Exodus 3:17
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 3:17
17 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.
Chapter Context
Exodus 3 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of prayer, sacrifice, fellowship. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-22: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 3:17
17 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.
Analysis
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.
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?
Cross-References
- References Egypt: Genesis 46:4
- Parallel theme: Genesis 50:24, Joshua 24:11