Exodus 23:20–33
The Bible4Jesus.com Podcast
About this episode
We come now to a passage that is dense with theology, rich with promises, and sharp with warnings. It is a passage about conquest, about obedience, and about the absolute necessity of holiness. Modern Christians, particularly those of the sentimental variety, tend to get squeamish around passages like this. They speak of holy war, of annihilation, of driving out entire populations. God is not a celestial guidance counselor; He is the Lord of Hosts. Having laid out the principles of justice and righteousness, God now turns to the practical matter of possessing the land He has promised them. And He makes it abundantly clear that this will not be a secular real estate transaction. The land is not empty; it is filled with nations steeped in idolatry, sexual perversion, and child sacrifice. Their iniquity is full, and God is using Israel as His instrument of judgment.