Exodus 3:8

KJV

And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I am come down {H3381} to deliver {H5337} them out of the hand {H3027} of the Egyptians {H4714}, and to bring {H5927} them up out of that land {H776} unto a good {H2896} land {H776} and a large {H7342}, unto a land {H776} flowing {H2100} with milk {H2461} and honey {H1706}; unto the place {H4725} of the Canaanites {H3669}, and the Hittites {H2850}, and the Amorites {H567}, and the Perizzites {H6522}, and the Hivites {H2340}, and the Jebusites {H2983}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I have come down to rescue them from the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that country to a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey, the place of the Kena'ani, Hitti, Emori, P'rizi, Hivi and Y'vusi.

Berean Standard Bible

I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites.

American Standard Version

and I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanite, and the Hittite, and the Amorite, and the Perizzite, and the Hivite, and the Jebusite.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 3:8 is a profound declaration from God to Moses, revealing His divine purpose to actively intervene in the suffering of the Israelites. It articulates God's compassionate resolve to deliver His people from Egyptian bondage and lead them to a specific, promised land characterized by extraordinary abundance and fertility, a land already inhabited by various Canaanite tribes. This verse encapsulates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant, His sovereign power to fulfill His promises, and His generous provision for His chosen people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal declaration is spoken by God from the burning bush, immediately following His profound revelation of awareness concerning His people's plight. In [Exodus 3:7](/exodus/3-7 "God's observation of Israel's suffering"), God states, "I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows." Verse 8 then serves as the divine response, articulating God's direct, purposeful, and personal action to remedy their suffering. It transitions from God's empathetic observation to His active intervention, setting the stage for Moses' commission, the plagues, the Exodus, and the subsequent journey to the Promised Land. This verse is the first explicit statement of God's intention to bring Israel *out* of Egypt and *into* the promised inheritance, thus initiating the central narrative of the Pentateuch.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites had endured centuries of slavery in Egypt, a period marked by harsh labor and oppression, culminating in the decree to kill their male infants ([Exodus 1:8-22](/exodus/1-8-22 "Oppression of the Israelites in Egypt")). This historical backdrop highlights the desperation of the Israelites and the magnitude of God's promised deliverance. The description of the destination as "a land flowing with milk and honey" was a powerful cultural idiom in the ancient Near East, signifying unparalleled fertility and prosperity, a stark contrast to the forced labor and scarcity experienced in Egypt. Furthermore, the explicit naming of the Canaanite tribes (Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites) underscores the geopolitical reality of the region. These were established inhabitants, indicating that Israel's entry would involve divine judgment upon these peoples and a divinely ordained conquest to claim the promised inheritance, fulfilling ancient prophecies made to Abraham regarding his descendants and their land ([Genesis 15:13-16](/genesis/15-13-16 "God's covenant with Abraham and prophecy of Israel's future")).
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 3:8 is rich with foundational theological themes. It powerfully introduces the theme of **Divine Initiative and Compassion**, demonstrating God's proactive movement towards His suffering people, not merely reacting to their cries but acting from His inherent character of love and justice. It is a direct affirmation of God's **Covenant Faithfulness**, as the promise of land was central to the covenant established with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob ([Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "The Abrahamic Covenant") and [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's promise of land to Abraham")). The verse also emphasizes God's **Sovereignty Over Nations**, as He declares His intention to dispossess existing inhabitants to make way for His chosen people. Finally, the imagery of "a land flowing with milk and honey" introduces the theme of **Abundant Divine Provision**, signifying not just material blessing but also the spiritual rest and flourishing that God intends for His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **come down (Hebrew, _yârad'_):** From H3381, this primitive root means "to descend (literally, to go downwards...); causatively, to bring down." In this context, it is an anthropomorphic expression emphasizing God's personal, active, and decisive intervention. It signifies God's movement from His transcendent realm into the immanent human sphere, specifically to engage with and alleviate the suffering of His people. It is not a literal physical descent but a powerful theological statement of His presence and purposeful action.
* **deliver (Hebrew, _nâtsal'_)::** From H5337, this primitive root means "to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense; ... rescue, rid, save." Here, it denotes God's powerful act of rescue, indicating a forceful removal from oppression. It conveys the idea of liberation, salvation, and the active preservation of His people from the grasp of their oppressors, highlighting God's role as their ultimate rescuer.
* **flowing (Hebrew, _zûwb'_):** From H2100, this primitive root means "to flow freely (as water)... to overflow; flow." When used in the phrase "flowing with milk and honey," it vividly describes the abundant and continuous natural yield of the land. It suggests a land so rich and fertile that its produce, like milk and honey, seems to effortlessly gush forth, symbolizing unparalleled prosperity and a generous, self-sustaining environment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians":** This opening clause immediately establishes God's direct and personal involvement in Israel's plight. The phrase "I am come down" is an anthropomorphism signifying God's active intervention, underscoring His compassionate awareness of their suffering and His resolve to act. "To deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians" highlights the specific nature of the oppression—the Egyptians' power and control (represented by "hand")—and God's intention to break that bondage through a powerful act of salvation.
* **"and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large":** Following deliverance, God declares His purpose to lead them to a new destination. "Bring them up" signifies a journey from a lower, oppressive state (Egypt) to a higher, more desirable one (the Promised Land). The land is described as "good" (fertile, pleasant, beneficial) and "large" (spacious enough for a growing nation, offering freedom and room for expansion), presenting a stark contrast to the confined and enslaved conditions in Egypt.
* **"unto a land flowing with milk and honey":** This iconic biblical idiom vividly describes the extraordinary fertility, abundance, and prosperity of the promised inheritance. "Milk" signifies the richness of livestock and dairy products, indicating a land suitable for grazing and animal husbandry. "Honey" (likely date honey or wild honey, not necessarily bee honey) represents the sweetness and fruitfulness of the land's produce, such as dates, figs, and grapes. Together, they paint a picture of a land that is naturally rich, self-sustaining, and capable of providing generously for its inhabitants, symbolizing God's lavish blessing.
* **"unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites":** The explicit naming of these six distinct Canaanite tribes identifies the current inhabitants of the promised land. This detail underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all peoples and territories. It signals that the Israelites are not entering an uninhabited land but one already occupied, implying a divinely ordained displacement and conquest. This highlights God's authority to give and take away nations according to His righteous judgment and redemptive purposes, fulfilling His ancient promises.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 3:8 employs several potent literary devices. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the phrase "I am come down," which attributes human-like action (descending) to God. This device makes God's transcendent nature relatable and emphasizes His personal, active, engagement in human affairs, conveying His immanence and compassionate intervention. The most prominent device is the **Idiom** or **Metaphor** of "a land flowing with milk and honey." This vivid phrase serves as a powerful symbol of unparalleled abundance, fertility, and prosperity, painting a sensory picture of a land of ease and plenty, contrasting sharply with the harshness of slavery. Finally, the **Enumeration** of the six Canaanite tribes (Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites) serves to concretize the identity of the land's current inhabitants and underscores the specific nature of the divine promise and the impending conquest.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 3:8 is a foundational text that reveals core aspects of God's character and His redemptive plan. It powerfully demonstrates God's active and compassionate engagement with human suffering, His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, and His supreme sovereignty over all creation and nations. The promise of a "land flowing with milk and honey" is not merely a material blessing but a symbol of the holistic flourishing and rest God desires for His people, a place where they can worship and live in freedom. This divine declaration sets the stage for the entire Exodus narrative, establishing God as the ultimate Deliverer and Provider.

* [Exodus 6:6](/exodus/6-6 "God's powerful deliverance from Egypt")
* [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's promise of land to Abraham")
* [Deuteronomy 8:7-9](/deuteronomy/8-7-9 "Description of the Promised Land's abundance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 3:8 offers profound encouragement and timeless truths for believers today. Just as God intimately saw the affliction of Israel, heard their cries, and knew their sorrows, He is equally aware of our struggles, hears our prayers, and is actively engaged in our contemporary circumstances. This verse serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness; despite long periods of waiting, seemingly impossible situations, or overwhelming oppression, God remains committed to bringing His plans to fruition and fulfilling His promises. The vivid imagery of a "land flowing with milk and honey" metaphorically assures us of God's abundant provision and the ultimate blessing He has prepared for those who trust Him, whether in present circumstances or in the eternal future. It reminds us that God is a sovereign Deliverer who leads His people from every form of bondage—spiritual, emotional, or circumstantial—to a place of blessing, rest, and flourishing, according to His perfect will and timing. We are called to trust in His active intervention and patiently await His deliverance, knowing that His promises are sure.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel "in the hand of the Egyptians," experiencing bondage or oppression, and how does God's promise to "come down to deliver" speak to your situation?**
* **How does the description of the Promised Land as "flowing with milk and honey" shape your understanding of God's provision and the blessings He desires for His people?**
* **Considering God's faithfulness to His ancient covenant with Israel, how does this verse encourage you to trust in His faithfulness to His promises for your life today?**

### FAQ
**What does "I am come down" imply about God?**

Answer: The phrase "I am come down" (Hebrew: *yâradti*, from H3381) is an anthropomorphism, meaning it describes God using human-like actions to make His divine activity comprehensible to humanity. It does not imply that God is physically located in a specific place or that He literally descends from a higher physical location. Instead, it powerfully conveys His personal, active, and direct intervention in human affairs. It emphasizes His immanence—His presence and involvement—and His compassionate initiative to deliver His people from their plight. It signifies a divine movement towards humanity for the purpose of salvation and a demonstration of His sovereign will.

**Why is the Promised Land described as "a land flowing with milk and honey"?**

Answer: This iconic phrase is a rich idiom used throughout the Old Testament to convey the extraordinary fertility, abundance, and prosperity of the land God promised to Israel. "Milk" (Hebrew: *châlâb*, from H2461) signifies the richness of livestock and dairy products, indicating a land suitable for grazing and animal husbandry. "Honey" (Hebrew: *dᵉbash*, from H1706), often understood as date honey or wild honey rather than exclusively bee honey, represents the sweetness and fruitfulness of the land's produce, such as dates, figs, and grapes. Together, they paint a picture of a land that is naturally rich, self-sustaining, and capable of providing generously for its inhabitants, a stark contrast to the barrenness of the desert or the oppressive conditions in Egypt. It symbolizes God's lavish blessing, abundant provision, and the promise of a life of flourishing and rest for His people. This description is reiterated in passages like [Deuteronomy 6:3](/deuteronomy/6-3 "Hear, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily in the land that floweth with milk and honey").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 3:8 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as God declared, "I am come down to deliver them," so too did God Himself "come down" in the incarnation of Jesus, the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word became flesh")). Christ personally entered into the human condition, experiencing its sorrows and suffering, to deliver humanity not merely from physical bondage but from the far greater slavery to sin and death ([Matthew 1:21](/matthew/1-21 "Jesus to save His people from their sins")). He is the ultimate Deliverer who leads His people out of the "land of Egypt"—the dominion of darkness and the curse of the Law—and brings them into a spiritual "good land and a large," the kingdom of God, characterized by grace, truth, and eternal life. This new spiritual inheritance far surpasses any earthly "land flowing with milk and honey," offering true rest for the soul ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "A Sabbath rest for the people of God")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ conquered the spiritual "Canaanites" of sin, Satan, and death, establishing His new covenant people in a place of everlasting blessing and communion with God, foreshadowing the ultimate restoration of the new heavens and new earth, where God's people will dwell in perfect peace and abundance forever ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "New heaven and new earth")).

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

Genesis 50:24

And Joseph said unto his brethren, I die: and God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land which he sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.

Exodus 3:17

And I have said, I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt unto the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, unto a land flowing with milk and honey.

Genesis 15:18

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:

Genesis 15:21

And the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Girgashites, and the Jebusites.

Exodus 13:5

And it shall be when the LORD shall bring thee into the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, which he sware unto thy fathers to give thee, a land flowing with milk and honey, that thou shalt keep this service in this month.

Deuteronomy 1:25

And they took of the fruit of the land in their hands, and brought [it] down unto us, and brought us word again, and said, [It is] a good land which the LORD our God doth give us.

Jeremiah 11:5

That I may perform the oath which I have sworn unto your fathers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey, as [it is] this day. Then answered I, and said, So be it, O LORD.