Exodus 23:29 - Printer Friendly

ESV: I will not drive them out from before you in one year, lest the land become desolate and the wild beasts multiply against you.

NIV: But I will not drive them out in a single year, because the land would become desolate and the wild animals too numerous for you.

NASB: I will not drive them out from you in a single year, so that the land will not become desolate and the animals of the field become too numerous for you.

CSB: I will not drive them out ahead of you in a single year; otherwise, the land would become desolate, and wild animals would multiply against you.

NLT: But I will not drive them out in a single year, because the land would become desolate and the wild animals would multiply and threaten you.

KJV: I will not drive them out from before thee in one year; lest the land become desolate, and the beast of the field multiply against thee.

NKJV: I will not drive them out from before you in one year, lest the land become desolate and the beasts of the field become too numerous for you.

Exodus 23:20–33 both warns and reassures Israel about their entry into the Promised Land. This includes references to an angel; this may imply a pre-incarnate form of Jesus Christ. God calls the people to obedience and warns them not to follow the evil practices of the Canaanite nations (Exodus 3:8). Obedience will result in protection and blessings as the Israelites gradually take over an expansive territory (Genesis 15:18–21; Deuteronomy 11:24).

These laws mandate fair judgment, with no bias given for or against the rich, the poor, or foreign travelers. God commands Israel not to follow popular sentiment when it is unjust. Other rules require letting fields grow wild every seven years for the benefit of the land, the poor, and wild animals. The Lord then warns Israel about obedience. If they follow His will, an angel will guide them as they conquer the entire Promised Land (Genesis 15:18–21; Deuteronomy 11:24).

After receiving the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:3–17), Israel learns other laws from the Lord. Chapters 21 and 22 covered topics such as servants' rights, homicide, negligence, theft, and social justice. This chapter mandates certain yearly festivals and forbids bias in judgments. It also instructs Israel regarding their upcoming conquest of the Promised Land. Chapter 24 describes a ritual confirmation of the Mosaic covenant. Most chapters after that involve details of the tabernacle.

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

Accessed 7/1/2025 4:28:20 PM