Deuteronomy 6:21 – “Tell him: ‘We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand.’”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Deuteronomy 6:21 is part of Moses’ instructions on how parents should respond when their children ask about the meaning of God’s laws and commands. In this verse, Moses tells the Israelites to remind their children of their history—how they were once slaves in Egypt and how God rescued them with His great power. The verse highlights the importance of connecting the commandments to God’s mighty acts of deliverance, showing that their obedience is rooted in gratitude for what God has done.
This verse is not just a historical statement; it’s a call to remember the foundational story of God’s saving work. It frames God’s laws within the context of His love and deliverance, helping the next generation understand that these commands are not just rules but part of a relationship with a God who saves. This remembrance is meant to inspire faith and obedience, reminding the Israelites that God’s commands are given by the One who set them free.
Historical Context
The historical context of Deuteronomy 6:21 is crucial. The Israelites had spent centuries in brutal slavery under Pharaoh in Egypt, suffering under harsh conditions with no hope of freedom. But God heard their cries and sent Moses to lead them out of bondage through miraculous signs, including the ten plagues and the parting of the Red Sea. This exodus was not just a physical rescue but a defining moment that established Israel as God’s people.
Moses knew that once the Israelites settled in the Promised Land, future generations would need to understand their identity and heritage. They were not just a random group of people; they were the nation God had saved and set apart. By recounting their history, parents could instill in their children a sense of gratitude and responsibility, helping them understand that their obedience to God’s laws was a response to His deliverance.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Deuteronomy 6:21 highlights the importance of remembering God’s saving acts as the foundation of faith. God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt was a powerful demonstration of His love, power, and faithfulness. This verse teaches that our obedience to God flows out of gratitude for what He has done for us. It reminds us that God’s laws are not burdensome but are given by a God who has proven His care and commitment to His people.
This verse also emphasizes the importance of telling our faith stories. By recounting how God has worked in the past, we strengthen our faith and the faith of others. The story of Israel’s exodus is not just a distant historical event; it’s a reminder that God is a deliverer who hears the cries of His people and acts on their behalf. This connection between God’s commands and His acts of salvation is key to understanding why we obey Him.
Literary Analysis
Literarily, Deuteronomy 6:21 is structured as a direct response to a question, making it easy to remember and repeat. The phrase “We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the Lord brought us out” captures the essence of Israel’s identity and relationship with God. This simple yet profound statement summarizes God’s intervention in their history and sets the stage for understanding why they live as His people.
The verse uses strong imagery—slavery, deliverance, and God’s “mighty hand”—to communicate the dramatic shift from bondage to freedom. This language not only tells a story but also evokes an emotional response, helping the listener feel the weight of God’s intervention. It serves as a powerful reminder that God’s commands are not arbitrary but are tied to His loving and powerful actions on behalf of His people.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 13:14 – “In days to come, when your son asks you, ‘What does this mean?’ say to him, ‘With a mighty hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.’” This verse reiterates the importance of explaining God’s saving acts to future generations.
- Psalm 136:11-12 – “And brought Israel out from among them; His love endures forever. With a mighty hand and outstretched arm; His love endures forever.” This psalm celebrates God’s rescue of Israel and His enduring love.
- Joshua 4:6-7 – When crossing the Jordan, the Israelites set up stones of remembrance so future generations would know God’s saving power.
- 1 Peter 2:9-10 – “But you are a chosen people… that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” This New Testament verse connects God’s deliverance of His people with their purpose to declare His greatness.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Deuteronomy 6:21 serves as a reminder of the importance of remembering and sharing how God has worked in our lives. Just as the Israelites were called to recount their deliverance from Egypt, Christians are called to remember and testify to God’s saving work through Jesus Christ. This verse challenges believers to reflect on how God has brought them out of their own “Egypts”—situations of sin, bondage, or hardship—and to share those stories as a testimony to God’s faithfulness.
It also emphasizes the importance of teaching the next generation about God’s actions. Faith is strengthened when we understand the story of God’s love and power, both in the Bible and in our own lives. This verse encourages parents, grandparents, and all believers to make God’s faithfulness a central part of their conversations, helping others see that God’s commands are not just rules but are deeply connected to His ongoing work of salvation.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Deuteronomy 6:21 reflects God’s deep love and care for His people. God did not leave the Israelites in their suffering; He rescued them with a mighty hand. This act of deliverance shows that God is not distant or indifferent but is actively involved in the lives of His people. God’s love is not just a feeling; it is demonstrated through action—He sees our need and moves powerfully to meet it.
God’s command to remember and recount His works is also an act of love. By keeping the story of His deliverance alive, God helps His people remain connected to Him and avoid the pitfalls of forgetfulness and complacency. This verse reminds us that God’s love is not just about what He did in the past but is ongoing, calling us to remember, reflect, and respond to His goodness.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s deliverance, bringing a greater rescue than that of Israel from Egypt. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus delivered humanity from the bondage of sin and death, offering a way to be reconciled with God. Just as the Israelites were to remember and tell of God’s mighty hand in Egypt, Christians are called to remember and proclaim the work of Jesus on the cross.
Jesus often connected God’s past acts of salvation to His own mission. In the Last Supper, He pointed to the Passover, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19). By remembering Jesus’ sacrifice, Christians continue the practice of recounting God’s mighty acts, reinforcing that our faith is grounded in God’s saving work.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How has God brought you out of your own “Egypt”—situations of bondage or struggle?
- In what ways can you share the story of God’s faithfulness in your life with the next generation or those around you?
- How does remembering God’s past actions strengthen your faith and obedience to His commands today?
- What steps can you take to make God’s saving acts a central part of your family or personal conversations?
- How does Jesus’ work on the cross connect to God’s mighty acts in the Old Testament, and what does that mean for you?
Deuteronomy 6:21 is a call to remember, recount, and celebrate God’s deliverance. It teaches us that our obedience to God is a response to His love and power, not just a duty. By sharing our stories of God’s work, we pass on a legacy of faith that connects our hearts to the God who saves and sustains us.