29 But I will not drive them out in a single year, because the land would become desolate and the wild animals too numerous for you.
29 I will not drive them out from before thee in one year; lest the land become desolate, and the beast of the field multiply against thee.
29 I will not drive them out from before you in one year, lest the land become desolate and the wild beasts multiply against you.
29 I won't get rid of them all at once lest the land grow up in weeds and the wild animals take over.
29 I will not drive them out from before you in one year, lest the land become desolate and the beast of the field become too numerous for you.
29 But I will not drive them out in a single year, because the land would become desolate and the wild animals would multiply and threaten you.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Exodus 23:29
Commentary on Exodus 23:20-33
(Read Exodus 23:20-33)
It is here promised that they should be guided and kept in their way through the wilderness to the land of promise, Behold, I send an angel before thee, mine angel. The precept joined with this promise is, that they be obedient to this angel whom God would send before them. Christ is the Angel of Jehovah; this is plainly taught by St. Paul, 1 Corinthians 10:9. They should have a comfortable settlement in the land of Canaan. How reasonable are the conditions of this promise; that they should serve the only true God; not the gods of the nations, which are no gods at all. How rich are the particulars of this promise! The comfort of their food, the continuance of their health, the increase of their wealth, the prolonging their lives to old age. Thus hath godliness the promise of the life that now is. It is promised that they should subdue their enemies. Hosts of hornets made way for the hosts of Israel; such mean creatures can God use for chastising his people's enemies. In real kindness to the church, its enemies are subdued by little and little; thus we are kept on our guard, and in continual dependence on God. Corruptions are driven out of the hearts of God's people, not all at once, but by little and little. The precept with this promise is, that they should not make friendship with idolaters. Those that would keep from bad courses, must keep from bad company. It is dangerous to live in a bad neighbourhood; others' sins will be our snares. Our greatest danger is from those who would make us sin against God.