Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does the 'hornet' symbolize in Exodus 23:28?
A: According to Rashi and other traditional Jewish commentators, the 'hornet' (צִרְעָה) in this verse is understood literally as actual hornets that would attack Israel's enemies. The Midrash (Mechilta) explains that these hornets would sting the Canaanites' eyes and blind them, making it easier for the Israelites to conquer the land. Some also interpret it metaphorically as divine panic or confusion that G-d would instill in the enemies.
Q: Why did G-d use hornets to drive out the Canaanites?
A: The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches in the Guide for the Perplexed that G-d often uses natural means to accomplish His will. The hornets were a miraculous yet natural way to weaken the Canaanites without requiring direct military confrontation at first. This demonstrated that the conquest of the land was divinely assisted, not merely a human achievement. The Talmud (Sotah 36a) also notes that the hornets did not cross the Jordan, showing the precision of the miracle.
Q: Who were the Hivites, Canaanites, and Hittites mentioned in this verse?
A: These were three of the seven Canaanite nations that inhabited the Land of Israel before the Israelites entered. The Torah frequently lists them (e.g., Exodus 3:8, Deuteronomy 7:1) as nations that needed to be driven out due to their immoral practices. Rashi explains that each nation had distinct negative traits, and their removal was necessary to establish a holy society in the land.
Q: Does this verse have any relevance for Jews today?
A: Yes, the verse reminds us of G-d's providence in Jewish history and the fulfillment of His promises. The Talmud (Berachot 4a) derives from this that we must recognize G-d's hand in both obvious and subtle miracles. Additionally, the Netziv (Rabbi Naftali Tzvi Yehuda Berlin) teaches that the gradual conquest (aided by the hornets) symbolizes how spiritual growth often happens step by step with divine assistance.
Q: Why didn't the hornets completely destroy the Canaanites?
A: The verse says the hornets would 'drive out' (וְגֵרְשָׁה) the nations, not annihilate them. The Kli Yakar explains that complete removal depended on Israel's merit and willingness to follow the Torah. This teaches that divine assistance is proportional to our spiritual readiness. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 20b) also notes that some Canaanites remained to test Israel's commitment to their mission in the land.
The Promise of Divine Assistance in Conquest
The verse (Shemot 23:28) describes Hashem's promise to assist Bnei Yisrael in conquering Eretz Canaan by sending the tzirah (hornet) to drive out the inhabitants. This demonstrates that the conquest would not rely solely on human strength but on divine intervention.
Interpretations of the "Tzirah" (Hornet)
The Three Nations Mentioned
The verse specifies the Chivi, Kena'ani, and Chiti as the nations to be driven out. These three represent a broader group of seven Canaanite nations (Devarim 7:1), possibly singled out here because:
Theological Significance
This promise reinforces the principle that Eretz Yisrael was given to Bnei Yisrael by divine decree, not merely through human conquest. The miraculous element (tzirah) ensured that the victory would be attributed to Hashem's will rather than military prowess (see Devarim 8:17-18).