A frequent misinterpretation of this verse is to take it as divine endorsement of ethnic cleansing or perpetual holy war against specific peoples today, ignoring its specific historical context of God's judgment on Canaanite nations after 400 years of their wickedness and Israel's unique covenant role, which does not extend as a universal mandate. Another error is assuming the angel replaces God's personal involvement entirely, overlooking that angels often mediate His presence and that this arrangement protects idolatrous Israel from immediate annihilation.
Exodus 33:2
King James Version (1769)
2 And I will send an angel before thee; and I will drive out the Canaanite, the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite:
Exodus 33:2 conveys God's merciful promise to Israel amid their rebellion with the golden calf, assuring them that He will send an angel ahead to guide and drive out the specified Canaanite nations from the Promised Land, fulfilling His covenant commitments to Abraham despite the people's unfaithfulness. This highlights divine sovereignty, protection, and preparation of the inheritance, while temporarily withholding His full presence to spare them from destruction due to their sin.