But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries.

EXODUS 23:22KJV
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Exodus 23:22 (KJV)

What does Exodus 23:22 mean?

Exodus 23:22 promises that if the Israelites truly listen to and obey the instructions given by God’s messenger, God will actively oppose their enemies and stand against those who try to harm them. The verse links Israel’s protection and God’s intervention directly to their obedience.

In this passage, God is speaking to the Israelites through Moses as they prepare to enter the land promised to them. The context is about following the guidance of an angel or messenger sent by God. The verse emphasizes that God’s support and defense are conditional on the people’s willingness to hear and follow what God says through this messenger.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 23:22

  • The word "indeed obey" uses שָׁמַע (shama‘), which means to listen or hear, but also carries the sense of responding and acting on what is heard. The repetition in Hebrew (literally "listening you will listen") stresses careful, attentive obedience, not just passive hearing.
  • "Voice" is קוֹל (qol), which often means not just a literal sound, but the message or command being given. Here, it refers to the instructions coming from God’s messenger.
  • "Enemy" (אֹיֵב, oyev) and "adversary" (צָרַר, tsarar) are both strong terms for those who oppose or threaten. The verse uses both words to underline that God will actively take the side of Israel against any kind of threat if they are faithful.

Why Exodus 23:22 matters

  • This verse clarifies that God’s protection is not automatic; it is closely tied to the people’s obedience to His guidance, highlighting the importance of listening and responding to God’s voice.
  • The emphasis on both "enemy" and "adversary" shows that God promises to defend against all forms of opposition, not just military threats but any who would oppose or harm His people.
  • In the wider context of Exodus, this verse is part of God’s instructions for living as His people and trusting in His leadership as they move toward the promised land. It sets a clear expectation for the relationship between obedience and divine help.

Where else these words appear

“adversaries” Hebrew H6696 · used in 38 verses

  • Exodus 32:4 And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.
  • 1 Kings 16:17 And Omri went up from Gibbethon, and all Israel with him, and they besieged Tirzah.
  • Esther 8:11 Wherein the king granted the Jews which were in every city to gather themselves together, and to stand for their life, to destroy, to slay, and to cause to perish, all the power of the people and province that would assault them, both little ones and women, and to take the spoil of them for a prey,

“adversary” Hebrew H6887 · used in 56 verses

  • Exodus 12:34 And the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneadingtroughs being bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders.
  • 2 Chronicles 28:22 And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the LORD: this is that king Ahaz.
  • Psalms 69:19 Thou hast known my reproach, and my shame, and my dishonour: mine adversaries are all before thee.