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Deuteronomy 7:20
Moreover the LORD thy God will send the hornet among them, until they that are left, and hide themselves from thee, be destroyed.

Joshua 24:11
And ye went over Jordan, and came unto Jericho: and the men of Jericho fought against you, the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Girgashites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; and I delivered them into your hand.

to drive the Hivites and Canaanites and Hittites
These groups were among the inhabitants of Canaan, representing the broader coalition of nations that occupied the Promised Land. The Hivites, Canaanites, and Hittites were known for their fortified cities and advanced cultures. Historically, these peoples were part of the larger Canaanite civilization, which was characterized by its polytheistic religion and practices that were abominable to the Israelites (Leviticus 18:3, 24-30). The mention of these specific groups underscores the comprehensive nature of God's promise to clear the land for Israel.

out of your way
This phrase emphasizes the removal of obstacles to Israel's settlement in the Promised Land. It signifies God's active role in fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Genesis 15:18-21). Theologically, it reflects the idea of divine providence and the assurance that God will make a way for His people. This concept is further developed in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to trust in God's guidance and provision (Romans 8:28). The removal of these nations also prefigures the ultimate victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ, who clears the way for believers to enter into eternal rest (Hebrews 4:8-10).

• The promise begins with God acting: “I will send.” Israel’s conquest relied on His direct intervention, not merely human strength (Exodus 33:2;Deuteronomy 7:1-2).

• This underscores covenant faithfulness—what God pledged to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, He now accomplishes (Genesis 15:18-21).

• When God sends, success is certain. As He later told Joshua, “The LORD your God Himself will drive them out” (Joshua 23:5).

• The “hornet” illustrates a divinely-appointed terror or plague that weakens enemies before Israel even draws a sword (Deuteronomy 7:20;Joshua 24:12).

• Whether literal stinging insects or a figurative wave of dread, the point is supernatural intervention; God alone could wield creation so precisely (Psalm 118:12).

• This keeps the spotlight on God’s power, so Israel cannot boast (Deuteronomy 8:17-18).

• God goes ahead of His people, preparing the battlefield and guaranteeing victory (Exodus 13:21;Deuteronomy 9:3).

• Walking by faith means following His lead rather than running ahead in self-confidence (Numbers 14:42-45).

• Assurance flows from His presence—He clears the path before a single step is taken (Psalm 77:20).

• “Drive out” depicts complete expulsion, not mere coexistence (Exodus 34:11;Deuteronomy 11:23).

• This firm language defends Israel from idolatry; partial obedience would invite spiritual compromise (Judges 2:1-3).

• God’s holiness demands removal of anything that corrupts covenant life (Leviticus 18:24-28).

• Inhabiting central Canaan (Genesis 34:2;Joshua 9:7), the Hivites illustrate entrenched pagan culture.

• Their later deception of Israel (Joshua 9) proves why God ordered their removal—He foresaw snares Israel could not (Deuteronomy 7:16).

• “Canaanites” can serve as a broad term, yet here likely highlights lowland city-states renowned for fortified walls (Numbers 13:29).

• Though formidable, they fell when God fought—Jericho’s walls collapsed by divine means, not siegecraft (Joshua 6:20).

• The Hittites held strategic hill country (Numbers 13:29). Abraham once bought land from them (Genesis 23:3-20), but their culture later turned idolatrous.

• Solomon’s day records remaining Hittites, evidence Israel never finished the task (1 Kings 9:20-21), validating God’s original warning.

• God’s goal is unobstructed forward movement into promise: “Every place the sole of your foot treads will be yours” (Deuteronomy 11:24).

• Clearing the way secures space for worship, family life, and national witness (Exodus 19:5-6).

• What God removes, He replaces with blessing—“houses full of every good thing” (Deuteronomy 6:10-11).

Exodus 23:28 assures Israel that conquering Canaan is ultimately God’s work. He initiates (“I will send”), employs sovereign means (“the hornet”), precedes His people (“before you”), achieves total victory (“to drive out”), and specifically targets entrenched foes (Hivites, Canaanites, Hittites) so Israel can walk unhindered into His promises. Trusting this same God today invites confidence that He still goes before His people, removes obstacles, and fulfills every word He has spoken.