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Exodus 34:24

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For I will cast out the nations before thee, and enlarge thy borders: neither shall any man desire thy land, when thou shalt go up to appear before the LORD thy God thrice in the year.

For I will cast out {H3423} the nations {H1471} before {H6440} thee, and enlarge {H7337} thy borders {H1366}: neither shall any man {H376} desire {H2530} thy land {H776}, when thou shalt go up {H5927} to appear {H7200} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} thrice {H6471}{H7969} in the year {H8141}.

For I am going to expel nations ahead of you and expand your territory, and no one will even covet your land when you go up to appear before ADONAI your God three times a year.

For I will drive out the nations before you and enlarge your borders, and no one will covet your land when you go up three times a year to appear before the LORD your God.

For I will cast out nations before thee, and enlarge thy borders: neither shall any man desire thy land, when thou goest up to appear before Jehovah thy God three times in the year.

Commentary

Commentary on Exodus 34:24 (KJV)

Exodus 34:24 is a powerful promise from God to the nation of Israel, delivered during the renewal of the covenant at Mount Sinai after the incident of the golden calf. This verse highlights God's sovereignty, protection, and provision, contingent upon Israel's obedience to His commands.

Context

This verse is part of God's instructions to Moses after the tablets of the Law were broken and the covenant was renewed. God is re-establishing the terms of His relationship with Israel, emphasizing their unique status as His chosen people and the blessings that would follow their faithfulness. Specifically, this verse addresses the practical concern of leaving their land vulnerable during the three annual pilgrimage feasts – Passover (Unleavened Bread), Pentecost (Weeks), and Tabernacles (Booths) – when all Israelite males were commanded to travel to the central sanctuary to "appear before the LORD."

Key Themes

  • Divine Protection and Provision: God promises supernatural security for their land and families while they are away fulfilling their religious duties. This is a remarkable guarantee, ensuring that no enemy would "desire thy land" or seize it in their absence.
  • Covenant Faithfulness: The verse underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant promises when His people demonstrate their obedience. Their commitment to God's prescribed worship was met with His unwavering commitment to their safety and prosperity.
  • Territorial Expansion: The promise to "cast out the nations before thee, and enlarge thy borders" reaffirms God's commitment to give Israel the Promised Land and even extend their territory beyond their initial conquest, as seen in Deuteronomy 11:24. This was a continuous promise, dependent on their adherence to the covenant terms.
  • Trust and Obedience: The command to leave their homes and go up to Jerusalem required immense faith. This verse serves as God's assurance that their obedience would not lead to loss but to divine safeguarding.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "neither shall any man desire thy land" is particularly significant. The Hebrew word for "desire" (חָמַד, chamad) often carries the connotation of coveting or longing for something with malicious intent. Here, it implies a divine deterrent, a supernatural influence that would prevent hostile nations from even contemplating an attack or invasion when Israel was most exposed. This was not merely a promise of military victory but of a pre-emptive removal of malicious intent.

Practical Application

Exodus 34:24 offers timeless principles for believers today. It teaches us about God's willingness to protect and provide for us when we prioritize Him and His commands.

  • Prioritizing God: Just as the Israelites were called to prioritize worship, we are encouraged to put God first in our lives, trusting that He will take care of our needs and concerns, even when it feels like we are making sacrifices.
  • Trust in Divine Providence: This verse is a powerful reminder that God is sovereign over all circumstances. When we step out in obedience, we can trust in His divine protection and provision, knowing that He will "make all things work together for good" (Romans 8:28).
  • Fear Not: The promise that no one would "desire thy land" when they were most vulnerable should inspire confidence and allay fears about the consequences of obedience. God guards those who are faithful to Him.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

  • Psalms 78:55 (9 votes)

    He cast out the heathen also before them, and divided them an inheritance by line, and made the tribes of Israel to dwell in their tents.

  • Exodus 33:2 (8 votes)

    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:

  • Acts 18:10 (7 votes)

    For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.

  • Deuteronomy 12:20 (7 votes)

    When the LORD thy God shall enlarge thy border, as he hath promised thee, and thou shalt say, I will eat flesh, because thy soul longeth to eat flesh; thou mayest eat flesh, whatsoever thy soul lusteth after.

  • Proverbs 16:7 (7 votes)

    ¶ When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

  • 1 Chronicles 4:10 (6 votes)

    And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep [me] from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.

  • Psalms 80:8 (6 votes)

    ¶ Thou hast brought a vine out of Egypt: thou hast cast out the heathen, and planted it.