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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Exodus 23:20–33. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Three gracious promises are here made to Israel, to engage them to their duty and encourage them in it; and each of the promises has some needful precepts and cautions joined to it.
I.It is here promised that they should be guided and kept in their way through the wilderness to the land of promise:
Behold, I send an angel before thee (Exo 23:20), my angel (Exo 23:23), a created angel, say some, a minister of God's providence, employed in conducting and protecting the camp of Israel; that it might appear that God took a particular care of them, he appointed one of his chief servants to make it his business to attend them, and see that they wanted for nothing. Others suppose it to be the Son of God, the angel of the covenant; for the Israelites in the wilderness are said to tempt Christ; and we may as well suppose him God's messenger, and the church's Redeemer, before his incarnation, as the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. And we may the rather think he was pleased to undertake the deliverance and guidance of Israel because they were typical of his great undertaking. It is promised that this blessed angel should keep them in the way, though it lay through a wilderness first, and afterwards through their enemies' country; thus God's spiritual Israel shall be kept through the wilderness of this earth, and from the insults of the gates of hell. It is also promised that he should bring them into the place which God had not only designed but prepared for them: and thus Christ has prepared a place for his followers, and will preserve them to it, for he is faithful to him that appointed him. The precept joined with this promise is that they be observant of, and obedient to, this angel whom God would send before them (Exo 23:21): "Beware of him, and obey his voice in every thing; provoke him not in any thing, for it is at your peril if you do, he will visit your iniquity." Note,
1.Christ is the author of salvation to those only that obey him. The word of command is Hear you him, Mat 17:5. Observe what he hath commanded, Mat 28:20.
2.Our necessary dependence upon the divine power and goodness should awe us into obedience. We do well to take heed of provoking our protector and benefactor, because if our defence depart from us, and the streams of his goodness be cut off, we are undone. Therefore, "Beware of him, and carry it towards him with all possible reverence and caution. Fear the Lord, and his goodness." 3. Christ will be faithful to those who are faithful to him, and will espouse their cause who adhere to his: I will be an adversary to thine adversaries, Exo 23:22. The league shall be offensive and defensive, like that with Abraham, I will bless him that blesseth thee, and curse him that curseth thee. Thus is God pleased to twist his interests and friendships with his people's.
II.It is promised that they should have a comfortable settlement in the land of Canaan, which they hoped now (though it proved otherwise) within a few months to be in the possession of, Exo 23:24-26. Observe,
1.How reasonable the conditions of this promise are - only that they should serve their own God, who was indeed the only true God, and not the gods of the nations, which were no gods at all, and which they had no reason at all to have any respect for. They must not only not worship their gods, but they must utterly overthrow them, in token of their great abhorrence of idolatry, their resolution never to worship idols themselves, and their care to prevent any other from worshipping them; as the converted conjurors burnt their books, Act 19:19.
2.How rich the particulars of this promise are.
(1.)The comfort of their food. He shall bless thy bread and thy water; and God's blessing will make bread and water more refreshing and nourishing than a feast of fat things and wines on the lees without that blessing.
(2.)The continuance of their health: "I will take sickness away, either prevent it or remove it. Thy land shall not be visited with epidemical diseases, which are very dreadful, and sometimes have laid countries waste." (3.) The increase of their wealth. Their cattle should not be barren, nor cast their young, which is mentioned as an instance of prosperity, Job 21:10. (4.) The prolonging of their lives to old age: "The number of thy days I will fulfil, and they shall not be cut off in the midst by untimely deaths." Thus hath godliness the promise of the life that now is.
III.It is promised that they should conquer and subdue their enemies, the present occupants of the land of Canaan, who must be driven out to make room for them. This God would do,
1.Effectually by his power (Exo 23:17, Exo 23:18); not so much by the sword and bow of Israel as by the terrors which he would strike into the Canaanites. Though they were so obstinate as not to be willing to submit to Israel, resign their country, and retire elsewhere, which they might have done, yet they were so dispirited that they were not able to stand before them. This completed their ruin; such power had the devil in them that they would resist, but such power had God over them that they could not. I will send my fear before thee; and those that fear will soon flee. Hosts of hornets made way for the hosts of Israel; such mean creatures can God make use of for the chastising of his people's enemies, as in the plagues of Egypt. When God pleases, hornets can drive out Canaanites, as well as lions could, Jos 24:12.
2.He would do it gradually, in wisdom (Exo 23:29, Exo 23:30), not all at once, but by little and little. As the Canaanites had kept possession till Israel had grown into a people, so there should still be some remains of them till Israel should grow so numerous as to replenish the whole. Note, The wisdom of God is to be observed in the gradual advances of the church's interests. It is in real kindness to the church that its enemies are subdued by little and little; for thus we are kept upon our guard, and in a continual dependence upon God. Corruptions are thus driven out of the hearts of God's people; not all at once, but by little and little; the old man is crucified, and therefore dies slowly. God, in his providence, often delays mercies, because we are not ready for them. Canaan has room enough to receive Israel, but Israel is not numerous enough to occupy Canaan. We are not straitened in God; if we are straitened, it is in ourselves. The land of Canaan is promised them (Exo 23:31) in its utmost extent, which yet they were not possessed of till the days of David; and by their sins they soon lost possession. The precept annexed to this promise is that they should not make any friendship, nor have any familiarity, with idolaters, Exo 23:32, Exo 23:33. Idolaters must not so much as sojourn in their land, unless they renounced their idolatry. Thus they must avoid the reproach of intimacy with the worshippers of false gods and the danger of being drawn to worship with them. By familiar converse with idolaters, their dread and detestation of the sin would wear off; they would think it no harm, in compliment to their friends, to pay some respect to their gods, and so by degrees would be drawn into the fatal snare. Note, Those that would be kept from bad courses must keep from bad company; it is dangerous living in a bad neighbourhood; others' sins will be our snares, if we look not well to ourselves. We must always look upon our greatest danger to be from those that would cause us to sin against God. Whatever friendship is pretended, that is really our worst enemy that draws us from our duty.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
And we notice that the saying, “The barren has borne seven, and she that has many children is weakened,” is in accord with this; as also is that which is said in the blessings: “There shall not be one among you that is childless or barren.” This being so, it follows that just as there is one love, known as carnal and also known as Cupid by the poets, according to which the lover sows in the flesh. So also is there another, a spiritual love, by which the inner man who loves sows in the spirit. And, to speak more plainly, if anyone still bears the image of the earthly according to the outer man, then he is moved by earthly desire and love; but the desire and love of him who bears the image of the heavenly according to the inner man are heavenly.
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Summary
Exodus 23:26, nestled within the covenant stipulations given at Sinai, articulates a profound divine promise of holistic flourishing for ancient Israel. This verse assures the absence of reproductive loss, whether through miscarriage or barrenness, for both humans and livestock, alongside the guarantee of a full, unshortened lifespan for individuals. It encapsulates God's benevolent desire for the complete well-being of His people, promising a land and a community vibrant with life, free from the sorrow of premature death or infertility, all contingent upon their faithful obedience to His covenant commands.
Context
Literary Context
Exodus 23:26 is situated within the "Book of the Covenant" (Exodus 20:22-23:33), a foundational legal and ethical corpus that immediately follows the Decalogue. This section expands upon the Ten Commandments, providing detailed statutes concerning justice, social responsibility, religious observances, and the three annual pilgrimage feasts. The verses preceding our passage, particularly Exodus 23:20-25, outline specific promises of divine guidance, protection, and provision (blessings on food and water, removal of sickness) for Israel if they obey God's voice and serve Him. Verse 26 thus builds upon these preceding assurances, extending the scope of blessing to include reproductive health and longevity, thereby completing a comprehensive picture of covenant prosperity. These promises are not presented as unconditional but are explicitly tied to Israel's diligent adherence to God's commands, underscoring the reciprocal nature of the Mosaic Covenant.
Historical & Cultural Context
For ancient Israel, an agrarian society whose existence and prosperity were inextricably linked to agricultural and pastoral productivity, the promises in Exodus 23:26 carried immense weight. Fertility, encompassing both human procreation and the reproduction of livestock, was not merely a personal desire but a societal imperative for survival, growth, and national strength. Miscarriage, stillbirth, and barrenness were considered profound tragedies, often interpreted as signs of divine displeasure or curse, as evidenced in passages like Deuteronomy 28:18. Conversely, abundant offspring and thriving herds symbolized divine favor and blessing. Furthermore, longevity was highly esteemed, signifying a life lived fully and peacefully, free from premature death due to disease, warfare, or judgment. This promise of "fulfilling the number of thy days" speaks to a complete, natural lifespan, a tangible mark of God's protective care and the stability He offered within the covenant. These blessings were concrete expressions of God's covenant faithfulness, demonstrating His commitment to provide for and protect His people as they prepared to enter and settle the Promised Land, reinforcing the foundational principle that obedience to God's covenant ways brought forth His abundant blessings, a theme powerfully articulated in Deuteronomy 28:1-14.
Key Themes
Exodus 23:26 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Primarily, it reinforces the theme of Divine Providence and Provision, showcasing God as the ultimate source of life, health, and prosperity for His people. It highlights the Conditional Nature of the Mosaic Covenant, where blessings are directly linked to Israel's obedience and faithfulness to God's commands. The verse also emphasizes the theme of Fruitfulness and Abundance, portraying God's desire for His people to multiply and flourish in the land He has promised them, contrasting with the barrenness and death associated with the curses of disobedience. Finally, it underscores the theme of Holistic Well-being, demonstrating that God's concern for His people extends beyond spiritual matters to encompass their physical health, reproductive capacity, and longevity, ensuring their complete flourishing as a nation.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
The verb שָׁכֹל (shâkôl') primarily means "to miscarry, i.e., suffer abortion." In its causative form (Hiphil stem), as used here, it signifies "to cause to miscarry" or "to be bereaved" of offspring. It encompasses both human and animal reproductive loss, including miscarriage, stillbirth, or the premature death of offspring. The promise here is a complete absence of such tragic occurrences, ensuring the continuation and growth of families and herds within the land.
The adjective עָקָר (ʻâqâr') describes a state of being sterile, infertile, or unproductive, as if "extirpated in the generative organs." In this context, paired with "cast their young," it specifically refers to the inability to conceive or produce offspring, whether human or animal. The divine promise negates any form of infertility, guaranteeing fruitfulness and abundance throughout the land and among its inhabitants.
The primitive root מָלֵא (mâlêʼ') means "to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)." In the phrase "the number of thy days I will fulfil," it signifies that God will ensure His obedient people live out their appointed, full lifespan, reaching old age without being cut short by disease, calamity, or violence. It implies a life brought to its natural, divinely intended completion, free from premature death.
Verse Breakdown
"There shall nothing cast their young"
This clause promises the complete absence of miscarriage, stillbirth, or the premature death of offspring. This applies broadly to both human families and the livestock that were vital to Israel's economy and sustenance. It underscores God's active intervention to protect and promote life within the covenant community, preventing the sorrow and loss associated with reproductive failure.
"nor be barren, in thy land"
This phrase complements the first, assuring that there will be no infertility or unproductiveness among the people or their animals. It guarantees a state of continuous fruitfulness and growth, ensuring the increase of the population and the prosperity of their herds. The inclusion of "in thy land" emphasizes that this blessing extends across the entire territory God has given them, transforming it into a place of abundant life and productivity.
"the number of thy days I will fulfil"
This final clause promises longevity and a complete lifespan for individuals. It means that God will ensure His obedient people live out their full, divinely appointed time on earth, reaching old age without being cut short by disease, war, or other calamities. It is a promise of peace, security, and a life brought to its natural, peaceful conclusion, a significant mark of divine favor in the ancient world.
Literary Devices
Exodus 23:26 employs several significant literary devices to convey its powerful message. The overarching device is Divine Promise, as God explicitly states what He "will" do for His people, emphasizing His active role as the benevolent provider and protector. This promise is framed within Covenant Language, highlighting the reciprocal relationship between God and Israel, where blessings are contingent upon obedience. The phrase "nothing cast their young, nor be barren" functions as a Merism, combining two contrasting but related ideas (loss of existing offspring and inability to produce offspring) to express a complete and absolute absence of reproductive failure. This comprehensive statement underscores the totality of the promised fertility. Furthermore, the verse functions as a Divine Guarantee, assuring Israel of God's unwavering commitment to their flourishing if they remain faithful, painting a picture of an ideal, blessed existence under His direct, protective care, an ideal for the nation as a whole.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Exodus 23:26 profoundly illustrates God's character as a God of life, provision, and holistic well-being. It reveals that His covenant with Israel encompassed not only spiritual and moral dimensions but also tangible, physical blessings essential for their flourishing as a nation. The promise of fertility and longevity underscores God's desire for His people to experience fullness of life, free from the sorrows of loss and premature death, allowing them to multiply and inhabit the land He promised. This holistic care reflects a God who is intimately concerned with every aspect of His creation and the well-being of His beloved people, demonstrating that true prosperity, in the biblical sense, is rooted in faithful relationship with the Creator, who desires their complete flourishing.
Reflection and Application
Exodus 23:26, while part of the specific Mosaic Covenant given to ancient Israel, offers timeless principles for reflection and application in our lives today. It reminds us that God is deeply concerned with our well-being, desiring for us to live full, fruitful lives. While the New Covenant shifts the primary focus from purely physical blessings as a direct result of legal obedience to spiritual and eternal ones received through grace in Christ, the underlying truth remains: God is our ultimate source of life, health, and provision. This verse encourages us to trust in His sovereign care over our lives, our families, and our future. It invites us to consider how our obedience and alignment with God's will, even in a New Testament context, can lead to a deeper experience of His blessings, not necessarily in guaranteed physical outcomes, but in spiritual flourishing, peace, and purpose. It challenges us to live in a way that honors God, trusting that He desires for us to experience the "fullness of life" that only He can provide, even amidst the realities of a fallen world where suffering and loss are still present.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Is the promise in Exodus 23:26 still literally applicable to believers today, guaranteeing no miscarriages or premature deaths?
While the specific, literal promises of the Mosaic Covenant, such as those in Exodus 23:26, were given to ancient Israel under a conditional covenant of law, the underlying principles reveal God's character and His benevolent desire for the well-being of His people. In the New Covenant, the emphasis shifts from physical, temporal blessings as a direct result of legal obedience to spiritual and eternal blessings received through faith in Christ. Believers today are not guaranteed immunity from miscarriage, infertility, or premature death, as we live in a fallen world where sickness, loss, and the effects of sin are realities. However, God remains the ultimate source of life and health, and we can trust in His sovereign care and provision. The New Testament promises a "fullness of life" that is primarily spiritual and eternal (John 10:10), even as we pray for and experience physical healing and provision according to His will. The verse ultimately points to God's benevolent desire for His people to flourish, a desire fulfilled in a deeper, more comprehensive way in Christ.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Exodus 23:26, with its promises of fertility, health, and longevity, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Covenant offered temporal, physical blessings contingent on obedience, Christ inaugurates a New Covenant of grace, providing spiritual and eternal blessings that far transcend the earthly. Jesus is the one who truly brings "life, and that more abundantly" (John 10:10), overcoming the ultimate barrenness of spiritual death and the premature end of eternal separation from God. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, removing the curse that leads to decay and death, and restoring humanity to a right relationship with God. Through His atoning sacrifice and glorious resurrection, Christ has conquered death itself, ensuring that those who believe in Him will experience not merely a "fulfilled number of days" on earth, but eternal life with God (John 3:16). In Him, we are made spiritually fruitful, bearing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), and are promised a future resurrection where death and sorrow will be no more (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). Thus, the physical promises of Exodus 23:26 foreshadow the glorious, holistic, and eternal life that is fully realized in our union with Christ, the source of all true life and flourishing.