And I will send an angel before thee; and I will drive out the Canaanite, the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite:

EXODUS 33:2KJV
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Exodus 33:2 (KJV)

What does Exodus 33:2 mean?

Exodus 33:2 describes God promising to send an angel ahead of the Israelites to drive out six specific groups—the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites—from the land that the Israelites are to enter. This verse shows God’s commitment to preparing the way for the Israelites as they journey toward the land He promised them.

In this passage, God is speaking to Moses after the incident with the golden calf, assuring him that the Israelites will still be led to the promised land, but by an angel rather than by God’s own direct presence. The verse lists the peoples currently living in Canaan, emphasizing the challenges ahead and God’s role in overcoming them.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 33:2

  • "Send" (שָׁלַח, shalach): This word means to send out or dispatch. Here, it highlights that God is commissioning an angel to go before the Israelites, acting on God’s behalf.
  • "Angel" (מַלְאָךְ, mal’akh): This term means messenger. In this context, it refers to a supernatural being sent by God, not just a human messenger.
  • "Before" (פָּנִים, panim): Often translated as "before" or "in front of," this word carries the sense of someone going ahead to prepare the way, emphasizing guidance and protection.
  • "Drive out" (גָּרַשׁ, garash): This verb means to expel or force out. It stresses that the removal of these peoples will be active and decisive, not just a passive process.

Why Exodus 33:2 matters

  • This verse clarifies that God’s promise to give the land to Israel remains, even after their failure with the golden calf, but the relationship dynamic has changed—God will send an angel rather than accompany them personally.
  • The specific mention of the six nations underscores the real obstacles the Israelites will face and God’s power to overcome them.
  • Exodus 33:2 connects to the larger story of God’s faithfulness despite Israel’s shortcomings, while also hinting at the consequences of broken trust between God and His people.

Where else these words appear

“Perizzite” Hebrew H6522 · used in 23 verses

  • Genesis 13:7 And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram's cattle and the herdmen of Lot's cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land.
  • Deuteronomy 7:1 When the LORD thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possess it, and hath cast out many nations before thee, the Hittites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and mightier than thou;
  • Joshua 24:11 And ye went over Jordan, and came unto Jericho: and the men of Jericho fought against you, the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Girgashites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; and I delivered them into your hand.

“Hivite” Hebrew H2340 · used in 25 verses

  • Genesis 10:17 And the Hivite, and the Arkite, and the Sinite,
  • Exodus 34:11 Observe thou that which I command thee this day: behold, I drive out before thee the Amorite, and the Canaanite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Hivite, and the Jebusite.
  • Joshua 12:8 In the mountains, and in the valleys, and in the plains, and in the springs, and in the wilderness, and in the south country; the Hittites, the Amorites, and the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites:

“Jebusite” Hebrew H2983 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 10:16 And the Jebusite, and the Amorite, and the Girgasite,
  • Joshua 11:3 And to the Canaanite on the east and on the west, and to the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Jebusite in the mountains, and to the Hivite under Hermon in the land of Mizpeh.
  • 2 Samuel 24:18 And Gad came that day to David, and said unto him, Go up, rear an altar unto the LORD in the threshingfloor of Araunah the Jebusite.

“out” Hebrew H1644 · used in 45 verses

  • Genesis 3:24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
  • Leviticus 21:14 A widow, or a divorced woman, or profane, or an harlot, these shall he not take: but he shall take a virgin of his own people to wife.
  • 1 Chronicles 17:21 And what one nation in the earth is like thy people Israel, whom God went to redeem to be his own people, to make thee a name of greatness and terribleness, by driving out nations from before thy people, whom thou hast redeemed out of Egypt?