Old Testament
Exodus 23:28
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, God promises to help the Israelites by sending hornets to drive out their enemies—the Hivites, Canaanites, and Hittites—before they even arrive in the land.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
I will send hornets ahead of you to drive out the Hivites, the Canaanites, and the Hittites before you arrive.
And I will send hornets before thee, which shall drive out the Hivite, the Canaanite, and the Hittite, from before thee.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God promises to help the Israelites by sending hornets to drive out their enemies—the Hivites, Canaanites, and Hittites—before they even arrive in the land. This imagery of hornets suggests a powerful and unexpected force that will clear the way for them. It emphasizes God's active role in their journey, showing that they are not alone in facing challenges. The hornets symbolize divine intervention, making it clear that God is committed to ensuring their success. This assurance can be comforting, reminding us that we can rely on support beyond our own strength. Just as the Israelites had a path prepared for them, we too can trust that obstacles in our lives can be removed in surprising ways. This verse encourages us to have faith in the unseen help that can guide us through difficult times, reinforcing the idea that we are not left to navigate our struggles alone. God’s presence is a powerful ally in our journey, providing us with the courage to move forward.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Exodus 23:28 to your life
When facing challenges, remember that you are not alone. Just as God promised to help the Israelites, He is also with you in your struggles. Trust that there are forces at work that can help clear your path. Stay open to unexpected solutions and support in your life’s journey. Have faith in the process and keep moving forward with confidence.
Curated for this public verse page. Exodus Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Exodus 23:28 mean?
Exodus 23:28 means that God will send hornets to drive out the enemies of the Israelites—the Hivites, Canaanites, and Hittites—before they reach the promised land. This illustrates God's active involvement in helping His people overcome challenges.
What is the significance of hornets in Exodus 23:28?
The hornets in Exodus 23:28 symbolize a powerful and unexpected force that will assist the Israelites in their conquest. They represent divine intervention, showing that God is preparing the way for His people.
Who are the Hivites, Canaanites, and Hittites mentioned in Exodus 23:28?
The Hivites, Canaanites, and Hittites were groups of people living in the land of Canaan, which the Israelites were to inhabit. They are often mentioned as adversaries that the Israelites needed to overcome.
What does this verse teach about God's support?
This verse teaches that God actively supports His people by removing obstacles and enemies from their path. It reassures believers that they can rely on divine help in their own struggles.
The Book of Exodus
Exodus 1: Israel's Oppression in Egypt
The sons of Israel settle in Egypt, and their families grow rapidly until the land is filled with them. A new Pharaoh arises who does not know Joseph and fears that the Israelites will join Egypt's enemies if war comes, so he places them under harsh labor and forces them to build the store cities Pithom and Raamses. The more they are oppressed, the more they multiply, which increases Egyptian fear. Pharaoh commands the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, to kill every male child at birth, but they fear God and let the boys live. When Pharaoh confronts them, they say the Hebrew women deliver before the midwives arrive, and God blesses the midwives with households. Pharaoh then commands all his people to cast every Hebrew son into the river while allowing the daughters to live.
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