Exodus 23:32

KJV

Thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor with their gods.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt make {H3772} no covenant {H1285} with them, nor with their gods {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You are not to make a covenant with them or with their gods.

Berean Standard Bible

You shall make no covenant with them or with their gods.

American Standard Version

Thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor with their gods.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 23:32 presents a non-negotiable divine injunction to the Israelites, prohibiting them from forming any covenant, treaty, or binding agreement with the indigenous inhabitants of Canaan or with their deities. This command serves as a critical safeguard, emphasizing God's demand for exclusive worship and absolute loyalty, thereby protecting Israel from spiritual compromise and idolatry as they prepared to inherit the Promised Land and establish themselves as Yahweh's distinct and holy nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at the culmination of the "Book of the Covenant" ([Exodus 20:22-23:33](/exodus/20-22-23-33 "The Book of the Covenant - Exodus 20-23")), a foundational legal and ethical corpus delivered by God to Israel immediately following the Ten Commandments. It serves as a climactic warning and stipulation, reinforcing the principles of exclusive worship and separation. The preceding verses detail God's promise to send His angel to lead Israel, to drive out the Canaanites, and to bless Israel with prosperity and health, contingent upon their obedience and exclusive devotion to Him. Specifically, the command in [Exodus 23:24](/exodus/23-24 "Exodus 23:24 - Do Not Worship Their Gods") to "not bow down to their gods" and the subsequent description of the gradual dispossession of the land's inhabitants in [Exodus 23:29-30](/exodus/23-29-30 "Exodus 23:29-30 - Gradual Dispossession of the Land") directly lead to this emphatic prohibition. Thus, [Exodus 23:32](/exodus/23-32 "Exodus 23:32 - No Covenant with Them or Their Gods") acts as a final, comprehensive directive to ensure Israel's spiritual purity and distinct identity within the land they were about to enter.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** As Israel stood on the threshold of Canaan, they faced a diverse array of indigenous peoples, including the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, as explicitly mentioned in [Exodus 23:23](/exodus/23-23 "Exodus 23:23 - The Nations to be Driven Out"). These nations practiced polytheistic religions, often centered around deities like Baal and Asherah, involving cultic prostitution, fertility rites, and even child sacrifice. In the ancient Near East, forming covenants—whether political, military, or social treaties—was a common diplomatic practice to secure peace, facilitate trade, or establish mutual defense. However, such agreements invariably involved oaths sworn by respective deities, participation in shared religious rituals, and cultural assimilation. For Israel, a people consecrated as "a kingdom of priests and a holy nation" ([Exodus 19:6](/exodus/19-6 "Exodus 19:6 - Israel as a Holy Nation")), entering into such agreements would inevitably lead to spiritual syncretism and a profound dilution of their unique, exclusive covenant relationship with Yahweh, the one true God. This prohibition was, therefore, a crucial divine protective measure against the spiritual dangers inherent in their new environment and a means to preserve their unique identity and mission.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 23:32 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Exodus and the Pentateuch. Foremost among these is **God's Sovereignty and Exclusivity**, asserting Yahweh as the sole legitimate object of worship, tolerating no rivals. This is directly linked to the theme of **Holiness and Separation**, emphasizing that Israel, as God's chosen people, must remain distinct and set apart from the idolatrous practices and corrupting influences of the surrounding nations. The verse also underscores the theme of **Covenant Loyalty**, highlighting that Israel's identity and blessings are entirely predicated upon their unwavering faithfulness to the covenant stipulations God has given them, particularly the First Commandment to have "no other gods before me" ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - No Other Gods Before Me")). Finally, it foreshadows the recurring theme of **Consequences of Disobedience**, as Israel's later failures to heed this very command would lead to national apostasy and divine judgment, as vividly recounted in books like [Judges](/judges/1 "The Book of Judges").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Make (Hebrew, _kârath'_):** This primitive root (H3772) literally means "to cut (off, down or asunder)." By implication, it can mean to destroy or consume. Crucially, it specifically refers to the act of "covenanting" or "making an alliance or bargain," originally by cutting flesh and passing between the pieces. In this context, it signifies the solemn, binding act of establishing a formal agreement, often involving a sacrificial ritual. The command "Thou shalt make no covenant" thus prohibits the very act of entering into such a sacred and binding relationship with the Canaanites.
* **Covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_):** Derived from the sense of cutting (H1285), this term refers to a compact, confederacy, or league. It denotes a solemn, binding agreement or treaty, typically established through an oath, sacrifice, and specific stipulations outlining mutual obligations. For Israel, _bᵉrîyth_ was the foundational concept defining their unique relationship with Yahweh. The prohibition against forming a _bᵉrîyth_ with the Canaanites was not merely a political non-alliance but a fundamental rejection of any relationship that would compromise or supersede their primary, exclusive covenant with the one true God.
* **Gods (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** While _ʼĕlôhîym_ (H430) can refer to the supreme God, in this specific context, it denotes the pagan deities worshipped by the Canaanite nations. These were false gods, often associated with natural phenomena, fertility, or war, whose worship involved practices abhorrent to Yahweh. The explicit inclusion of "nor with their gods" underscores the religious dimension of the prohibition, emphasizing that Israel's loyalty to Yahweh must be absolute and undivided, rejecting any form of polytheism or syncretism that would inevitably arise from such covenants.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt make no covenant with them":** This initial clause issues a direct, absolute, and non-negotiable command against forming any formal, binding agreement or treaty with the indigenous inhabitants of the land of Canaan. This prohibition extends beyond mere political or military alliances to encompass any relationship that would necessitate shared religious practices, cultural assimilation, or compromise Israel's distinct identity as a people set apart for Yahweh. It implies a complete separation in terms of foundational allegiance and worldview, ensuring Israel's unique status as a holy nation.
* **"nor with their gods":** This second clause clarifies and intensifies the first, explicitly stating the ultimate danger and the primary reason for the prohibition. Any covenant with the people would inevitably lead to, or be predicated upon, an acknowledgment, participation in, or even tacit acceptance of the worship of their pagan deities. This command underscores God's absolute monotheism and His unwavering demand for exclusive worship, unequivocally forbidding any form of syncretism or the blending of Yahweh worship with the abhorrent practices associated with pagan religions.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Prohibition**, a direct and absolute command ("Thou shalt make no..."). This imperative mood emphasizes the seriousness, urgency, and non-negotiable nature of God's instruction, leaving no room for ambiguity or compromise in Israel's relationship with the Canaanites. The structure also features **Parallelism** in the phrasing "with them, nor with their gods," which highlights the inherent interconnectedness of the people and their religious practices. This parallelism implies that a covenant with one necessarily entails a compromise with the other, making a clear distinction between Israel's unique identity and the pagan cultures. Furthermore, "their gods" functions as a form of **Metonymy**, where the deities represent the entire idolatrous system, the corrupt practices, and the worldview of the Canaanite nations. By forbidding covenants with "their gods," the text is implicitly forbidding allegiance to the entire pagan culture and its spiritual underpinnings, underscoring the comprehensive nature of the required separation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 23:32 is a profound articulation of God's demand for exclusive worship and Israel's fundamental call to holiness. It establishes the theological principle that true devotion to Yahweh necessitates a complete and uncompromising separation from anything that would dilute or compromise that allegiance, especially idolatry and spiritual syncretism. This command underscores God's unique nature as the one true God, who shares His glory with no other, and His desire for a people set apart, whose identity and purpose are wholly derived from their exclusive covenant relationship with Him. The pervasive danger of spiritual compromise and the corrupting influence of false worship is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament, with this verse serving as a foundational warning against such apostasy, a warning that Israel would tragically fail to consistently heed.

* [Deuteronomy 7:2-4](/deuteronomy/7-2-4 "Deuteronomy 7:2-4 - No Covenants with Nations")
* [Joshua 23:7](/joshua/23-7 "Joshua 23:7 - Do Not Associate with These Nations")
* [Judges 2:2](/judges/2-2 "Judges 2:2 - Consequences of Disobedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The ancient command in Exodus 23:32 resonates deeply with contemporary believers, serving as a timeless principle for maintaining spiritual purity and undivided devotion to God. While we are not called to physical isolation from the world in the same way ancient Israel was, we are unequivocally called to spiritual separation from its idolatrous systems, values, and philosophies. This verse challenges us to critically examine the "covenants" we might be tempted to make in our lives—alliances with worldly philosophies, cultural trends, or pursuits that subtly (or overtly) compete for the allegiance of our hearts and minds. It calls us to guard against any form of syncretism that would dilute our faith, compromise our witness, or lead us away from the singular worship of God. Our ultimate loyalty must always be to the one true God, ensuring that our deepest commitments, values, and affections are rooted solely in Him, protecting us from the modern-day "gods" of materialism, self-worship, secular ideologies, or even the pursuit of comfort and security above all else. This requires discernment, intentionality, and a courageous commitment to live distinctly for Christ in a world that constantly vies for our devotion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "covenants" or alliances in my life, whether explicit or implicit, might be subtly compromising my exclusive devotion to God?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to blend Christian faith with worldly values or practices, leading to spiritual syncretism?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper, more exclusive loyalty to Christ in my daily life, ensuring He holds the preeminent place in my heart and priorities?**
* **What practical steps can I take to identify and dismantle "idols" that compete for my worship and allegiance today?**

### FAQ

**What does "make no covenant with them" mean for Christians today?**

Answer: For Christians today, this command is not about physical separation from non-believers or avoiding all social interaction. Instead, it speaks to a profound spiritual and ethical separation. It means we should not enter into "covenants" or deep, binding alliances—whether in thought, belief, or practice—that would compromise our allegiance to God or lead us into spiritual idolatry. The New Testament echoes this principle by warning against being "unequally yoked" in matters of fundamental spiritual alignment and purpose, particularly concerning faith and unbelief ([2 Corinthians 6:14](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked")). It calls us to maintain our distinct identity as followers of Christ, living in the world but not being "of the world" in terms of its values and spiritual systems ([John 17:16](/john/17-16 "John 17:16 - Not of the World")). Our primary allegiance is to Christ, and this must govern all our relationships and pursuits.

**Why was it so important for Israel to avoid covenants with the Canaanites and their gods?**

Answer: It was crucial for several interconnected reasons. First, God had chosen Israel to be a holy nation, a "peculiar people," set apart to bear His name and reveal His character to the world ([Exodus 19:6](/exodus/19-6 "Exodus 19:6 - Israel as a Holy Nation")). Forming covenants with the Canaanites, whose cultures were steeped in idolatry, gross immorality, and practices abhorrent to God (like child sacrifice), would inevitably lead to spiritual contamination and a blurring of Israel's distinct identity. Second, such covenants would imply an acknowledgment, a participation in, or even the worship of the Canaanite gods, directly violating the First Commandment, "You shall have no other gods before me" ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - No Other Gods")). God demanded exclusive worship, and any compromise would undermine the very foundation of His covenant with Israel, leading to divine judgment, as tragically seen in later historical accounts throughout the book of [Judges](/judges/1 "The Book of Judges") and [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Book of 1 Kings").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 23:32, with its stern prohibition against covenanting with foreign nations and their gods, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While ancient Israel repeatedly failed to uphold this command, succumbing to the allure of idolatry and compromise, Jesus perfectly embodied exclusive devotion to the Father. He is the true Israel, the one who never made a "covenant" with the world's systems or its "gods" (e.g., mammon, power, self-glory), but rather consistently sought to do the will of Him who sent Him ([John 6:38](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus Does the Father's Will")). Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Christ establishes a new covenant ([Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant"); [Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in My Blood")), bringing believers into a relationship with God that is not based on external prohibitions alone, but on an internal transformation by the Holy Spirit. As followers of Christ, we are called to a similar, yet Spirit-empowered, separation from the idolatrous influences of the world, not through physical isolation, but by living as a holy people, a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race")), whose ultimate allegiance is solely to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who has redeemed us from the dominion of sin and false gods, transferring us into His kingdom of light ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")).

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 7:2

And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, [and] utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them:

Exodus 34:12

Take heed to thyself, lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land whither thou goest, lest it be for a snare in the midst of thee:

Exodus 34:15

Lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they go a whoring after their gods, and do sacrifice unto their gods, and [one] call thee, and thou eat of his sacrifice;

Deuteronomy 7:16

And thou shalt consume all the people which the LORD thy God shall deliver thee; thine eye shall have no pity upon them: neither shalt thou serve their gods; for that [will be] a snare unto thee.

Psalms 106:35

But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works.

Numbers 25:1

¶ And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab.

Numbers 25:2

And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods.