Exodus 23:20

Authorized King James Version

Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הִנֵּ֨ה
lo!
#2
אָֽנֹכִ֜י
i
#3
שֹׁלֵ֤חַ
Behold I send
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#4
מַלְאָךְ֙
an Angel
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
#5
לְפָנֶ֔יךָ
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#6
לִשְׁמָרְךָ֖
thee to keep
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#7
בַּדָּ֑רֶךְ
thee in the way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#8
וְלַהֲבִ֣יאֲךָ֔
and to bring
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#9
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#10
הַמָּק֖וֹם
thee into the place
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
#11
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#12
הֲכִנֹֽתִי׃
which I have prepared
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Exodus.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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