Exodus 34:11
Obserue thou that which I command thee this day: Behold, I driue out before thee the Amorite, and the Canaanite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Hiuite, and the Iebusite. Exodus 34:11 (KJV)
“When the LORD your God brings you into the land which He swore to your fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to give you—behold, I will drive out before you the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite.” (Deuteronomy 7:1, KJV)
This passage is part of Moses’ farewell address recorded in Deuteronomy, spoken as the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land.
It is not connected with the giving of the Ten Commandments or the renewal of the covenant after the golden‑calf incident, which are described earlier in Exodus 34 and Deuteronomy 9‑10.
God’s Command to Observe: In this context, God emphasizes the importance of obedience to His commands as the people prepare to possess the land.
The commandments given throughout the Torah serve as a guide for His people to live righteously and holy lives.
This theme of obedience remains central to biblical teaching and relevant for believers today.
Driving Out the Nations: God promises to drive out several peoples—the Amorites, Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites—from the land that He pledged to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
This reflects God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises concerning the nation of Israel.
Symbolism: In the biblical narrative, these nations often represent sin, idolatry, and opposition to God’s purposes.
Their removal carries both physical and spiritual significance: physically, it refers to the historical conquest of Canaan; spiritually, it illustrates the need to eradicate sin and anything that hinders a life aligned with God’s will.
Application to Our Lives: While the literal conquest of nations does not apply to contemporary believers, the underlying principle does.
Christians are called to drive out sin from their lives and pursue holiness, setting themselves apart from worldly influences just as Israel was called to be distinct from surrounding peoples.
God’s Sovereignty and Power: This verse underscores God’s sovereignty and power over all nations and circumstances.
The fact that He can remove powerful peoples before Israel demonstrates His might and ability to fulfill His purposes.
In facing personal challenges, believers can take comfort in the knowledge that God is all‑powerful and in control.
The Unchanging God: The God who made these promises and displayed His power in the Old Testament is the same God worshiped today.
His character and faithfulness remain unchanged, encouraging believers to trust in His promises and rely on Him in every aspect of life.
