Exodus 23:27

I will send my fear before thee, and will destroy all the people to whom thou shalt come, and I will make all thine enemies turn their backs unto thee.

I will send {H7971} my fear {H367} before {H6440} thee, and will destroy {H2000} all the people {H5971} to whom thou shalt come {H935}, and I will make {H5414} all thine enemies {H341} turn their backs {H6203} unto thee.

I will send terror of me ahead of you, throwing into confusion all the people to whom you come; and I will make all your enemies turn their backs on you.

I will send My terror ahead of you and throw into confusion every nation you encounter. I will make all your enemies turn and run.

I will send my terror before thee, and will discomfit all the people to whom thou shalt come, and I will make all thine enemies turn their backs unto thee.

Commentary

Commentary on Exodus 23:27

Exodus 23:27 is a powerful promise from God to the Israelites, assuring them of divine assistance and victory as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. It highlights God's active role in fulfilling His covenant promises and securing the future of His people.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section of covenant laws and promises given by God to Israel through Moses at Mount Sinai. Following the Ten Commandments, God outlines various civil and ceremonial laws, but also provides significant assurances regarding their journey into Canaan. Specifically, Exodus 23:20-33 details God's commitment to lead them, protect them, and drive out the inhabitants before them, provided they remain obedient. Verse 27, in particular, focuses on the psychological and military impact God would have on their enemies.

Key Themes

  • Divine Assurance and Sovereignty: God explicitly states, "I will send..." and "I will make...", underscoring His active role and ultimate control over the conquest. This is not about Israel's military might, but God's omnipotence working on their behalf. It is a declaration of His unwavering commitment to His covenant people.
  • God's Fear and Presence: The phrase "I will send my fear before thee" speaks to a supernatural dread or panic that God would instill in the hearts of Israel's enemies. This divine terror, often referred to in Hebrew as eimah (terror) or pachad (dread), would cause widespread confusion and demoralization, making conquest easier. It highlights God's presence as a formidable spiritual and psychological weapon, ensuring their enemies would be demoralized before the battle even began.
  • Unconditional Victory (based on Israel's obedience): The promise "will destroy all the people" and "make all thine enemies turn their backs unto thee" guarantees a decisive rout. It's a promise of complete triumph, not just over physical adversaries but also over the spiritual forces that might oppose God's plan. This divine intervention ensures Israel's success in inheriting the land, echoing earlier promises made to Abraham about his descendants (Genesis 15:18).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "fear" here (eimah) suggests a profound, supernatural dread or terror that incapacitates the enemy, rather than just a mild apprehension. It implies a divine psychological warfare that weakens resistance before actual combat. To "turn their backs unto thee" is a vivid idiom signifying a complete rout and fleeing in defeat, a panicked, disorganized flight that leaves them vulnerable.

Practical Application

For believers today, Exodus 23:27 offers a profound lesson in trusting God's promises amidst challenges. While we are not engaged in literal conquest of physical lands, we face spiritual battles and obstacles in our lives (Ephesians 6:12). This verse reminds us that God goes before us, preparing the way and fighting our battles. When we walk in obedience and faith, we can expect His divine assistance to overcome obstacles, defeat spiritual enemies, and achieve the purposes He has for us. It fosters confidence that God's power is greater than any opposition, encouraging us to rely on His strength and strategy rather than solely on our own abilities.

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Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 2:25 (14 votes)

    This day will I begin to put the dread of thee and the fear of thee upon the nations [that are] under the whole heaven, who shall hear report of thee, and shall tremble, and be in anguish because of thee.

  • Genesis 35:5 (12 votes)

    And they journeyed: and the terror of God was upon the cities that [were] round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob.

  • Deuteronomy 7:23 (11 votes)

    But the LORD thy God shall deliver them unto thee, and shall destroy them with a mighty destruction, until they be destroyed.

  • Deuteronomy 11:25 (9 votes)

    There shall no man be able to stand before you: [for] the LORD your God shall lay the fear of you and the dread of you upon all the land that ye shall tread upon, as he hath said unto you.

  • Exodus 15:14 (8 votes)

    The people shall hear, [and] be afraid: sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestina.

  • Exodus 15:16 (8 votes)

    Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thine arm they shall be [as] still as a stone; till thy people pass over, O LORD, till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased.

  • Psalms 18:40 (8 votes)

    Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies; that I might destroy them that hate me.