I will send my fear before thee, and will destroy all the people to whom thou shalt come, and I will make all thine enemies turn their backs unto thee.

EXODUS 23:27KJV
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Exodus 23:27 (KJV)

What does Exodus 23:27 mean?

Exodus 23:27 says that God promises to go ahead of the Israelites, causing fear among the people they will encounter and making their enemies flee. The verse assures the Israelites that God will actively work to protect them and give them victory as they move into new lands.

In this verse, God is speaking to the Israelites through Moses as they prepare to enter the land promised to them after leaving Egypt. The promise is that God will send “fear” ahead of them, unsettling the nations they will meet, and will make their enemies turn and run. This is part of a larger section where God lays out how He will help the Israelites settle in Canaan and overcome opposition.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 23:27

  • The word “fear” is פַּחְדִּי (paḥdi), which means a sense of dread or terror. Here, it emphasizes that God will cause a supernatural fear to fall on other nations, not just ordinary anxiety.
  • The word “destroy” is הָמַם (hamam), which often means to throw into confusion or panic. This suggests God will disrupt and confuse the people the Israelites encounter, making it easier for Israel to prevail.
  • The word “backs” is עֹרֶף (ʿoreph), which literally means the back of the neck. The phrase “turn their backs” paints a picture of enemies fleeing in retreat, showing total defeat.

Why Exodus 23:27 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the Israelites’ success is not just due to their own strength or strategy, but because God is actively intervening on their behalf.
  • The emphasis on fear and confusion shows that God’s actions are meant to protect the Israelites and ensure their journey is possible, even when facing stronger nations.
  • In the wider context, this promise is part of a covenant where God outlines both His commitment to Israel and the expectations He has for them, reinforcing the relationship between God and His people.

Where else these words appear

“destroy” Hebrew H2000 · used in 13 verses

  • Exodus 14:24 And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the LORD looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians,
  • 1 Samuel 7:10 And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but the LORD thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were smitten before Israel.
  • Psalms 18:14 Yea, he sent out his arrows, and scattered them; and he shot out lightnings, and discomfited them.

“fear” Hebrew H367 · used in 17 verses

  • Genesis 15:12 And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him.
  • Job 9:34 Let him take his rod away from me, and let not his fear terrify me:
  • Job 41:14 Who can open the doors of his face? his teeth are terrible round about.

“backs” Hebrew H6203 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 49:8 Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies; thy father's children shall bow down before thee.
  • Joshua 7:8 O Lord, what shall I say, when Israel turneth their backs before their enemies!
  • Job 16:12 I was at ease, but he hath broken me asunder: he hath also taken me by my neck, and shaken me to pieces, and set me up for his mark.