And I have said, I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt unto the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, unto a land flowing with milk and honey.
And I have said, I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt unto the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, unto a land flowing with milk and honey (וָאֹמַר אַעֲלֶה אֶתְכֶם מֵעֳנִי מִצְרַיִם... אֶל־אֶרֶץ זָבַת חָלָב וּדְבָשׁ)—God's promise has two parts: bring you up out of the affliction (deliverance) and unto the land (destination). I will bring you up (אַעֲלֶה, a'aleh)—God as active agent. The list of seven nations (Canaanites through Jebusites) represents complete conquest. Flowing with milk and honey (זָבַת חָלָב וּדְבָשׁ)—the promise from verse 8, emphasizing abundance. God's redemption is comprehensive: not just rescue from bondage but blessing in inheritance. This pattern anticipates the gospel: Christ delivers from sin's slavery and brings us into kingdom inheritance (Colossians 1:13-14).
Historical Context
The seven nations listed occupied various regions of Canaan. Their presence represented formidable opposition—fortified cities, iron chariots, giant warriors (Numbers 13:28-33). Yet God promises to bring Israel into this land, fulfilling the Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 15:18-21). The journey from promise (Exodus 3) to fulfillment (Joshua 1-12) spans 40 years, teaching that divine promises are certain but often require patient faith.
Questions for Reflection
How does the two-fold promise—deliverance from Egypt AND inheritance in Canaan—illustrate the comprehensive nature of salvation?
What 'milk and honey' promised lands is God calling you toward after delivering you from bondage, and how do you trust Him through the journey?
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Analysis & Commentary
And I have said, I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt unto the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, unto a land flowing with milk and honey (וָאֹמַר אַעֲלֶה אֶתְכֶם מֵעֳנִי מִצְרַיִם... אֶל־אֶרֶץ זָבַת חָלָב וּדְבָשׁ)—God's promise has two parts: bring you up out of the affliction (deliverance) and unto the land (destination). I will bring you up (אַעֲלֶה, a'aleh)—God as active agent. The list of seven nations (Canaanites through Jebusites) represents complete conquest. Flowing with milk and honey (זָבַת חָלָב וּדְבָשׁ)—the promise from verse 8, emphasizing abundance. God's redemption is comprehensive: not just rescue from bondage but blessing in inheritance. This pattern anticipates the gospel: Christ delivers from sin's slavery and brings us into kingdom inheritance (Colossians 1:13-14).