Exodus 23:27

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Exodus 23:27 conveys a powerful divine assurance to ancient Israel on the threshold of the Promised Land. It declares God's active and supernatural intervention in their conquest of Canaan, promising to send a pervasive, debilitating fear ahead of them that will disorient and ultimately lead to the destruction of their enemies. This verse underscores the Lord's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over nations and His intention to fulfill His promises through miraculous means, thereby ensuring Israel's success in inheriting the land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 23:27 is situated within a significant block of covenant stipulations and divine promises delivered by God to Israel at Mount Sinai, following the Decalogue and various civil laws found in [Exodus 20-23](/exodus/20-23 "Exodus 20-23 - Covenant Laws and Promises"). Specifically, it belongs to a section of explicit divine assurances regarding the impending conquest of Canaan, spanning [Exodus 23:20-33](/exodus/23-20-33 "Exodus 23:20-33 - Promises for Obedience and Conquest"). This segment begins with the promise of an angelic guide to protect and lead Israel ([Exodus 23:20](/exodus/23-20 "Exodus 23:20 - God's Angelic Guide")), followed by conditions for Israel's obedience and stern warnings against idolatry. Verses 27-31 meticulously detail the supernatural methods of conquest—divine terror, the sending of hornets, and a gradual expulsion of the inhabitants—emphatically asserting that God, not Israel's nascent military strength, would secure the land. The chapter culminates with a reaffirmation of the covenant and a strict prohibition against making treaties with the indigenous peoples, reinforcing the critical themes of Israel's distinctiveness and God's exclusive claim on their worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of this pronouncement, the Israelites were a recently liberated slave nation, having minimal military experience or established strength, standing at the precipice of entering Canaan. This land was occupied by numerous formidable peoples—including the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, as explicitly listed in [Exodus 23:23](/exodus/23-23 "Exodus 23:23 - Inhabitants of Canaan"). These groups were often militarily potent, residing in fortified cities, and deeply entrenched in idolatrous practices and morally abhorrent customs. The divine promise in [Exodus 23:27](/exodus/23-27 "Exodus 23:27 - God's Promise of Terror and Victory") served as a crucial morale booster, addressing the natural apprehension of a people facing such daunting adversaries. It provided profound assurance that their success would not hinge on their own limited prowess but on the active, supernatural intervention of Yahweh, who had already demonstrated His overwhelming power through the plagues in Egypt and the miraculous parting of the Red Sea ([Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Parting of the Red Sea")). This concept of a deity instilling panic and fear in enemy armies to secure victory for a favored people was a recognized motif in ancient Near Eastern warfare, making God's promise culturally resonant while simultaneously elevating it to a unique demonstration of His sovereign power.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Omnipotence**, showcasing God's absolute control over nations and the outcomes of human conflict. It reinforces the idea that Israel's success is entirely dependent on God's active participation, not their own strength, echoing the motif of God as the **Divine Warrior** who fights for His people. This is seen in earlier narratives such as the defeat of Egypt at the Red Sea ([Exodus 14:14](/exodus/14-14 "Exodus 14:14 - The Lord Will Fight for You")). The verse also highlights **Covenant Faithfulness**, as God is demonstrating His commitment to the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the land ([Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18-21 "Genesis 15:18-21 - God's Covenant with Abraham")). Furthermore, it introduces the concept of **Divine Terror** as a spiritual weapon, a psychological warfare tactic employed by God to disarm the enemy before physical engagement, a theme that reappears in the conquest narratives of [Joshua](/joshua/1 "The Book of Joshua - Conquest of Canaan"). Finally, it underscores the **Distinctiveness of Israel** and the necessity of their separation from the idolatrous practices of the Canaanites, as God clears the land to establish a holy nation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Hebrew, _ʼêymâh'_):** From H367, this term denotes a profound, supernatural dread or terror. It refers to a divinely induced panic or psychological paralysis that would afflict Israel's enemies, causing them to lose courage, cohesion, and the will to fight, often before direct military engagement. This "fear" is not merely a human emotion but an active agent of God's judgment, a spiritual weapon that disarms the enemy from within, rendering them vulnerable and susceptible to defeat.
* **Destroy (Hebrew, _hâmam'_):** From H2000, while often translated "destroy," _hâmam_ carries the primary nuance of "to put in commotion," "to disturb," "to rout," or "to discomfit." It implies a chaotic, disorganized defeat rather than a systematic annihilation. God's action would not just defeat the enemy but would utterly disorient them, making them vulnerable and incapable of effective resistance, leading to their subsequent destruction or expulsion.
* **Turn their backs (Hebrew, _nâthan ʻôreph'_):** This phrase is a vivid idiom formed from H5414 (_nâthan_, "to give/make") and H6203 (_ʻôreph_, "the back of the neck/back"). It literally means "to give the back" or "to turn the back," signifying flight, rout, or decisive defeat. It depicts the enemies not merely retreating in an orderly fashion but fleeing in panicked, disorganized disarray, exposing their backs to the advancing Israelites. This imagery emphasizes a complete and humiliating defeat, where the enemy is utterly routed and put to flight, unable to stand their ground.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will send my fear before thee":** This opening clause immediately establishes God's direct and active agency in the impending conquest, using the emphatic first-person pronoun "I." The "fear" is not something Israel generates or earns, but a divine emanation, a supernatural terror that God Himself will project ahead of Israel. This pre-emptive psychological warfare would demoralize and disorient the enemy, preparing the way for Israel's advance by undermining their will to resist.
* **"and will destroy all the people to whom thou shalt come":** This clause clarifies the devastating outcome of the divinely induced fear: the utter discomfiture and subsequent destruction or expulsion of the inhabitants of Canaan. The verb "destroy" (Hebrew _hâmam_) suggests a chaotic rout and disorganization, making them easy targets for Israel's forces. It implies a comprehensive victory over all the peoples Israel would encounter within their divinely appointed territorial boundaries, ensuring no formidable opposition remains.
* **"and I will make all thine enemies turn their backs unto thee":** This final clause reiterates and graphically describes the decisive nature of the victory, reinforcing God's sovereign control. The enemies will not stand and fight; instead, they will flee in panicked retreat, exposing their backs. This signifies a complete and humiliating defeat, confirming God's absolute sovereignty over the outcome of the impending conflict and His unwavering commitment to fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 23:27 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine power and unwavering assurance. The most prominent is **Personification**, where "fear" is depicted as an entity that God "sends" before Israel, almost like an invisible vanguard or an advance guard. This elevates the concept of fear from a mere emotion to an active, supernatural force unleashed directly by God. The phrase "I will send my fear" also functions as a powerful **Metonymy**, where "fear" stands for the divine presence and overwhelming power that instills such terror. The repeated use of "I will" (three times in this single verse) is a strong example of **Anaphora**, emphasizing God's direct agency, sovereign will, and unwavering commitment to fulfilling His promises. This repetition underscores that the victory is entirely God's work, not dependent on Israel's military might. Finally, the idiom "turn their backs unto thee" is a vivid **Metaphor** for complete and decisive defeat, painting a clear and immediate picture of a routed, fleeing enemy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 23:27 powerfully articulates God's active and direct involvement in the affairs of His people, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over nations and His unwavering commitment to covenant faithfulness. It reveals a God who not only issues commands but also acts decisively, clearing the path for His divine purposes to be fulfilled. This divine intervention, particularly the instilling of fear and confusion, underscores that true victory belongs to the Lord, not to human strength, military strategy, or numerical superiority. It establishes a profound precedent for understanding God as the ultimate warrior who fights for His people, ensuring their inheritance and security when they walk in obedience. This foundational theme resonates throughout biblical history, affirming that God's power is always greater than any opposition, whether physical or spiritual.

* [Deuteronomy 2:25](/deuteronomy/2-25 "Deuteronomy 2:25 - God Instills Fear in Nations")
* [Joshua 2:9-11](/joshua/2-9-11 "Joshua 2:9-11 - Rahab's Confession of Fear")
* [Psalm 44:3](/psalm/44-3 "Psalm 44:3 - God's Arm Brings Victory")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 23:27 offers profound spiritual encouragement and practical guidance for believers navigating life's myriad challenges. While we are no longer engaged in literal territorial conquest, we undeniably face spiritual battles, personal struggles, and formidable obstacles that can often seem insurmountable. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God Himself goes before us, preparing the way and fighting our battles. It calls us to shift our focus from the daunting magnitude of our adversaries to the omnipotence and faithfulness of our God. When we walk in obedience and faith, we can trust that God will, in His sovereign way, instill a "fear"—a disorientation, weakness, or confusion—in the spiritual forces and practical obstacles that oppose His will for our lives. This divine intervention does not promise a life devoid of struggle, but it assures us that the ultimate victory is secured by His divine power. Our confidence should rest not in our own strength, cleverness, or resources, but in the Lord who promises to make our enemies "turn their backs," ensuring our progress in fulfilling His purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "enemies" or obstacles in your life currently feel insurmountable, and how might remembering God's promise to "send His fear" before you change your perspective and approach?**
* **How does the concept of God fighting your battles, rather than you fighting them alone, impact your sense of peace, courage, and reliance on Him?**
* **In what specific areas of your life are you being called to "walk in obedience" so that God can clear the path and manifest His power before you?**
* **How can you practically apply the truth that God's power is greater than any opposition you face today, fostering deeper trust and less anxiety?**

### FAQ
**Does "destroy all the people" mean God literally annihilated every single person in Canaan?**

Answer: While the language is strong, "destroy all the people" (Hebrew _hâmam_, "to throw into confusion," "to rout") in [Exodus 23:27](/exodus/23-27 "Exodus 23:27 - God's Promise of Terror and Victory") and similar passages refers primarily to the comprehensive defeat, dislodging, and dismantling of the Canaanite nations as organized, idolatrous entities, rather than a universal, individual annihilation of every single person. We see instances in the biblical narrative where individuals (e.g., Rahab in [Joshua 2](/joshua/2 "Joshua 2 - Rahab and the Spies")) and even groups (like the Gibeonites in [Joshua 9](/joshua/9 "Joshua 9 - The Deception of the Gibeonites")) were spared or integrated into Israel, provided they renounced their idolatry and submitted to God's authority. The primary intent was the destruction of their power structures, their military capacity, and their religious systems that posed a profound spiritual threat to Israel's covenant faithfulness and purity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 23:27, with its promise of divine terror preceding Israel to secure their inheritance, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Israel's conquest was physical and territorial, Christ's mission was spiritual and cosmic. He came not to conquer a land, but to conquer the ultimate enemies of humanity: sin, death, and the spiritual powers of darkness. Just as God sent His "fear" before Israel, Jesus, through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, has already "sent His fear" before us, disarming the spiritual principalities and powers that once held humanity captive ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The decisive rout of the enemy, promised in this Old Testament verse, is realized in Christ's victory on the cross, where He "made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). For believers, our inheritance is not a physical land but the spiritual blessings of salvation, eternal life, and participation in God's eternal kingdom ([Ephesians 1:3-14](/ephesians/1-3-14 "Ephesians 1:3-14 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). Christ has gone before us, defeating the powers that once held us captive, enabling us to walk in freedom and inherit all that God has promised, not through our own might or military prowess, but through His finished work and the power of His resurrection ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Defeat of Death")).

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 2:25

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

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

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

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

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

Exodus 15:16

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

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