Exodus 23:33

KJV

They shall not dwell in thy land, lest they make thee sin against me: for if thou serve their gods, it will surely be a snare unto thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

They shall not dwell {H3427} in thy land {H776}, lest they make thee sin {H2398} against me: for if thou serve {H5647} their gods {H430}, it will surely be a snare {H4170} unto thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

They are not to live in your land; otherwise they will make you sin against me by ensnaring you to serve their gods."

Berean Standard Bible

They must not remain in your land, lest they cause you to sin against Me. For if you serve their gods, it will surely be a snare to you.”

American Standard Version

They shall not dwell in thy land, lest they make thee sin against me; for if thou serve their gods, it will surely be a snare unto thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 23:33 concludes the Book of the Covenant with a profound divine injunction to Israel on the verge of entering the Promised Land. It unequivocally forbids the Israelites from allowing the indigenous inhabitants to remain settled among them, not primarily for territorial dominion, but as a critical safeguard for Israel's spiritual purity and exclusive devotion to Yahweh. God, with prescient wisdom, foresaw that continued cohabitation would inevitably lead to spiritual syncretism and idolatry, which He powerfully describes as a deceptive and destructive "snare." This warning underscores the paramount importance of spiritual separation and unwavering loyalty to prevent moral corruption and the forfeiture of divine blessing.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic and final prohibition within the "Book of the Covenant" (found in [Exodus 20:22-23:33](/exodus/20-22-23-33 "Exodus 20:22-23:33 - The Book of the Covenant")), a comprehensive collection of civil, social, and religious laws delivered by God to Moses immediately following the Ten Commandments. It naturally follows earlier instructions in [Exodus 23](/exodus/23 "Exodus 23 - Laws and Promises") concerning Israel's conduct in the land, including warnings against making covenants with the inhabitants and serving their gods. The preceding verses, particularly [Exodus 23:23-24](/exodus/23-23-24 "Exodus 23:23-24 - God's Promise and Warning"), explicitly state God's intention to drive out the nations and Israel's responsibility to destroy their altars and sacred pillars. Thus, [Exodus 23:33](/exodus/23-33 "Exodus 23:33 - Warning Against Idolatry") acts as a critical, concluding caveat, emphasizing that the success of the conquest and the continued enjoyment of divine blessing in the land are entirely contingent upon Israel's absolute spiritual fidelity and their avoidance of the corrupting influences inherent in Canaanite religious practices. It sets the strict conditions for the covenant relationship about to be ratified in [Exodus 24](/exodus/24 "Exodus 24 - The Covenant Confirmed").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this juncture in the Exodus narrative, the Israelites are poised to transition from being nomadic wilderness wanderers to a settled nation in Canaan. This land was already inhabited by various pagan peoples, including the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, as explicitly listed in [Exodus 23:23](/exodus/23-23 "Exodus 23:23 - God's Promise to Drive Out Nations"). These indigenous cultures practiced a polytheistic religion, worshipping a pantheon of deities such as Baal, Asherah, and Molech, often through rituals that involved cultic prostitution, child sacrifice, and various forms of divination. God's command for separation was not rooted in ethnic prejudice but in a profound understanding of the spiritual and moral dangers posed by such close proximity and cultural intermingling. Having recently been delivered from the pervasive idolatry of Egypt and having already demonstrated a propensity for spiritual wandering (as tragically evidenced by the incident of the [Golden Calf in Exodus 32](/exodus/32 "Exodus 32 - The Golden Calf")), Israel was particularly vulnerable to syncretism. The divine imperative was to preserve their unique identity as a holy nation, consecrated to Yahweh alone, and to prevent the spiritual contamination that would inevitably arise from adopting the gods and practices of the surrounding nations, thereby undermining their sacred covenant relationship.
* **Key Themes:** [Exodus 23:33](/exodus/23-33 "Exodus 23:33 - Warning Against Idolatry") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **exclusive worship and monotheism**, reinforcing the First Commandment's prohibition against other gods ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - No Other Gods")). It underscores God's **holiness and jealousy** for His people's undivided devotion, viewing idolatry not merely as a ritualistic error but as a profound act of betrayal against the covenant. The verse also highlights the theme of **spiritual purity and separation**, emphasizing that Israel's distinct identity as a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" ([Exodus 19:6](/exodus/19-6 "Exodus 19:6 - A Kingdom of Priests")) necessitated a clear demarcation from the corrupting influences of paganism. Furthermore, it speaks to the theme of **consequences of disobedience**, portraying idolatry as a "snare" that inevitably leads to spiritual bondage and ruin, thereby linking obedience to blessing and disobedience to judgment, a principle reiterated throughout Deuteronomy and the historical books. This verse serves as a foundational warning that echoes throughout Israel's subsequent history, explaining their repeated cycles of apostasy and judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Dwell (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** From H3427, this primitive root signifies "to sit down, to remain, to inhabit, to settle." In the context of [Exodus 23:33](/exodus/23-33 "Exodus 23:33 - Warning Against Idolatry"), the prohibition against allowing them to "dwell" implies more than mere transient presence; it denotes the establishment of permanent, settled cohabitation. This suggests a level of integration and assimilation that would inevitably lead to shared cultural and, critically, shared religious practices. God's command is not simply about physical expulsion but about preventing the conditions that would foster spiritual compromise and the dilution of Israel's distinct identity as a people set apart for Yahweh.
* **Sin (Hebrew, _châṭâʼ'_):** From H2398, this primitive root means "to miss the mark, to err, to incur guilt, to offend." When God warns "lest they make thee sin against me," it directly points to the consequence of failing to obey the command for separation. The "sin" in view here is specifically idolatry and apostasy—the act of turning away from the exclusive worship of Yahweh to serve other gods. This reveals God's profound jealousy for His people's singular devotion and His understanding that prolonged exposure to pagan practices would inevitably lead Israel to violate the foundational first and second commandments given at Sinai ([Exodus 20:3-6](/exodus/20-3-6 "Exodus 20:3-6 - The First Two Commandments")).
* **Snare (Hebrew, _môwqêsh'_):** From H4170, this noun, derived from a root meaning "to lay a trap," refers to a noose or a trap used for catching animals. In its metaphorical application in [Exodus 23:33](/exodus/23-33 "Exodus 23:33 - Warning Against Idolatry"), it powerfully conveys the insidious, deceptive, and destructive nature of idolatry. It is not an obvious, overt danger but a hidden one that, once sprung, leads to spiritual captivity, entanglement, and ruin. The imagery suggests a loss of freedom, a state of entrapment from which escape is difficult, and impending doom for those who succumb to its subtle allure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They shall not dwell in thy land,"**: This is a direct, unequivocal divine command prohibiting the Israelites from permitting the indigenous inhabitants of Canaan to remain settled among them. It signifies a necessary and complete separation, not just of territory, but of presence and influence, to prevent spiritual contamination and the erosion of Israel's covenant identity.
* **"lest they make thee sin against me:"**: This clause articulates the divine rationale and the primary concern behind the prohibition. God's concern is not political or economic, but fundamentally theological and spiritual. He foresees that the continued presence and influence of pagan peoples would inevitably lead Israel to adopt their idolatrous practices, thereby violating their covenant obligations and directly offending the Lord who delivered them.
* **"for if thou serve their gods,"**: This introduces a conditional statement, explicitly linking the act of serving foreign deities to the preceding warning. It clarifies the specific "sin" God is concerned about—the worship and devotion to gods other than Yahweh, which was the central and most pervasive temptation presented by the Canaanite cultures. This highlights the absolute nature of God's demand for exclusive worship.
* **"it will surely be a snare unto thee."**: This final, powerful declaration describes the inevitable and dire consequence of spiritual compromise and idolatry. Serving other gods is not merely a minor transgression but a dangerous, deceptive trap. It underscores the insidious nature of false worship, which may promise benefits or freedom but ultimately leads to spiritual bondage, destruction, and the loss of God's favor and protection, entangling those who fall into it.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 23:33 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent and non-negotiable message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically the vivid use of the term "snare" (_môwqêsh_). This imagery transforms the abstract concept of idolatry into a concrete, tangible danger, akin to a hidden trap set for unsuspecting prey. It powerfully emphasizes the insidious, deceptive, and ultimately destructive nature of false worship, which entices with promises but ultimately leads to spiritual capture and ruin. The verse also functions as a clear **Conditional Statement** ("for if thou serve their gods, it will surely be a snare unto thee"), which rhetorically establishes a direct cause-and-effect relationship between Israel's potential disobedience (serving other gods) and its dire, predictable consequence (becoming ensnared). This structure highlights divine justice and the inevitable outcome of spiritual compromise. Furthermore, the entire verse serves as a direct and authoritative **Divine Warning**, a solemn pronouncement from God that underscores His protective care for Israel and His absolute demand for exclusive worship. The stern, prohibitive language ("They shall not dwell...") reinforces the seriousness and non-negotiable nature of this foundational command.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 23:33 is foundational to understanding God's unwavering demand for exclusive worship and His commitment to preserving the holiness of His covenant people. It articulates a core theological truth: idolatry is not merely a ritualistic error but a profound betrayal of covenant fidelity, leading to spiritual entanglement and ruin. This verse establishes the principle that God's people must be set apart, distinct from the world's corrupting influences, because spiritual compromise inevitably leads to moral decay and a broken relationship with the Holy God. It highlights God's "jealousy" (as described in [Exodus 20:5](/exodus/20-5 "Exodus 20:5 - God is a Jealous God")), not as a human flaw, but as a divine attribute that passionately guards His unique relationship with His chosen people, desiring their complete devotion for their own good and flourishing. The "snare" imagery underscores that what seems attractive or harmless on the surface is, in reality, a deceptive trap designed to lead away from life and into spiritual death.

* [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4-5 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema: Love the Lord Your God")
* [Joshua 23:12-13](/joshua/23-12-13 "Joshua 23:12-13 - Warning Against Intermarriage and Idolatry")
* [1 Corinthians 10:14](/1_corinthians/10-14 "1 Corinthians 10:14 - Flee from Idolatry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Christians today are not called to physically drive out nations or engage in territorial conquest, the profound spiritual principles embedded in Exodus 23:33 remain timeless and critically relevant. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that our spiritual environment profoundly shapes our devotion to God. Just as Israel was warned against the insidious "snare" of pagan influences, believers are called to exercise radical discernment regarding the influences we permit into our lives—whether they be relationships, media, ideologies, ambitions, or even seemingly benign cultural trends—that might subtly or overtly draw our hearts away from Christ. Modern idolatry often manifests not in physical statues, but in the worship of self, success, wealth, pleasure, comfort, or even the approval of others, anything that displaces God from His rightful supremacy in our lives. The call is to cultivate a holy separation, not from people, but from the ungodly values and practices of the world system, ensuring that our primary allegiance remains unwavering to the one true God. This requires intentional guarding of our hearts and minds, recognizing that spiritual compromise, however small it may seem, can quickly become a destructive snare that hinders our walk with God, diminishes our spiritual vitality, and ultimately compromises our witness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "influences" or "idols" in my contemporary context might function as a "snare," subtly drawing my devotion away from God?**
* **How can I actively cultivate a spiritual environment that fosters deeper devotion to Christ and protects against worldly compromises?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to "dwell" with practices or mindsets that are antithetical to God's commands, and how can I seek God's strength to separate myself and maintain spiritual purity?**

### FAQ

**Why was God so strict about the Israelites not dwelling with the Canaanites?**

Answer: God's strict command for the Israelites not to "dwell" with the Canaanites was not an act of ethnic cleansing or prejudice, but a profound theological and spiritual imperative. The primary reason, as stated in [Exodus 23:33](/exodus/23-33 "Exodus 23:33 - Warning Against Idolatry"), was "lest they make thee sin against me: for if thou serve their gods, it will surely be a snare unto thee." The Canaanite cultures were deeply entrenched in polytheism, idolatry, and morally corrupt practices, including child sacrifice, cultic prostitution, and divination ([Deuteronomy 18:9-12](/deuteronomy/18-9-12 "Deuteronomy 18:9-12 - Abominable Practices")). God knew that prolonged cohabitation would inevitably lead to syncretism—the blending of their worship of Yahweh with the worship of Canaanite deities—and the adoption of their immoral practices. This would defile Israel's unique identity as a holy nation, undermine their covenant relationship with God (established in [Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5-6 "Exodus 19:5-6 - Israel, a Holy Nation")), and ultimately lead to their spiritual ruin and loss of divine blessing. God's command was an act of divine protection, safeguarding His chosen people from spiritual corruption and preserving the purity of His worship.

**How does the concept of "snare" apply to believers today?**

Answer: The concept of a "snare" (Hebrew: _môwqêsh_), as used in [Exodus 23:33](/exodus/23-33 "Exodus 23:33 - Warning Against Idolatry"), remains highly relevant for believers today, though its manifestation has changed. A snare is a hidden trap, and in our modern context, spiritual snares are subtle temptations or influences that, while seemingly harmless or even attractive, can lead us away from God. These can include: the pursuit of wealth or material possessions above spiritual priorities ([Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - Cannot Serve Two Masters")), the allure of worldly success or status that compromises integrity, the addiction to pleasure or entertainment that dulls our spiritual senses, or even relationships that encourage sin or pull us away from Christ ([2 Corinthians 6:14](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked")). Anything that takes precedence over God in our hearts or leads us to compromise our faith can become a "snare," leading to spiritual entanglement, loss of freedom, and a diminished relationship with God. The Apostle Paul echoes this ancient warning, urging believers to "flee from idolatry" in all its forms ([1 Corinthians 10:14](/1_corinthians/10-14 "1 Corinthians 10:14 - Flee from Idolatry")), recognizing that modern idols can be anything that replaces God's rightful place in our lives.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 23:33, with its stern warning against spiritual compromise and the insidious "snare" of idolatry, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Christ. While Old Testament Israel was called to a physical separation from pagan nations to preserve their unique identity and covenant purity, the New Covenant calls believers to a spiritual separation from the world's ungodly values and systems, not from its people. Jesus Himself prayed that His disciples would be "in the world but not of the world" ([John 17:15-16](/john/17-15-16 "John 17:15-16 - Jesus Prays for His Disciples")), establishing a new paradigm for holiness. The ultimate "snare" that entraps all humanity is sin and death, a profound spiritual bondage from which no law or human effort could truly liberate. Christ, through His sacrificial death on the cross and victorious resurrection, has decisively broken the power of this ultimate snare, offering true freedom and new life to all who believe ([Colossians 2:13-15](/colossians/2-13-15 "Colossians 2:13-15 - Made Alive in Christ")). Furthermore, the Old Testament warning against serving other gods is fulfilled in the New Testament's call to exclusive devotion to Christ as Lord, recognizing that He alone is worthy of our worship and allegiance ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus is Lord")). The indwelling Holy Spirit now empowers believers to resist the spiritual "snares" of modern idolatry—covetousness, materialism, self-worship, and any false god—and to live a life of holiness and singular devotion, making us a "holy nation" and a "people for God's own possession" in a spiritual, not merely ethnic, sense ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race")). Thus, the protective command of [Exodus 23:33](/exodus/23-33 "Exodus 23:33 - Warning Against Idolatry") is transcended and perfected in Christ, who not only warns against the snare but provides the means of escape and the power for true spiritual freedom and an uncompromised life of worship.

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

Psalms 106:36

And they served their idols: which were a snare unto them.

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.

Judges 2:3

Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be [as thorns] in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare unto you.

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:

Joshua 23:13

Know for a certainty that the LORD your God will no more drive out [any of] these nations from before you; but they shall be snares and traps unto you, and scourges in your sides, and thorns in your eyes, until ye perish from off this good land which the LORD your God hath given you.

Deuteronomy 12:30

Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou enquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise.

1 Kings 14:16

And he shall give Israel up because of the sins of Jeroboam, who did sin, and who made Israel to sin.