concluding clause offers a remarkable promise of divine protection from illness and disease. The phrase "taking sickness (H4245, _machăleh_) away (H5493, _çûyr_) from the midst (H7130, _qereb_) of thee" implies a thorough and comprehensive removal of ailments from within their community, fostering widespread health, vitality, and well-being. This was an astonishing pledge in an era devoid of modern medicine, powerfully demonstrating God's absolute power over physical affliction and His profound desire for the physical flourishing of His people as a distinct, holy, and healthy nation.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 23:25 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. It functions primarily as a **Conditional Promise**, clearly articulating that the promised blessings are directly contingent upon the people's faithful service to the Lord. This "If X, then Y" structure is a foundational characteristic of the Mosaic Covenant, establishing a clear cause-and-effect relationship. The phrase "bread, and thy water" is a classic example of **Merism**, a rhetorical device where two contrasting or complementary parts are used to represent a complete whole, here signifying all forms of sustenance and comprehensive provision. The verse also showcases **Divine Fiat**, as God directly declares His intention ("I will take sickness away"), underscoring His sovereign power, authority, and unwavering ability to fulfill His promises. Furthermore, there is an inherent **Parallelism** between the people's acts of service and the resulting divine blessings, which powerfully reinforces the direct, reciprocal relationship central to the covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 23:25 profoundly illuminates God's character as a faithful covenant-keeper, a benevolent provider, and a powerful healer. It firmly establishes the biblical principle that obedience to God often results in tangible blessings, not as a means to earn salvation or favor, but as a gracious demonstration of God's favor and a testament to the inherent benefits of living within His divine order. The promise of provision and health points to God's holistic concern for humanity, encompassing both physical and spiritual well-being. While the specific, conditional terms of the Mosaic Covenant were uniquely applied to ancient Israel, the underlying theological truth—that God desires to bless and care for those who sincerely seek and serve Him—remains a timeless and enduring principle for all generations.

* [Deuteronomy 28:1-6](/deuteronomy/28-1-6 "Deuteronomy 28:1-6 - Blessings for Obedience to God's Commands")
* [Psalm 103:2-3](/psalms/103-2-3 "Psalm 103:2-3 - God Forgives All Your Sins and Heals All Your Diseases")
* [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 23:25 offers a profound insight into God's enduring desire for the flourishing and well-being of His people. For believers living under the New Covenant, while the specific legalistic conditions of the Mosaic Law do not apply in the same way, the underlying principle of God's holistic care remains profoundly relevant. This verse challenges us to deeply examine the nature and depth of our "service" to the Lord. Is our devotion merely a set of ritualistic observances, or does it genuinely encompass every facet of our lives – our work ethic, our relational integrity, our financial stewardship, and our physical self-care? It serves as a powerful reminder that God is intimately concerned with our daily needs, promising to provide for us as we sincerely prioritize His kingdom and His righteousness. While we acknowledge that physical health is not guaranteed under the New Covenant in the same direct, conditional manner as it was for ancient Israel, we can still place our unwavering trust in God's sovereign care, knowing that He desires our ultimate health and provision according to His perfect, wise, and loving will. This verse ultimately encourages a life of profound, trusting dependence on God, recognizing Him as the ultimate and benevolent source of all good things, even as we navigate the complex realities of a fallen world where sickness and lack are still present.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical and tangible ways does "serving the LORD your God" manifest in your daily life and choices today?**
* **How does the promise of God blessing "thy bread, and thy water" encourage you to cultivate a deeper trust in Him concerning your material needs amidst contemporary anxieties and economic uncertainties?**
* **While physical health is not a guaranteed covenantal blessing under the New Covenant in the same way, how does this verse inform and shape your understanding of God's desire for your holistic well-being (physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual)?**
* **Beyond physical healing, what might it mean for God to "take sickness away from the midst of thee" in a spiritual or communal sense for believers in the church today?**

### FAQ
**Does Exodus 23:25 mean that if I serve God faithfully, I will never get sick or lack anything?**

Answer: While Exodus 23:25 indeed presents a clear promise of physical blessings and protection from sickness to ancient Israel under the Mosaic Covenant, its application to New Covenant believers requires careful theological nuance. Under the Old Covenant, there was often a direct and immediate correlation between national obedience and physical blessing, and conversely, between disobedience and curses, as extensively detailed in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience"). However, for New Covenant believers, salvation and righteousness are received by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by perfect adherence to the Law. While God still deeply cares for our physical well-being and frequently blesses His faithful people with provision and health, we live in a fallen world where sickness, hardship, and suffering are realities for all, including the most devout believers (consider the example of Paul's thorn in the flesh in [2 Corinthians 12:7-10](/2_corinthians/12-7-10 "2 Corinthians 12:7-10 - Paul's Thorn in the Flesh and God's Grace")). The ultimate "taking away of sickness" is fully realized in the eschatological hope of a new heavens and new earth, where there will be no more pain, sorrow, or death ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - God Will Wipe Away Every Tear")). Nevertheless, this verse powerfully reminds us that God is our ultimate provider and healer, and we are encouraged to trust Him for our daily needs and to pray for healing, always acknowledging His sovereign will.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 23:25 finds its most profound and ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Covenant promised conditional physical blessings for national obedience, Jesus embodies the perfect Servant of the Lord, who flawlessly fulfilled all righteousness and perfectly served God in every aspect of His life ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience to God")). Through His perfect service, sacrificial death on the cross, and glorious resurrection, Christ inaugurated the New Covenant, offering spiritual blessings that infinitely surpass the physical provisions of the Old. He is the true "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), providing ultimate spiritual sustenance for eternal life, and the source of "living water" ([John 4:10-14](/john/4-10-14 "John 4:10-14 - Jesus Offers Living Water")), quenching the deepest spiritual thirst. Furthermore, during His earthly ministry, Jesus powerfully demonstrated His authority over sickness and disease, healing countless individuals who came to Him, illustrating His compassion and divine power ([Matthew 4:23-24](/matthew/4-23-24 "Matthew 4:23-24 - Jesus Heals Many and Teaches")). His atoning work on the cross not only dealt decisively with the spiritual sickness of sin but also secured the promise of future physical redemption and complete healing in the resurrection ([Isaiah 53:4-5](/isaiah/53-4-5 "Isaiah 53:4-5 - By His Wounds We Are Healed"); [1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - By His Wounds You Have Been Healed")). Thus, in Christ, the promise of provision and the removal of sickness are transformed from conditional physical blessings for a specific nation into spiritual realities for all who believe, with the full, glorious physical manifestation awaiting His triumphant return and the establishment of the new creation.

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

Deuteronomy 7:15

And the LORD will take away from thee all sickness, and will put none of the evil diseases of Egypt, which thou knowest, upon thee; but will lay them upon all [them] that hate thee.

Exodus 15:26

And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I [am] the LORD that healeth thee.

Joshua 22:5

But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the LORD charged you, to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.

Isaiah 33:24

And the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick: the people that dwell therein [shall be] forgiven [their] iniquity.

Psalms 103:3

Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

Deuteronomy 7:13

And he will love thee, and bless thee, and multiply thee: he will also bless the fruit of thy womb, and the fruit of thy land, thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep, in the land which he sware unto thy fathers to give thee.

Deuteronomy 10:12

¶ And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,