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1
Literal or Figurative Hornets?
Scholars debate whether God sent literal hornets or if the term is figurative. Some commentators, citing historical accounts of insect plagues, believe it was literal. Others suggest "the hornet" represents divine terror, the stings of conscience, or even the Egyptian army (whose king's symbol was a wasp), which weakened the Canaanites before Israel's arrival.
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Book Overview
Exodus
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Commentaries
6
Albert Barnes
On Exodus 23:28
18th Century
Theologian
Hornets - Compare the marginal references. The word is used figuratively for a cause of terror and discouragement. Bees are spoken of in a s…
Charles Ellicott
On Exodus 23:28
19th Century
Bishop
I will send hornets. — Hebrew, the hornet. Compare Joshua 24:12, where “the hornet” is said to have been sent.
John Calvin
On Exodus 23:28
16th Century
Theologian
And I will send hornets. Although that secret terror, which He had mentioned, would be sufficient to put their enemies to flight, He state…
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John Gill
On Exodus 23:28
17th Century
Pastor
And I will send hornets before you
Which may be interpreted either figuratively, and so may signify the same as fear…
Matthew Henry
On Exodus 23:20–33
17th Century
Minister
It is here promised that they would be guided and kept in their way through the wilderness to the land of promise: Behold, I send an angel befo…