The Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 23:20

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

Mine angel shall go before thee.

A prepared people have to be led into a prepared place (Exodus 23:20). To lead them a guide is necessary, and God provides a guide.

I. THE GUIDE AND HIS OFFICE.

1. His nature and character.

2. His office.

II. THOSE GUIDED AND THEIR DUTIES. The angel guide has to direct men; that he may direct them, they must acknowledge his authority. Two things necessary:—

1. Reverence. The disposition of the heart which cannot but show itself in the conduct. Assured that the angel bore the Divine name, men must beware of him, assured that he had the right to speak with authority. A command from such a guide needed no reasons to enforce it.

2. Obedience.

III. BLESSINGS CONSEQUENT ON FULFILMENT OF DUTIES. We may call them temporal and eternal; blessings of the pilgrimage and blessings of the home. By the way, guarded by our guide, no enemy has power to hurt us; at the last we reach our home, to find there eternal health and happiness.

Concluding question.—What is our relation towards the guide whom God has given us? (Hebrews 2:2-3.)—G.

HOMILIES BY H.T. ROBJOHNS

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