Lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they go a whoring after their gods, and do sacrifice unto their gods, and one call thee, and thou eat of his sacrifice;

EXODUS 34:15KJV
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Exodus 34:15 (KJV)

What does Exodus 34:15 mean?

Exodus 34:15 warns the Israelites not to make agreements with the people living in the land they are entering, because those people worship other gods and might invite the Israelites to join in their religious sacrifices. The verse cautions that accepting such invitations could lead the Israelites to participate in worship practices that go against their own faith.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, giving instructions for the Israelites as they prepare to enter the promised land. The concern is that forming close ties or covenants with the local inhabitants could lead the Israelites away from their commitment to God, especially through shared meals that are part of idol worship ceremonies.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 34:15

  • "Make" (כָּרַת, karat): This word often means "to cut" and is used for making covenants, suggesting a formal, binding agreement. Here, it emphasizes the seriousness of entering into any pact with the land's inhabitants.
  • "Whoring" (זָנָה, zanah): This word is used metaphorically for unfaithfulness to God, especially by following other gods. It paints a vivid picture of spiritual betrayal, not just casual interest in other religions.
  • "Sacrifice" (זָבַח, zavach and זֶבַח, zevach): Both the act of sacrificing and the sacrifice itself are mentioned. This highlights that the concern is not just about belief, but about participating in the rituals and meals that are part of idol worship.

Why Exodus 34:15 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the danger is not just in believing differently, but in forming close social and religious bonds that could lead to adopting other religious practices.
  • The warning connects to the broader context of Exodus 34, where God is renewing His covenant with Israel and setting boundaries to protect their unique identity.
  • Understanding the strong language and imagery helps modern readers see how seriously the Israelites were to take their exclusive relationship with God, especially in a land full of competing beliefs and customs.

Where else these words appear

“whoring” Hebrew H2181 · used in 82 verses

  • Genesis 34:31 And they said, Should he deal with our sister as with an harlot?
  • 1 Chronicles 5:25 And they transgressed against the God of their fathers, and went a whoring after the gods of the people of the land, whom God destroyed before them.
  • Ezekiel 16:31 In that thou buildest thine eminent place in the head of every way, and makest thine high place in every street; and hast not been as an harlot, in that thou scornest hire;

“sacrifice” Hebrew H2076 · used in 127 verses

  • Genesis 31:54 Then Jacob offered sacrifice upon the mount, and called his brethren to eat bread: and they did eat bread, and tarried all night in the mount.
  • 1 Samuel 2:13 And the priests' custom with the people was, that, when any man offered sacrifice, the priest's servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with a fleshhook of three teeth in his hand;
  • 2 Chronicles 15:11 And they offered unto the LORD the same time, of the spoil which they had brought, seven hundred oxen and seven thousand sheep.