Exodus 23:28
And I will send hornets before thee, which shall drive out the Hivite, the Canaanite, and the Hittite, from before thee.
Original Language Analysis
וְשָֽׁלַחְתִּ֥י
And I will send
H7971
וְשָֽׁלַחְתִּ֥י
And I will send
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
1 of 12
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִלְּפָנֶֽיךָ׃
before
H6440
מִלְּפָנֶֽיךָ׃
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
4 of 12
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
וְגֵֽרְשָׁ֗ה
thee which shall drive out
H1644
וְגֵֽרְשָׁ֗ה
thee which shall drive out
Strong's:
H1644
Word #:
5 of 12
to drive out from a possession; especially to expatriate or divorce
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַֽחִוִּ֧י
the Hivite
H2340
הַֽחִוִּ֧י
the Hivite
Strong's:
H2340
Word #:
7 of 12
a chivvite, one of the indigenous tribes of palestine
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֛י
the Canaanite
H3669
הַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֛י
the Canaanite
Strong's:
H3669
Word #:
9 of 12
a kenaanite or inhabitant of kenaan; by implication, a pedlar (the canaanites standing for their neighbors the ishmaelites, who conducted mercantile c
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
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
And I will send hornets before thee, which shall drive out the Hivite, the Canaanite, and the Hittite, from before 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.