Exodus 23:27
I will send my fear before thee, and will destroy all the people to whom thou shalt come, and I will make all thine enemies turn their backs unto thee.
Original Language Analysis
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשַׁלַּ֣ח
I will send
H7971
אֲשַׁלַּ֣ח
I will send
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
3 of 17
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
לְפָנֶ֔יךָ
before
H6440
לְפָנֶ֔יךָ
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
4 of 17
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
וְהַמֹּתִי֙
thee and will destroy
H2000
וְהַמֹּתִי֙
thee and will destroy
Strong's:
H2000
Word #:
5 of 17
properly, to put in commotion; by implication, to disturb, drive, destroy
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
7 of 17
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָעָ֔ם
all the people
H5971
הָעָ֔ם
all the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
8 of 17
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
תָּבֹ֖א
to whom thou shalt come
H935
תָּבֹ֖א
to whom thou shalt come
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
10 of 17
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
וְנָֽתַתִּ֧י
and I will make
H5414
וְנָֽתַתִּ֧י
and I will make
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
12 of 17
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
14 of 17
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Deuteronomy 2:25This day will I begin to put the dread of thee and the fear of thee upon the nations that are under the whole heaven, who shall hear report of thee, and shall tremble, and be in anguish because of thee.Genesis 35:5And they journeyed: and the terror of God was upon the cities that were round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob.Deuteronomy 7:23But the LORD thy God shall deliver them unto thee, and shall destroy them with a mighty destruction, until they be destroyed.Deuteronomy 11:25There shall no man be able to stand before you: for the LORD your God shall lay the fear of you and the dread of you upon all the land that ye shall tread upon, as he hath said unto you.Psalms 18:40Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies; that I might destroy them that hate me.Deuteronomy 11:23Then will the LORD drive out all these nations from before you, and ye shall possess greater nations and mightier than yourselves.2 Kings 7:6For the Lord had made the host of the Syrians to hear a noise of chariots, and a noise of horses, even the noise of a great host: and they said one to another, Lo, the king of Israel hath hired against us the kings of the Hittites, and the kings of the Egyptians, to come upon us.2 Chronicles 14:14And they smote all the cities round about Gerar; for the fear of the LORD came upon them: and they spoiled all the cities; for there was exceeding much spoil in them.1 Samuel 14:15And there was trembling in the host, in the field, and among all the people: the garrison, and the spoilers, they also trembled, and the earth quaked: so it was a very great trembling.
Historical Context
The Book of the Covenant concludes with liturgical calendar and worship regulations, integrating Israel's civil, moral, and ceremonial life under God's comprehensive rule.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this law reveal God's character—His justice, mercy, or holiness?
- What New Testament principles build upon or fulfill this Old Testament regulation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
I will send my fear before thee, and will destroy all the people to whom thou shalt come, and I will make all thine enemies turn their backs unto thee.
This command shapes Israel's covenant community life, applying moral law to social relationships. God's justice concerns everyday matters—truthfulness, fairness, compassion. The accumulation of ordinances creates comprehensive ethic governing Israelite society. These aren't arbitrary rules but revelations of God's character. He is just, merciful, truthful; His people must reflect these attributes. New Testament ethics build on this foundation, radicalizing commands while maintaining their spirit.