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Exodus 23:20

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Scripture focus

Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared.

Exodus 23:20 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Exodus 23:20

Theological / Devotional

I send an Angel. In these closing verses of “the book of the covenant” (vs. 10–31) we find the promises God would fulfill should the people observe its requirements. God ever encourages us with “the recompence of the reward” (Heb. 11:26). These promises were conditional, for God can bless His people only if they obey Him. The “Angel” plainly refers to “the messenger [Angel] of the covenant” (Mal. 3:1), that is, to Christ. The word mal’ak, “angel,” means “messenger,” and is translated as often one way as the other. Christ was ever the Messenger of God to Israel, and as such conveyed to them a knowledge of the character, will, and mercy of God (Gen. 22:1, 10–12; Ex. 32:34; Isa. 63:7–9; Mal. 3:1; John 8:56–58; 1 Tim. 2:5).

In the way. Not alone to guide them geographically (Ex. 23:23; 32:34), but spiritually as well, in the paths of righteousness (Ex. 33:9; Deut. 31:15).

Into the place. An allusion to Palestine, and indirectly to the home of the saved, of which that land was a type (see John 14:1–3).

By SdaBc