“For mine Angel shall go before thee, and bring thee in unto the Amorites, and the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites: and I will cut them off.”
This verse is part of the instructions and promises given by God to the Israelites as they journeyed through the wilderness towards the Promised Land. Here, God assures the Israelites that His Angel would go before them to prepare the way and enable them to conquer the land, driving out its current inhabitants.
Divine Guidance and Assistance:The verse begins by proclaiming that “mine Angel shall go before thee.” The Angel mentioned here is a divine representative or messenger of God. Throughout the Exodus narrative, God had been leading the Israelites with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. This Angel was the visible manifestation of God’s presence, guiding and protecting the Israelites on their journey.
The Conquest of Canaan:God promised to bring the Israelites into the land of Canaan, which was inhabited by various nations, including the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites, and Jebusites. These were formidable and powerful nations, and the Israelites alone would have been unable to conquer them. However, God assured the Israelites that He would go before them and provide assistance in overcoming these nations.
Divine Judgment:The verse concludes with the declaration that God would “cut them off.” This phrase signifies God’s judgment and removal of these nations from the land. The Canaanites and other indigenous peoples were involved in idolatry, wicked practices, and immoral behaviour. God, in His righteousness, decreed their judgment and chose the Israelites as His instrument of executing His divine plan.
This verse highlights God’s faithfulness, guidance, and assistance in fulfilling His promises to His chosen people. It also demonstrates His role as a righteous judge, executing justice against nations that had rebelled against Him. As we study this verse, we can find encouragement in knowing that God goes before us in our own journeys, providing guidance, strength, and deliverance as we face various challenges in life.
