What is the meaning of Exodus 23:26? No woman in your land will miscarry • “No woman in your land will miscarry” (Exodus 23:26a) comes amid a series of covenant promises to Israel if they obey the LORD’s commands (Exodus 23:20-25). • Miscarriage was a heartbreaking reality in the ancient world, yet God pledges supernatural protection over Israel’s pregnancies. – Deuteronomy 7:14-15 echoes the same assurance, linking it to faithful obedience. – Psalm 127:3 reminds us, “Children are a heritage from the LORD.” • The promise underscores God’s sovereign care over life in the womb. Hannah’s story in 1 Samuel 1 shows the LORD hearing a barren woman’s cry and granting Samuel. If God can open the womb, He can also guard it. • For believers today, the verse highlights God’s compassion and authority over every stage of life. While not every miscarriage results from disobedience, we rest in the same God who treasures unborn life and is near the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). or be barren • “or be barren” (v. 26b) complements the first phrase by stressing ongoing fertility. – Genesis 25:21 portrays Isaac praying for barren Rebekah, and “the LORD answered.” – Psalm 113:9 celebrates God who “gives the childless woman a home, making her the joyful mother of children.” • In the covenant context, fruitfulness of the womb paralleled fruitfulness of the land (Exodus 23:25; Leviticus 26:3-10). Both pointed to God’s favor resting on His people. • The promise also protected Israel’s future generations, ensuring the nation would multiply and fulfill its mission (Genesis 12:2-3). • Today, physical barrenness may still test families. Scripture invites trust in the same Lord who can do “immeasurably more” (Ephesians 3:20), whether by opening the womb, through adoption, or by granting grace sufficient for every season. I will fulfill the number of your days • “I will fulfill the number of your days” (v. 26c) speaks of a full lifespan under God’s watchful care. – Exodus 20:12 links honoring parents with “long life in the land.” – Psalm 91:16: “With long life I will satisfy him and show him My salvation.” – Job 5:26 pictures dying “at a ripe old age, as a sheaf of grain is gathered in its season.” • In Israel’s setting, long life reflected covenant blessing, security, and the chance to teach God’s ways to the next generation (Deuteronomy 6:2; 30:20). • The statement also affirms that life’s length is not random; it lies in God’s hands (Psalm 139:16). • For us, while earthly years vary, the core truth remains: God ordains each day (Psalm 31:15) and grants eternal life through Christ (John 10:28). Trusting Him replaces fear with peace, whether He extends years or calls us home sooner. summary Exodus 23:26 promises Israel a three-fold blessing—protection from miscarriage, deliverance from barrenness, and the completion of a full lifespan. Each element magnifies God as the giver, sustainer, and protector of life. Though given to Israel under the Sinai covenant, these words reveal God’s consistent character: He cherishes life, He listens to His people, and He rules over every heartbeat from womb to grave. By trusting and obeying Him, we find the same faithful God ready to bless, uphold, and guide us through every stage of our days. |
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