Exodus 34:32
And afterward all the children of Israel came nigh: and he gave them in commandment all that the LORD had spoken with him in mount Sinai.
Original Language Analysis
וְאַֽחֲרֵי
And afterward
H310
וְאַֽחֲרֵי
And afterward
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
1 of 15
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
כֵ֥ן
H3651
כֵ֥ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
נִגְּשׁ֖וּ
came nigh
H5066
נִגְּשׁ֖וּ
came nigh
Strong's:
H5066
Word #:
3 of 15
to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
בְּנֵ֣י
all the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
all the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
5 of 15
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
6 of 15
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וַיְצַוֵּ֕ם
and he gave them in commandment
H6680
וַיְצַוֵּ֕ם
and he gave them in commandment
Strong's:
H6680
Word #:
7 of 15
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
אֵת֩
H853
אֵת֩
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 15
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 #:
9 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 15
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
דִּבֶּ֧ר
had spoken
H1696
דִּבֶּ֧ר
had spoken
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
11 of 15
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
יְהוָ֛ה
all that the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֛ה
all that the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
12 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אִתּ֖וֹ
H854
אִתּ֖וֹ
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
13 of 15
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
Historical Context
This promise was fulfilled repeatedly: fear of Israel paralyzed Jericho (Josh 2:9-11), terror struck the Midianites (Judg 7:21-22), and dread fell on nations during David's conquests (1 Chr 14:17). Psychological defeat preceded military defeat.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God fight spiritual battles on your behalf before you even engage?
- What does it mean that 'the fear of the LORD' works on your behalf against spiritual enemies?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God will send His 'terror' (אֵימָה, eimah—dread/fear) before Israel, destroying (הָמַם, hamam—throw into confusion) enemies and causing them to flee in panic. This is psychological/spiritual warfare—God fights not just through Israel's armies but by breaking the will of their enemies. The 'back of the neck' (עֹרֶף, oreph) depicts fleeing enemies. Victory comes from God, not military might.