Definition: For mine Angel shall go before thee, and bring thee in unto the Amorites, and the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, [and] the Hivites, and the Jebusites: and I will cut them off.
Explanation: Okay, letās break down this verse from Exodus 23:23. Itās a pretty dramatic statement about Godās plan for Israelās future. Hereās what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: God is going to eliminate these groups ā the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites, and Jebusites ā from the land of Israel. Let's unpack it piece by piece: āFor mine Angel shall go before theeā¦ā - This refers to a specific angel, likely Gabriel (often associated with Godās messages). It means that God is sending his messenger to help lead and guide Israel through this process. āā¦and bring thee in unto the Amorites, and the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, [and] the Hivites, and the Jebusitesā¦ā - This lists a group of people . Itās not just about one group; it's encompassing a whole collection of nations that were previously living in the land. It includes groups like: Amorites: An ancient civilization in the region. Hittites: A powerful group of people who lived in Anatolia (modern-day Turkey). Perizzites: A group of people who were initially permitted to enter the land, but later excluded. Canaanites: The people who settled in the region of Canaan (modern-day Israel and Palestine). Hivites: An unidentified group living further west. Jebusites: Another group living further west. "...and I will cut them off." - This is the key part! God intends to destroy or eliminate these groups permanently, as if they were a plague or a problem that needs to be resolved. What's the Significance? This verse is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of Israelās exile in the Old Testament. It speaks to Godās plan to remove those who are considered enemies of his people and to secure his own dominion over the land. Itās a powerful declaration of Godās sovereignty and his commitment to protecting his chosen people. Important Note: It's crucial to understand this context within the larger story of Israelās history and covenant with God. This verse is part of a larger series of events that ultimately lead to the nationās separation from the rest of the world. --- Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail, or perhaps explore related concepts like: The significance of the angel? What does "cutting them off" mean practically? How this verse connects to other prophecies?