Exodus 33:2 - Printer Friendly

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

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

NASB: And I will send an angel before you and I will drive out the Canaanite, the Amorite, the Hittite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite.

CSB: I will send an angel ahead of you and will drive out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hethites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites.

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

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:

NKJV: And I will send My Angel before you, and I will drive out the Canaanite and the Amorite and the Hittite and the Perizzite and the Hivite and the Jebusite.

Israel left Egypt (Exodus 12:40–41) with confidence. The Lord was taking them to a land promised to their ancestor, Abraham (Genesis 15:18–21). They arrived at Sinai (Exodus 19:1–3) and received the first parts of God's covenant law (Exodus 20:3–17). But they quickly broke those rules (Exodus 32:1–6).

As a result, the nation is leaving Sinai (Exodus 33:1) under a fractured relationship to their Lord (Exodus 33:3). Rather than accompanying them directly, in some way, the Lord says He will provide "an angel" (Exodus 32:34). His promises still stand, but sin has consequences. Soon, the covenant will be renewed (Exodus 34) and God's presence will return (Exodus 33:14).

As Israel departs, several nations are living in this Promised Land. Which nations are mentioned or left out varies depending on the passage. God will lead Israel there not only so that His people can have a homeland. He is also bringing punishment on a depraved and evil culture (Genesis 15:16; Deuteronomy 7:2; 9:4).

Exodus 33:1–6 records God's command for Israel to leave Mount Sinai, the separation which their sin has caused, and the people's reaction. The Lord will still bring the people into a Promised Land (Genesis 15:18–21). They will receive supernatural help. But idolatry (Exodus 32:1–6) has caused a rift in the covenant relationship. This news drives the Israelites into mourning, including a time of not wearing fine clothing or jewelry.

God commands Israel to leave the Sinai region. They are to move on towards the Promised Land, but without the Lord's usual presence. Moses meets with God outside the camp and the Lord says He will once again accompany Israel. Moses asks to see the full glory of God. Since this would kill Moses, God arranges for a much more limited experience.

Israel fell into idolatry (Exodus 32:1–6) very soon after receiving God's laws against it (Exodus 20:3–6). Yet the Lord still plans to bring them into a Promised Land. In this chapter, the people are commanded to leave Sinai and head towards Canaan. But the covenant must be renewed (Exodus 34). Until then, there is a level of separation between the nation and their God.

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 9/18/2025 8:41:05 PM