Keraia
Exodus 34

Exodus 34:12

The LORD Renews the Covenant · Exodus 34:10–35
Read Exodus 34

Translations

Modern
Be careful not to make a treaty with the inhabitants of the land you are entering, lest they become a snare in your midst.
Traditional
Take heed to thyself, lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land whither thou goest, lest it be for a snare in the midst of thee:
Literal
Guard for yourself lest you make a covenant with the dwellers of the land where you are entering, lest it become a snare in your midst.
Latin
Cave ne umquam cum habitatoribus terræ illius jungas amicitias, quæ sint tibi in ruinam:

Original

Hebrew
English
Be careful not to make a treaty with the inhabitants of the land you are entering, lest they become a snare in your midst.

Notes

Exodus 34:12–17

Worship of idols was prohibited, particularly the idols of the peoples into whose lands the Israelites were going. A key part of this restriction was the ban on treaties, or covenants, with these idol-worshiping peoples. Making a treaty would mean acknowledging their gods, as ancient treaties often called upon gods as witnesses (see study note on 20:1–23:33).

The treaties would also tempt the Israelites to adopt the customs of their treaty partners (34:12, 15–16).

Exodus 34:10–26

Some of the terms of the covenant are restated, particularly those that prohibit the worship of other gods and that describe the proper worship of the Lord.

Exodus 34:1–35

God granted the request of Moses (33:18). He showed Moses his goodness (34:1–9). He renewed the covenant (34:10–35).

This renewal was a statement made by God alone. God promised to stay with his people, keeping his covenant promises even though they had broken the covenant and deserved death and abandonment (32:1–6).

Parallels

2 Corinthians 3:7–18

Glossary

Alliance Amorites Book of Exodus Deuteronomy, Book of Elephantine Papyri Foreigner History of Israel Hosea, Book of Judges, Book of Mount Sinai Pillar of Fire and Cloud Tabernacle

Topics

Alliance and Society with the Enemies of God: Forbidden Alliances: Political with Idolaters Forbidden Company: Evil Fellowship with the Wicked Forbidden Idolatry: Saints should not Covenant with Those Who Practise Miscegenation: Moses Temptation: General Scriptures Concerning Treaty with Idolatrous Nations Forbidden Watchfulness: General Scriptures Concerning