Exodus Chapter 34 · Verse 33
And till Moses had done speaking with them, he put a vail on his face.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְכַ֣ל
had done
H3615
וַיְכַ֣ל
had done
Strong's:
H3615
Word #:
1 of 8
to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
מִדַּבֵּ֖ר
speaking
H1696
מִדַּבֵּ֖ר
speaking
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
3 of 8
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
אִתָּ֑ם
H854
אִתָּ֑ם
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
4 of 8
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
וַיִּתֵּ֥ן
with them he put
H5414
וַיִּתֵּ֥ן
with them he put
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
5 of 8
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
This promise appears three times (Ex 23:28, Deut 7:20, Josh 24:12). Canaan was indeed weakened by Egyptian campaigns in the Late Bronze Age. Archaeological evidence shows destroyed cities and declining populations before Israel's arrival.
Questions for Reflection
- How has God 'prepared the way' for you in circumstances you didn't orchestrate?
- What does it mean that God uses both ordinary means (natural events) and extraordinary means (miracles) to accomplish His will?
Analysis & Commentary
God will send 'hornets' (צִרְעָה, tsir'ah—literally hornets/wasps) before Israel to drive out enemies. This may be literal insects, metaphorical for plague/panic, or symbolic of Egyptian/Assyrian military campaigns that weakened Canaan before conquest. Regardless of interpretation, the point is clear: God uses natural and supernatural means to accomplish His purposes. Israel's task is to follow, not to create, victory.