Exodus 34:11
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 34:11
11 Observe thou that which I command thee this day: behold, I drive out before thee the Amorite, and the Canaanite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Hivite, and the Jebusite.
Chapter Context
Exodus 34 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of prayer, judgment, truth. 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 21-35: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. 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 34:11
11 Observe thou that which I command thee this day: behold, I drive out before thee the Amorite, and the Canaanite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Hivite, and the Jebusite.
Analysis
The covenant begins with 'Observe thou' (שְׁמָר־לְךָ, shomar-lekha)—a command to careful, vigilant obedience. God promises to drive out six nations before Israel (Amorites, Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, Jebusites). This divine warfare is not ethnic cleansing but judgment on nations whose iniquity has 'come to the full' (Gen 15:16). God fights for His people, but they must not compromise with idolatry.
Historical Context
These six nations inhabited Canaan and practiced religious rituals including child sacrifice, temple prostitution, and divination—practices God had forbidden Israel (Lev 18:21-30, Deut 18:9-14).
Reflection
- How do you balance trusting God to fight your battles while maintaining personal vigilance?
- What 'covenants' or compromises does God warn you to avoid in your context?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Exodus 3:8, 3:17, 33:2, Deuteronomy 6:3