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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.
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Summary
Exodus 23:28 presents a profound divine assurance to the Israelites, promising supernatural intervention in their conquest of Canaan. God pledges to send "hornets" before them, a mysterious yet potent force, to dispossess the formidable native inhabitants—specifically the Hivites, Canaanites, and Hittites—from their land. This promise underscores God's active involvement in fulfilling His covenant, ensuring that the path to Israel's inheritance of the Promised Land would be cleared not solely by human might, but by a divinely orchestrated, pre-emptive act of terror or physical removal.
Context
Literary Context
Exodus 23:28 is intricately woven into the fabric of the "Book of the Covenant" (Exodus 20-23), a foundational legal and ethical framework established by God at Mount Sinai. More precisely, it resides within a concluding section (Exodus 23:20-33) that outlines the blessings contingent upon Israel's obedience and the divine assistance God pledges for their successful entry into and conquest of Canaan. This segment commences with God's promise to send His angel to guide and protect them, bringing them into the promised territory, as seen in Exodus 23:20. This immediately establishes the theme of divine partnership in their endeavors. The verses preceding the "hornets" promise detail strict prohibitions against covenanting with the land's inhabitants and commands to utterly destroy their idols, thereby setting the stage for the necessary divine aid to accomplish such a daunting task. The "hornets" are presented as one of several divine strategies, alongside gradual dispossession to prevent the land from becoming desolate and wild beasts from multiplying, as described in Exodus 23:29-30, and the expansion of their territorial boundaries. This strategic, multi-faceted divine approach highlights God's meticulous planning for Israel's success and well-being.
Historical & Cultural Context
The historical backdrop for Exodus 23:28 is the pivotal period following the momentous Exodus from Egyptian bondage and the solemn covenant ratification at Mount Sinai. The Israelites, a nascent nation, stood on the precipice of entering Canaan, a region already densely populated by a mosaic of powerful city-states and tribal confederations. The Hivites, Canaanites, and Hittites, explicitly named in this verse, represented significant military, political, and cultural challenges. The Canaanites, in particular, were notorious for their fortified urban centers and deeply entrenched polytheistic religious systems, notably the worship of Baal and Asherah, which often involved abhorrent practices like child sacrifice and cultic prostitution. While the "Hittites" here likely refer to specific groups residing within Canaan rather than the vast Hittite Empire of Anatolia, their inclusion still underscores the formidable nature of the indigenous population. In this daunting context, the promise of extraordinary divine intervention, whether through literal swarms of insects or a metaphorical wave of terror, was indispensable for instilling confidence and courage in a people militarily inexperienced and facing well-established adversaries. Such a promise would have been understood as irrefutable evidence of Yahweh's unparalleled power and His unwavering faithfulness to the ancient covenant promises of land made to their patriarch Abraham, as recorded in Genesis 12:7.
Key Themes
Exodus 23:28 powerfully contributes to several overarching theological and narrative themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Divine Sovereignty and Omnipotence, demonstrating God's absolute control over creation and His ability to employ any means, conventional or unconventional, to achieve His purposes. The "hornets" serve as a vivid illustration of God's power extending beyond human military might. Secondly, the verse highlights Covenant Faithfulness and Divine Provision. God, true to His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, actively intervenes to secure the land for His covenant people. This is a direct fulfillment of His commitment to provide for and protect Israel, ensuring their inheritance of the land flowing with milk and honey, as promised in Exodus 3:8. Thirdly, it speaks to the theme of Holy War and Divine Dispossession. The conquest of Canaan is portrayed not merely as a human military campaign, but as a divinely sanctioned act of judgment against the wickedness of the Canaanite nations, which had filled the land with their abominations, as hinted at in Genesis 15:16. God Himself fights for Israel, clearing the way for their settlement. Finally, the verse reinforces the theme of Reliance on God, Not Self-Reliance. By promising supernatural aid, God teaches Israel that their success would not be a result of their own strength or numbers, but entirely dependent on His active presence and intervention, a lesson continually emphasized throughout their wilderness journey and subsequent conquest, as later reflected in Deuteronomy 20:4.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
The Hebrew verb שָׁלַח (shâlach) is a primitive root meaning "to send away, for, or out," encompassing a wide variety of applications such as appointing, bringing forth, casting out, or letting go. In this context, it emphasizes God's deliberate, active, and purposeful initiation of the "hornets." It is not a passive allowance but a direct, volitional act of dispatching, highlighting God's sovereign agency in orchestrating events for His people. This verb underscores that the "hornets" are not a random occurrence but a divinely commissioned instrument.
The Hebrew noun צִרְעָה (tsirʻâh) literally denotes a "wasp (as stinging)" or "hornet." Its interpretation in this biblical context has been a subject of scholarly discussion. Some exegetes understand it as a literal plague of stinging insects, supernaturally deployed by God to harass, disorient, and drive out the enemy, similar to the plagues in Egypt. Others interpret tsirʻâh metaphorically, representing a divinely induced panic, terror, or demoralizing influence that would afflict the enemy nations, causing them to lose courage, flee, or become internally weakened. Regardless of whether the "hornets" were literal insects or a metaphorical representation of dread, the essential point remains: it signifies a unique, non-military, divinely orchestrated force designed to clear the path for Israel.
The Hebrew verb גָּרַשׁ (gârash) is a primitive root meaning "to drive out from a possession," often implying expatriation or expulsion. It conveys a forceful, complete removal, suggesting that the inhabitants would be utterly dispossessed and expelled from their land. This verb signifies a decisive and comprehensive act of displacement, ensuring that the land would be cleared for Israel's inheritance. It is a strong term that implies a thorough and permanent eviction, leaving no doubt about the effectiveness of God's intervention.
Verse Breakdown
"And I will send hornets before thee"
This opening declaration immediately establishes Yahweh as the primary actor and the source of the promised supernatural assistance. The emphatic "I" underscores God's personal commitment and direct involvement in Israel's conquest. The "sending of hornets" signifies a unique, unconventional form of divine intervention, demonstrating God's capacity to work through means beyond human comprehension or military might. The phrase "before thee" is crucial, indicating that this divine action would precede Israel's physical advance, preparing the way and weakening the enemy even before direct confrontation.
"which shall drive out the Hivite, the Canaanite, and the Hittite"
This clause specifies the precise purpose and targets of God's intervention. The "hornets" are not sent for mere annoyance but for the strategic objective of dispossessing the land's inhabitants. The explicit naming of the Hivites, Canaanites, and Hittites serves as representative examples of the formidable nations occupying the Promised Land, highlighting the significant challenge Israel faced and the absolute necessity of divine aid for their removal. The verb "drive out" (גָּרַשׁ, garash) signifies a forceful and complete expulsion, ensuring their removal from the territory.
"from before thee"
This concluding phrase powerfully reinforces the idea that the removal of these nations is directly for Israel's benefit, to clear the land for their occupation and inheritance. It emphasizes that the territory would be made ready for Israel's settlement, fulfilling God's ancient covenant promises to Abraham regarding the land. The repetition of "before thee" from the first clause creates a powerful rhetorical frame, underscoring that God's action is entirely in anticipation of and for the sake of Israel's advance, ensuring their path is unhindered by these specific adversaries, at least initially.
Literary Devices
Exodus 23:28 is rich in literary technique, primarily employing Symbolism or Metaphor through the vivid image of "hornets." While a literal interpretation of insect swarms is plausible, the "hornets" often function as a powerful symbol of divine terror, panic, or demoralizing influence that God would supernaturally instill in Israel's enemies, causing them to flee or be weakened before battle. This serves as a potent example of Metonymy, where the instrument (hornets) stands for the effect (the fear, confusion, and ultimate flight of the adversaries). The verse also prominently displays Divine Intervention, portraying God as an active, sovereign participant in the historical affairs of His people, directly orchestrating events to fulfill His promises and secure their inheritance. The specific naming of the Hivite, Canaanite, and Hittite employs Enumeration, providing concrete examples of the formidable adversaries Israel would face, thereby amplifying the power and effectiveness of God's promised aid and underscoring the comprehensive nature of His dispossession.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Exodus 23:28 profoundly illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over all creation and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. It reveals that God is not a distant, detached deity, but an active, intervening force in the lives of His people, capable of employing extraordinary and often unexpected means to achieve His redemptive purposes. The "hornets" symbolize God's ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles by instilling fear, confusion, or weakness in adversaries, thereby paving the way for His people's success without relying solely on their strength or conventional military might. This divine promise underscores the enduring theme of God's meticulous provision and the unwavering assurance that He fights for His people, even against the most formidable odds. It serves as a powerful call to radical reliance on God's omnipotent power rather than human strength, strategic ingenuity, or numerical superiority alone.
Reflection and Application
Exodus 23:28 offers profound and enduring encouragement for believers today, reminding us that God remains intimately and actively involved in our lives, capable of clearing obstacles and making a way in circumstances we least expect. Just as He prepared the way for ancient Israel against formidable and entrenched foes, He is equally capable of making a path for us when we face challenges that appear overwhelming, whether they are spiritual battles, relational conflicts, or seemingly impossible life circumstances. This verse calls us to cultivate a deep, unwavering trust in God's supernatural provision and power, recognizing that our true victories often come not by our own strength, cleverness, or exhaustive efforts, but by His unseen, sovereign hand. It challenges us to surrender our anxieties about seemingly insurmountable problems, knowing that God can, and often does, instill "hornets"—divine disquiet, confusion, or weakness—in the hearts of our adversaries, or simply remove hindrances through means entirely beyond our comprehension. Our vital role, therefore, is to remain obedient and faithful to His commands, confident that He will fight our battles and fulfill His purposes through us, leading us into the "promised land" of His blessings and peace.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "hornets" literally mean in this verse?
The Hebrew word ṣirʻah (צִרְעָה) literally refers to stinging insects like hornets or wasps. While some biblical scholars interpret this as a literal plague of insects sent by God to harass and disorient the enemy, causing them to flee, others understand it metaphorically as a divinely sent panic, terror, or demoralizing influence that would affect the enemy nations, causing them to lose courage or be weakened from within. Both interpretations point to a supernatural, non-military intervention by God. The effect, regardless of the precise nature of the "hornets," was to drive out the inhabitants before Israel's advance, a promise explicitly reiterated in Joshua 24:12.
Why would God use "hornets" instead of direct military intervention by Israel?
God's decision to use "hornets" highlights His absolute sovereignty and His ability to achieve His purposes through diverse and often unconventional means, demonstrating that He is not limited to human military strategies or strength. By sending "hornets," God emphasizes that the victory belongs to Him, not to Israel's might or numbers, thereby preventing Israel from boasting in their own power or taking credit for the conquest. This method also serves to instill awe and fear in the surrounding nations, showcasing Yahweh's unique power and reducing the need for direct, bloody conflict for Israel. It underscores the profound theological principle that God often works in ways that defy human expectation to reveal His glory and ensure His people recognize His hand in their deliverance and success, as seen throughout the biblical narrative where God fights for His people (e.g., Deuteronomy 3:22).
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Exodus 23:28, while rooted in ancient Israel's physical conquest of the Promised Land, finds its ultimate and most profound spiritual fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as God promised to send "hornets" to clear the way for Israel's inheritance, Christ, as the supreme divine intervention, came to dispossess the spiritual enemies that held humanity in bondage. Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Jesus decisively conquered sin, death, and the devil—the true "Hivites, Canaanites, and Hittites" of our souls. He triumphed over the cosmic powers and authorities, disarming them and leading them captive in His triumphal procession, as powerfully declared in Colossians 2:15. Christ's victory instills a divine "panic" and disarray among the spiritual forces of evil, thereby clearing the way for believers to inherit the true and eternal Promised Land—eternal life and an unbreakable fellowship with God in His heavenly kingdom, a rest that remains for the people of God, as expounded in Hebrews 4:9-11. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit, whom Christ sent after His ascension, continues this work of spiritual dispossession, empowering believers to overcome spiritual adversaries and to live in the freedom and power of their spiritual inheritance, just as God's presence went before Israel in the wilderness John 14:26. Thus, the promise of divine assistance in Exodus 23:28 beautifully foreshadows the comprehensive and ultimate deliverance accomplished by Christ, who enables us to enter into and possess our spiritual inheritance in Him.