Exodus 23:20-33

Yahweh’s relation to Israel 23:20-33

In this final part of the Book of the Covenant (Exodus 20:22 to Exodus 23:33), God gave the Israelites promises and precepts relating to their conquest of the Promised Land. Suzerainty treaties normally concluded with an explanation of the benefits that would come to the vassals if they obeyed the king’s commands and the difficulties they would experience if they disobeyed. That is characteristic of this section of the covenant, though the emphasis is positive.

"Similar opening [Exodus 20:22-26] and closing remarks are also found in the codes of Hammurabi and Lipit-Istar." [Note: Cassuto, p. 305.]

"Following the text of the covenant code Yahweh assures His people of His ongoing commitment. He had not brought them out of Egypt and made covenant with them only to forget them in the wilderness. He had promised to give them land, so now He speaks of the process by which they would enter the land and the circumstances they would face there (Exodus 23:20-33)." [Note: Merrill, "A Theology . . .," p. 47.]