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Exodus 23:31

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And I will set thy bounds from the Red sea even unto the sea of the Philistines, and from the desert unto the river: for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand; and thou shalt drive them out before thee.

And I will set {H7896} thy bounds {H1366} from the Red {H5488} sea {H3220} even unto the sea {H3220} of the Philistines {H6430}, and from the desert {H4057} unto the river {H5104}: for I will deliver {H5414} the inhabitants {H3427} of the land {H776} into your hand {H3027}; and thou shalt drive them out {H1644} before {H6440} thee.

I will set your boundaries from the Sea of Suf to the sea of the P'lishtim and from the desert to the [Euphrates] River, for I will hand the inhabitants of the land over to you, and you will drive them out from before you.

And I will establish your borders from the Red Sea to the Sea of the Philistines, and from the desert to the Euphrates. For I will deliver the inhabitants into your hand, and you will drive them out before you.

And I will set thy border from the Red Sea even unto the sea of the Philistines, and from the wilderness unto the River: for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand: and thou shalt drive them out before thee.

Commentary

Exodus 23:31 is a powerful declaration of God's covenant promise to the Israelites regarding the boundaries of the land they were to inherit and His divine assistance in its conquest. This verse outlines the vast geographical extent of the Promised Land and emphasizes God's active role in delivering its current inhabitants into Israel's hands, contingent on their obedience.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in Exodus (chapters 20-23) where God delivers laws and promises to Israel at Mount Sinai. Following the Ten Commandments and a detailed set of civil and ceremonial laws, God provides specific assurances of His presence, protection, and provision as they prepare to enter Canaan. Exodus 23, in particular, details God's commitment to lead them, drive out their enemies, and bless their obedience. Verse 31 specifically defines the territorial scope of this divine promise, reinforcing the covenant previously made with Abraham concerning the land (Genesis 15:18).

Key Themes

  • Divine Grant of Territory: God explicitly sets the future boundaries of Israel's land, demonstrating His sovereign authority over nations and territories. This was not a land they would conquer by their might alone, but one divinely appointed and gifted to them.
  • God's Faithfulness to His Promises: The detailed description of the borders underscores God's commitment to fulfill the Abrahamic Covenant.
  • Divine Assistance in Conquest: The phrase "I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand" highlights God's active role in empowering Israel to succeed. Their victory would be a result of God's intervention, not merely their military prowess.
  • Human Responsibility: While God promises deliverance, the phrase "and thou shalt drive them out before thee" places a clear responsibility on Israel to act in obedience and carry out the divine mandate to dispossess the land. This command is reiterated throughout the Pentateuch, for instance in Numbers 33:52.

Geographical and Linguistic Insights

The specified boundaries represent a vast territory, outlining the maximal extent of the Promised Land:

  • "Red sea": Refers to the southern border.
  • "Sea of the Philistines": This is the Mediterranean Sea, marking the western border.
  • "Desert": Points to the southern wilderness regions.
  • "The river": Generally understood to be the Euphrates River, signifying the eastern and northern extent of the land. This expansive promise was largely realized during the reigns of King David and King Solomon, as recorded in 1 Kings 4:21 and 2 Chronicles 9:26.

The Hebrew word for "deliver" is nathan (נָתַן), meaning to give, place, or surrender, emphasizing God's direct action in placing the inhabitants under Israel's power. "Drive them out" comes from the Hebrew garash (גָּרַשׁ), meaning to expel or dispossess, highlighting the active role Israel was to play in clearing the land.

Practical Application

Exodus 23:31 teaches us about God's faithfulness to His promises and His desire for His people to possess what He has prepared for them. For believers today, this verse can symbolize:

  • Trusting God's Promises: Just as God promised Israel a land, He has made spiritual promises to us, such as eternal life, forgiveness, and His abiding presence (John 14:16). We are called to trust in His word.
  • Cooperation with Divine Will: While God promises deliverance and victory, there is a corresponding human responsibility to "drive out" or engage in the spiritual battles. This involves actively resisting sin, dispossessing negative influences, and pursuing righteousness.
  • Taking Spiritual Ground: This verse can inspire believers to actively "take ground" for God's kingdom in their personal lives, families, communities, and spheres of influence, relying on God's power to overcome obstacles and "drive out" spiritual adversaries (Ephesians 6:11).
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 15:18 (9 votes)

    In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:

  • Deuteronomy 11:24 (7 votes)

    Every place whereon the soles of your feet shall tread shall be yours: from the wilderness and Lebanon, from the river, the river Euphrates, even unto the uttermost sea shall your coast be.

  • Joshua 21:44 (6 votes)

    And the LORD gave them rest round about, according to all that he sware unto their fathers: and there stood not a man of all their enemies before them; the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand.

  • Numbers 34:3 (5 votes)

    Then your south quarter shall be from the wilderness of Zin along by the coast of Edom, and your south border shall be the outmost coast of the salt sea eastward:

  • Numbers 34:15 (5 votes)

    The two tribes and the half tribe have received their inheritance on this side Jordan [near] Jericho eastward, toward the sunrising.

  • Joshua 1:4 (5 votes)

    From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast.

  • Joshua 24:18 (4 votes)

    And the LORD drave out from before us all the people, even the Amorites which dwelt in the land: [therefore] will we also serve the LORD; for he [is] our God.