Exodus 33:2
And I will send an angel before thee; and I will drive out the Canaanite, the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite:
Original Language Analysis
וְשָֽׁלַחְתִּ֥י
And I will send
H7971
וְשָֽׁלַחְתִּ֥י
And I will send
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
1 of 11
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
לְפָנֶ֖יךָ
before
H6440
לְפָנֶ֖יךָ
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
2 of 11
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
מַלְאָ֑ךְ
an angel
H4397
מַלְאָ֑ךְ
an angel
Strong's:
H4397
Word #:
3 of 11
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
וְגֵֽרַשְׁתִּ֗י
thee and I will drive out
H1644
וְגֵֽרַשְׁתִּ֗י
thee and I will drive out
Strong's:
H1644
Word #:
4 of 11
to drive out from a possession; especially to expatriate or divorce
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַֽכְּנַעֲנִי֙
the Canaanite
H3669
הַֽכְּנַעֲנִי֙
the Canaanite
Strong's:
H3669
Word #:
6 of 11
a kenaanite or inhabitant of kenaan; by implication, a pedlar (the canaanites standing for their neighbors the ishmaelites, who conducted mercantile c
וְהַפְּרִזִּ֔י
and the Perizzite
H6522
וְהַפְּרִזִּ֔י
and the Perizzite
Strong's:
H6522
Word #:
9 of 11
a perizzite, one of the canaanitish tribes
Cross References
Exodus 32:34Therefore now go, lead the people unto the place of which I have spoken unto thee: behold, mine Angel shall go before thee: nevertheless in the day when I visit I will visit their sin upon them.Joshua 24:11And ye went over Jordan, and came unto Jericho: and the men of Jericho fought against you, the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Girgashites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; and I delivered them into your hand.Exodus 23:20Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared.
Historical Context
The six nations listed (Canaanite, Amorite, Hittite, Perizzite, Hivite, Jebusite) represent the complete array of inhabitants Israel would face. Archaeological evidence confirms these peoples occupied Canaan during the late Bronze Age (1550-1200 BC).
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas of your life have you settled for God's blessings rather than seeking His presence?
- How does Moses' later response challenge our tendency to be content with secondary spiritual benefits?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And I will send an angel before thee—God promises angelic guidance and military victory, but this is a diminished blessing compared to His own presence (v.3). The comprehensive list of Canaanite nations emphasizes complete conquest, yet the absence of direct divine presence makes this a mixed promise. Angels are servants, not substitutes for the Master. Moses will later reject even this generous provision (v.15) because nothing can replace God Himself.