Exodus 23:31 - I will set your border from the Red Sea even to the sea of the Philistines, and from the wilderness to the River; for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand, and you shall drive them out before you.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Exodus 23:31" mean?
This verse, Exodus 23:31, is a promise from God to the Israelites, outlining the geographical boundaries of the land He is giving them and assuring them of His help in conquering it. Let's break down each part:
"I will set your border from the Red Sea even to the sea of the Philistines..."
Red Sea: This likely refers to the Yam Suph in Hebrew. Its exact location is debated, but is generally believed to be one of the bodies of water near the Sinai Peninsula. In this context, it likely represents the southern boundary.
Sea of the Philistines: This refers to the Mediterranean Sea, specifically the portion bordering the territory inhabited by the Philistines. This marks the western boundary.
"...and from the wilderness to the River..."
Wilderness: This likely refers to the desert regions east of the Promised Land. This marks the eastern boundary.
River: This almost certainly refers to the Euphrates River, representing the northern (or northeastern) boundary. It's important to note that Israel never fully controlled all the territory up to the Euphrates River. This likely represents the ideal or promised extent of their dominion, or influence.
"for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand, and you shall drive them out before you."
Deliver the inhabitants...into your hand: This is a promise of divine assistance in conquering the existing populations of the land. God is assuring the Israelites that He will give them the victory.
Drive them out before you: This is a command to actively dispossess the current inhabitants. It's a call to action, emphasizing that the Israelites must actively participate in the conquest, relying on God's power.
In Summary:
The verse outlines the geographical extent of the land God promised to give the Israelites and assures them that He will empower them to conquer the land by driving out its current inhabitants. The borders described define a large territory, reflecting God's promise of blessing and abundance for His people.
Important Considerations:
Ideal vs. Reality: It's crucial to remember that the Israelites never fully possessed all the land described in this verse. This can be interpreted as either a conditional promise dependent on their obedience, or as a statement of ideal borders reflecting God's generous intention.
Ethical Implications: The command to "drive them out" has raised ethical questions and different interpretations. Some view it as a specific historical command in a unique context, while others struggle with the implications of displacing entire populations.
In conclusion, Exodus 23:31 is a significant verse that reveals God's promise to give the Israelites a vast and fertile land, and to empower them to possess it. It's a statement of both geographical borders and divine empowerment, requiring careful consideration of its historical context and ethical implications.
Exodus 23:31 - I will set your border from the Red Sea even to the sea of the Philistines, and from the wilderness to the River; for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand, and you shall drive them out before you.
What does "Exodus 23:31" mean?
This verse, Exodus 23:31, is a promise from God to the Israelites, outlining the geographical boundaries of the land He is giving them and assuring them of His help in conquering it. Let's break down each part:
"I will set your border from the Red Sea even to the sea of the Philistines..."
Red Sea: This likely refers to the Yam Suph in Hebrew. Its exact location is debated, but is generally believed to be one of the bodies of water near the Sinai Peninsula. In this context, it likely represents the southern boundary.
Sea of the Philistines: This refers to the Mediterranean Sea, specifically the portion bordering the territory inhabited by the Philistines. This marks the western boundary.
"...and from the wilderness to the River..."
Wilderness: This likely refers to the desert regions east of the Promised Land. This marks the eastern boundary.
River: This almost certainly refers to the Euphrates River, representing the northern (or northeastern) boundary. It's important to note that Israel never fully controlled all the territory up to the Euphrates River. This likely represents the ideal or promised extent of their dominion, or influence.
"for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand, and you shall drive them out before you."
Deliver the inhabitants...into your hand: This is a promise of divine assistance in conquering the existing populations of the land. God is assuring the Israelites that He will give them the victory.
Drive them out before you: This is a command to actively dispossess the current inhabitants. It's a call to action, emphasizing that the Israelites must actively participate in the conquest, relying on God's power.
In Summary:
The verse outlines the geographical extent of the land God promised to give the Israelites and assures them that He will empower them to conquer the land by driving out its current inhabitants. The borders described define a large territory, reflecting God's promise of blessing and abundance for His people.
Important Considerations:
Ideal vs. Reality: It's crucial to remember that the Israelites never fully possessed all the land described in this verse. This can be interpreted as either a conditional promise dependent on their obedience, or as a statement of ideal borders reflecting God's generous intention.
Ethical Implications: The command to "drive them out" has raised ethical questions and different interpretations. Some view it as a specific historical command in a unique context, while others struggle with the implications of displacing entire populations.
In conclusion, Exodus 23:31 is a significant verse that reveals God's promise to give the Israelites a vast and fertile land, and to empower them to possess it. It's a statement of both geographical borders and divine empowerment, requiring careful consideration of its historical context and ethical implications.