Exodus 33:2

KJV

And I will send an angel before thee; and I will drive out the Canaanite, the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite:

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will send {H7971} an angel {H4397} before {H6440} thee; and I will drive out {H1644} the Canaanite {H3669}, the Amorite {H567}, and the Hittite {H2850}, and the Perizzite {H6522}, the Hivite {H2340}, and the Jebusite {H2983}:

Complete Jewish Bible

I will send an angel ahead of you; and I will drive out the Kena'ani, Emori, Hitti, P'rizi, Hivi and Y'vusi.

Berean Standard Bible

And I will send an angel before you, and I will drive out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites.

American Standard Version

and I will send an angel before thee; and I will drive out the Canaanite, the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 33:2 reveals God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, even in the immediate aftermath of Israel's grievous sin with the golden calf. Despite the people's unfaithfulness, God assures Moses that He will send a divine messenger to lead them into the Promised Land and will sovereignly dispossess the formidable nations inhabiting it, thereby fulfilling His ancient pledge to Abraham. This verse highlights God's faithfulness and His provision for His people's journey and inheritance, even as it subtly introduces a nuanced mode of His presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a pivotal moment in the Exodus narrative, directly following the devastating incident of the golden calf idolatry in [Exodus 32](/exodus/32 "Exodus 32 - The Golden Calf Incident"). After Moses' fervent intercession for the people and God's initial declaration to destroy them, the Lord instructs Moses to lead the people from Mount Horeb towards the Promised Land in [Exodus 33:1](/exodus/33-1 "Exodus 33:1 - God's Command to Depart from Sinai"). Crucially, [Exodus 33:3](/exodus/33-3 "Exodus 33:3 - God's Reluctance to Go Personally") reveals God's initial reluctance to go with them personally due to their "stiff-necked" nature, fearing His holy presence might consume them on the way. Therefore, [Exodus 33:2](/exodus/33-2 "Exodus 33:2 - God Promises an Angel to Lead") represents a divine concession: God will still ensure their journey and the land's conquest, but through a delegated "angel" rather than His direct, manifest presence, a point Moses would later challenge and passionately plead against in [Exodus 33:15](/exodus/33-15 "Exodus 33:15 - Moses' Plea for God's Personal Presence"). The verse sets the stage for the intense negotiation between God and Moses regarding divine presence.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this point, the Israelites are encamped at the foot of Mount Horeb (Sinai), having recently received the Law and witnessed God's powerful, awe-inspiring presence. The golden calf incident was a profound act of rebellion and idolatry, a direct breach of the covenant they had just entered into with God, jeopardizing their relationship with Yahweh and their very destiny as His chosen people. The listing of the six Canaanite tribes—Canaanite, Amorite, Hittite, Perizzite, Hivite, and Jebusite—underscores the formidable opposition Israel would face in conquering the land. These tribes represented the established inhabitants of the region, known for their strongholds and often abhorrent idolatrous practices, including child sacrifice. God's promise to "drive out" these nations was a reaffirmation of His ancient covenant promise to Abraham in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Covenant Promise to Abraham") and [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18-21 "Genesis 15:18-21 - The Abrahamic Covenant Ratified"), demonstrating His sovereign power and unwavering faithfulness to His word, even amidst His people's profound unfaithfulness.

* **Key Themes:** This verse resonates with several key themes prevalent in Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Faithfulness to Covenant**, as God reiterates His commitment to the Abrahamic covenant despite Israel's recent transgression. It also highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Power**, demonstrating God's absolute authority to dispossess nations and fulfill His purposes, irrespective of human obstacles. The mention of the "angel" introduces the theme of **Mediated Presence**, a critical development after the golden calf incident, where God's holiness necessitates a buffer between Himself and a sinful people, setting up Moses' subsequent intercession for God's direct presence in [Exodus 33:12-17](/exodus/33-12-17 "Exodus 33:12-17 - Moses' Intercession for God's Presence"). Finally, the enumeration of the tribes underscores the theme of **Conquest and Inheritance**, emphasizing God's active role in securing the Promised Land for His people, a recurring promise throughout the book, as seen in [Exodus 23:23](/exodus/23-23 "Exodus 23:23 - God's Promise to Drive Out Inhabitants").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **send (Hebrew, _shâlach'_):** A primitive root meaning "to send away, for, or out" in a great variety of applications. In this context, it emphasizes God's deliberate and active dispatching of a divine agent. It signifies God's initiative and sovereign action in providing guidance and assistance for Israel's journey, demonstrating that the fulfillment of His promises rests on His power, not human effort.
* **angel (Hebrew, _mălʼâk'_):** From an unused root meaning "to despatch as a deputy," this term denotes a "messenger." While it can refer to human messengers, it specifically points here to a divine, celestial being. This "angel" acts as God's representative, carrying out His will to lead Israel and clear the land, serving as a manifestation of God's delegated authority and presence, rather than His direct, unmediated presence.
* **drive out (Hebrew, _gârash'_):** A primitive root meaning "to drive out from a possession," "to expel," or "to expatriate." Its use here highlights God's forceful, decisive, and sovereign action in dispossessing the existing inhabitants of Canaan. This verb underscores that the conquest of the land is not merely a military endeavor for Israel but a divinely ordained act of expulsion, ensuring the fulfillment of God's covenant promise to give the land to His chosen people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will send an angel before thee;":** This clause initiates God's renewed promise to Moses and Israel. Despite their recent idolatry, God reaffirms His commitment to their journey by pledging to dispatch a divine "angel" or "messenger." This angel is designated to go "before" them, signifying leadership, protection, and the clearing of the path. This provision ensures that Israel will not be left to their own devices in the perilous wilderness and the daunting task of conquest, highlighting God's continued care and provision even in the face of their unfaithfulness.
* **"and I will drive out the Canaanite, the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite:":** This segment specifies the divine task of the angel and, ultimately, God Himself. It enumerates six of the primary ethnic groups inhabiting the land of Canaan, which God had promised to Abraham's descendants. By explicitly naming these formidable nations, God underscores the comprehensive nature of the promised dispossession. This part of the verse powerfully reaffirms God's sovereign power over all nations and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant, demonstrating that His plans for Israel's inheritance would not be thwarted by their sin or by the strength of their enemies.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices that enrich its meaning. **Enumeration** is prominently featured with the explicit listing of six distinct Canaanite tribes (Canaanite, Amorite, Hittite, Perizzite, Hivite, and Jebusite). This detailed naming emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's promise to clear the land and highlights the formidable, diverse opposition Israel would face, underscoring the absolute necessity of divine intervention for the conquest. The repeated use of "I will" ("I will send," "I will drive out") exemplifies **Divine Fiat**, showcasing God's absolute authority, power, and resolve to accomplish His will through declarative statements. Furthermore, the "angel" can be understood as a form of **Synecdoche** or **Metonymy**, representing God's delegated power and presence, which stands in stark contrast to His full, personal, and potentially consuming presence. This nuanced distinction sets the stage for Moses' subsequent intercession for God's personal presence in the following verses, highlighting the tension between God's holiness and His commitment to His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 33:2 profoundly illustrates God's enduring faithfulness and mercy, even in the face of profound human unfaithfulness. Despite Israel's egregious sin with the golden calf, God does not abandon His covenant promises to lead them to the Promised Land and dispossess its inhabitants. This demonstrates that God's covenant is ultimately upheld by His unchangeable character and sovereign will, not by the perfect obedience of His people. The sending of an "angel" signifies God's commitment to His plan, even if the mode of His presence is adjusted due to Israel's sin and His holiness. This highlights the tension between God's justice and His mercy, and the ongoing need for divine mediation to bridge the gap between a holy God and a sinful people.

* [Exodus 23:20](/exodus/23-20 "Exodus 23:20 - God Promises an Angel to Guide")
* [Deuteronomy 7:1](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1 - God Will Drive Out Nations")
* [Joshua 24:11](/joshua/24-11 "Joshua 24:11 - God Drives Out the Inhabitants")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 33:2 offers profound encouragement for believers today, serving as a powerful reminder of God's steadfast character. It assures us that even when we stumble, fail, or betray God's trust through our disobedience, His fundamental promises and purposes for our lives remain unshakeable. Our unfaithfulness may indeed impact the *mode* or *experience* of His presence and blessing, leading to seasons where His guidance feels less direct or His blessings seem deferred. However, it does not nullify His ultimate commitment to His covenant. We can take immense heart in knowing that God is faithful to guide us through life's wildernesses and to empower us to overcome the "inhabitants"—the obstacles, persistent sins, spiritual strongholds, or personal challenges—that stand between us and His promised blessings and spiritual inheritance. This verse calls us to trust in His sovereign power to clear our path and to continue seeking His presence and guidance with humility and repentance, knowing that He is true to His word, even when we are not.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's promise to send an angel, despite Israel's profound sin, speak to His enduring faithfulness in your own life and circumstances?**
* **What "inhabitants" or spiritual obstacles in your life do you need God to "drive out" for you to fully enter into His promised blessings and spiritual freedom?**
* **How does this passage encourage you to trust in God's guidance and provision, even when His presence feels less direct or immediate due to your own shortcomings?**

### FAQ
**Why did God send an "angel" instead of going Himself?**

Answer: God's initial reluctance to go personally with Israel, as stated in [Exodus 33:3](/exodus/33-3 "Exodus 33:3 - God's Reluctance to Go with Israel"), was due to their "stiff-necked" and rebellious nature, particularly after the golden calf incident. God's holiness is so absolute that His unmediated presence in close proximity to such a sinful people might lead Him to "consume them on the way." Sending an angel was a divine concession, a way for God to fulfill His promise of guidance and conquest without directly exposing the people to the full, unmediated intensity of His holiness, which their sin had made dangerous. It served as a stark reminder of the severity of their sin and the awesome holiness of God, while still demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant and His people's ultimate destiny.

**Who were the specific tribes mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The verse explicitly lists six tribes: the Canaanite, the Amorite, the Hittite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite. These were prominent groups inhabiting the land that God had promised to Abraham's descendants, as detailed in earlier covenant passages like [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18-21 "Genesis 15:18-21 - The Land Grant to Abraham"). Their enumeration here emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the conquest God promised and the formidable, diverse opposition Israel would face. It underscores the necessity of divine intervention to dispossess them and clear the land for Israel's inheritance, highlighting God's sovereign power over all the nations of the earth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While the "angel" in Exodus 33:2 represents a divine messenger sent to lead Israel, this provision ultimately points to the greater, perfect fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. Unlike a delegated agent, Christ is the very embodiment of God's personal presence, the "Angel of the Lord" who is God Himself, the Word made flesh dwelling among us ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). He is the ultimate leader and mediator who not only goes *before* His people but *with* them, perfectly bridging the chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity through His atoning sacrifice ([Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, Mediator of a New Covenant")). Where the angel in Exodus was a temporary solution due to Israel's sin, Christ perfectly reconciles humanity to God, making true fellowship possible without the threat of consumption. He doesn't merely drive out physical enemies from a land but conquers the ultimate adversaries: sin, death, and the powers of darkness, triumphing over them on the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Through His redemptive work, believers are not merely led to a physical land but are granted access to the spiritual inheritance of God's kingdom and the promise of eternal life ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). Furthermore, Christ's ascension and the sending of the Holy Spirit ensure God's personal, abiding presence within every believer ([John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "John 14:16-17 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")), guaranteeing our ultimate entry into the heavenly Canaan, the eternal rest that remains for the people of God ([Hebrews 4:9-11](/hebrews/4-9-11 "Hebrews 4:9-11 - The Rest for God's People")).

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

Exodus 32:34

Therefore now go, lead the people unto [the place] of which I have spoken unto thee: behold, mine Angel shall go before thee: nevertheless in the day when I visit I will visit their sin upon them.

Joshua 24:11

And ye went over Jordan, and came unto Jericho: and the men of Jericho fought against you, the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Girgashites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; and I delivered them into your hand.

Exodus 23:27

I will send my fear before thee, and will destroy all the people to whom thou shalt come, and I will make all thine enemies turn their backs unto thee.

Exodus 23:31

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.

Exodus 23:20

¶ Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared.

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.

Deuteronomy 7:22

And the LORD thy God will put out those nations before thee by little and little: thou mayest not consume them at once, lest the beasts of the field increase upon thee.