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Exodus 23:23 - Divine guidance conquers enemies.

Exodus 23:23 - שמות 23:23

Hebrew Text

כִּי־יֵלֵךְ מַלְאָכִי לְפָנֶיךָ וֶהֱבִיאֲךָ אֶל־הָאֱמֹרִי וְהַחִתִּי וְהַפְּרִזִּי וְהַכְּנַעֲנִי הַחִוִּי וְהַיְבוּסִי וְהִכְחַדְתִּיו׃

English Translation

For my angel shall go before thee, and bring thee in to the Emori, and the Ḥitti, and the Perizzi, and the Kena῾ani, and the Ḥivvi, and the Yevusi; and I will cut them off.

Transliteration

Ki-yeilekh malakhi lefanekha veheviakha el-ha'emori vehakhiti vehaprizi vehakna'ani hahivi vehayevusi vehikhchadti.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּֽי־יֵלֵ֣ךְ מַלְאָכִי֮ לְפָנֶ֒יךָ֒ וֶהֱבִֽיאֲךָ֗ אֶל־הָֽאֱמֹרִי֙ וְהַ֣חִתִּ֔י וְהַפְּרִזִּי֙ וְהַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֔י הַחִוִּ֖י וְהַיְבוּסִ֑י וְהִכְחַדְתִּֽיו׃
כִּֽי־יֵלֵ֣ךְ מַלְאָכִי֮ לְפָנֶ֒יךָ֒ וֶהֱבִֽיאֲךָ֗ אֶל־הָֽאֱמֹרִי֙ וְהַ֣חִתִּ֔י וְהַפְּרִזִּי֙ וְהַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֔י הַחִוִּ֖י וְהַיְבוּסִ֑י וְהִכְחַדְתִּֽיו׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Role of the Malach (Angel)

Rashi (Shemot 23:20) explains that the "malach" (angel) mentioned here refers to a divine messenger who will guide Bnei Yisrael into Eretz Yisrael. This is not an ordinary angel, but rather a manifestation of Hashem's presence, as indicated by the phrase "My angel" (מַלְאָכִי), showing it acts with divine authority. The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 1:64) notes that angels in Tanach often serve as intermediaries for Hashem's will, particularly in guiding and protecting the Jewish people.

The Seven Nations

The verse lists seven nations—Emori, Ḥitti, Perizzi, Kena῾ani, Ḥivvi, and Yevusi—whose lands were destined for Bnei Yisrael. The Mechilta (Mishpatim 20) teaches that these nations represent the spiritual challenges and idolatrous influences that the Jewish people would need to overcome. The Sforno adds that their removal was necessary to ensure that Bnei Yisrael could establish a society based on Torah values without foreign corruption.

  • Emori: Associated with arrogance (based on the root אמר, "to speak proudly").
  • Ḥitti: Symbolizes fear and intimidation (from חתת, "to be broken in spirit").
  • Perizzi: Represents lawlessness (from פרז, "unwalled city," implying lack of moral boundaries).
  • Kena῾ani: Linked to subjugation and materialism (from כנע, "to subdue").
  • Ḥivvi & Yevusi: Represent deception and falsehood (as per Midrashic interpretations).

Divine Assistance in Conquest

The phrase "וְהִכְחַדְתִּיו" ("and I will cut them off") emphasizes that the conquest of Eretz Yisrael would not be achieved solely through human effort but with divine intervention. The Ramban (Shemot 23:23) explains that this promise assures Bnei Yisrael that their success depends on their adherence to Hashem's commandments, not military strength alone. The Talmud (Sotah 35a) further states that Yehoshua sent three warning letters to the Canaanite nations, offering them the chance to flee or accept subjugation, demonstrating that their removal was a measured act of divine justice.

Spiritual Lessons

The Kli Yakar highlights that the angel's guidance symbolizes the need for divine wisdom in overcoming challenges, both physical and spiritual. Just as Bnei Yisrael required Hashem's help to conquer the land, so too must individuals seek divine assistance in their personal battles against negative influences. The Ohr HaChaim adds that the destruction of these nations serves as a reminder of the consequences of moral corruption and the importance of maintaining a holy society.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 35a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the spies sent by Moses to scout the land of Canaan, highlighting God's promise to go before the Israelites and drive out the inhabitants.
📖 Sanhedrin 103b
The verse is cited in a discussion about divine providence and the fulfillment of God's promises to the Israelites regarding the conquest of the land.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that an angel will go before the Israelites?
A: According to Rashi, this angel refers to a special divine messenger (possibly Metatron or another high-ranking angel) who would guide and protect the Israelites on their journey to the Land of Israel. The Rambam explains that this demonstrates Hashem's direct involvement in Israel's conquest of the land.
Q: Why are these specific nations mentioned in Exodus 23:23?
A: The seven nations listed - Emori, Ḥitti, Perizzi, Kena῾ani, Ḥivvi, and Yevusi - represent the primary inhabitants of Canaan whom the Israelites were commanded to displace. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 20a) discusses their spiritual corruption and why their removal was necessary for establishing a holy nation in the land.
Q: What does 'I will cut them off' mean in this verse?
A: This phrase means that Hashem would help the Israelites completely remove these nations from the land. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 32:3) explains this as both physical removal and spiritual eradication of their idolatrous influence, making the land suitable for the Jewish people to fulfill their divine mission.
Q: How does this promise of an angel relate to us today?
A: The Sforno teaches that this verse reminds us that Hashem provides spiritual protection when we pursue holy objectives. While we no longer have this specific angel leading us, the principle remains that divine assistance comes when we're committed to fulfilling Torah commandments and building a sanctified life.
Q: Why didn't the Israelites immediately conquer all these nations?
A: The Ibn Ezra explains that the complete conquest happened gradually to teach reliance on Hashem and to properly settle the land. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 20b) also discusses how some nations remained temporarily as a test for the Israelites, showing that spiritual victories often come through process rather than all at once.