Exodus 23:22

But if you will listen carefully to his voice and do everything I say, I will be an enemy to your enemies and a foe to your foes.

Study Bible

But if you will indeed obey His voice
The phrase begins with a conditional "if," indicating a covenantal promise that requires human response. The Hebrew word for "obey" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which means to hear, listen, or give heed. It implies not just passive listening but active, responsive obedience. In the context of ancient Israel, obedience to God's voice was central to maintaining the covenant relationship. The "voice" refers to God's commands and instructions, often delivered through prophets or directly as in the case of Moses. This highlights the importance of divine communication and the expectation of a faithful response from God's people.

and do all that I say
The phrase emphasizes comprehensive obedience—"all" that God commands, not selective adherence. The Hebrew word "עָשָׂה" (asah) for "do" suggests action and implementation. This reflects the biblical principle that faith is demonstrated through works (James 2:17). In the historical context, Israel's obedience was a testimony to the surrounding nations of their unique relationship with Yahweh. It underscores the holistic nature of following God, where belief and action are inseparable.

then I will be an enemy to your enemies
This promise of divine protection is contingent upon Israel's obedience. The concept of God being an "enemy to your enemies" is rooted in the covenantal promise of God fighting for Israel, as seen in the Exodus narrative. The Hebrew word for "enemy" is "אוֹיֵב" (oyeb), which conveys hostility and opposition. This assurance would have been particularly comforting in the ancient Near Eastern context, where nations were often in conflict. It reflects God's sovereignty and His role as a divine warrior who defends His people.

and a foe to your foes
The repetition of the promise using synonymous terms "enemy" and "foe" (Hebrew: "צָרַר" - tsarar) reinforces the certainty and completeness of God's protection. It assures Israel that God will actively oppose those who oppose them. This reflects the biblical theme of divine justice and retribution, where God upholds His covenant by defending His people against adversaries. Historically, this promise would have been a source of strength and encouragement for Israel as they faced various threats in their journey to the Promised Land.

Persons / Places / Events

1. God
The ultimate authority and protector of Israel, promising to be an adversary to their adversaries if they obey His commands.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, who are being instructed to obey God's voice as they journey to the Promised Land.

3. Enemies/Foes
The adversaries of Israel, representing any opposition or threat to God's people.

4. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, through whom God communicates His laws and promises.

5. Promised Land
The destination of the Israelites, a land flowing with milk and honey, symbolizing God's provision and faithfulness.

Teaching Points

Obedience as a Covenant Requirement
The verse emphasizes the conditional nature of God's protection, which hinges on the Israelites' obedience. This reflects the covenant relationship between God and His people.

Divine Protection
God's promise to be an enemy to our enemies assures us of His active involvement in our battles. This encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and protection.

Spiritual Warfare
The concept of God being a foe to our foes can be applied to spiritual battles, reminding us that God fights for us against spiritual adversaries.

Faith and Action
Obedience requires both faith in God's promises and action in following His commands. This balance is crucial for experiencing God's blessings.

Community and Accountability
The collective call to obedience highlights the importance of community in faith, where believers support and hold each other accountable in their walk with God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the promise in Exodus 23:22 encourage you in your personal battles or challenges?

2. In what ways can you ensure that you are listening to and obeying God's voice in your daily life?

3. How does understanding the original Hebrew context of "obey" (shama) deepen your comprehension of this verse?

4. What are some practical steps you can take to resist spiritual enemies, drawing from the connection to James 4:7?

5. How can you foster a sense of community and accountability in your faith journey, as suggested by the collective call to obedience in this passage?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 28:1-14
This passage outlines the blessings that come with obedience to God's commands, similar to the promise in Exodus 23:22.

James 4:7
This New Testament verse emphasizes the importance of submitting to God and resisting the devil, which parallels the call to obedience in Exodus.

Psalm 81:13-14
This psalm reflects God's desire for His people to listen to Him so that He can subdue their enemies.

Romans 8:31
This verse reassures believers that if God is for us, no one can be against us, echoing the promise of divine protection in Exodus.

Joshua 1:5
God's promise to Joshua that no one will be able to stand against him all the days of his life, similar to the assurance given in Exodus 23:22.