“And it shall be for a sign unto thee upon thine hand, and for a memorial between thine eyes, that the Lord’s law may be in thy mouth: for with a strong hand hath the Lord brought thee out of Egypt.”
This verse is part of the account of the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt, specifically during the time when God gave Moses instructions regarding the consecration of the firstborn. Let’s explore the significance of this verse and its broader context:
A sign upon the hand and between the eyes:In ancient Jewish culture, the practice of binding symbols or reminders on the hand and forehead was common. Here, God commands the Israelites to use this symbolic act to remember and proclaim His deliverance. By doing so, they would carry the memory of God’s miraculous deliverance from Egypt with them at all times.
A memorial of God’s law:The phrase “that the Lord’s law may be in thy mouth” emphasizes the importance of God’s commandments. The Israelites were to internalize God’s laws and teachings, and their daily actions and speech were to reflect their commitment to obeying His commandments. The physical act of binding a sign between their eyes and upon their hands served as a reminder to keep God’s law in their hearts and minds.
God’s deliverance from Egypt:The final part of the verse highlights that the reason behind this symbolic act is the mighty deliverance God accomplished by bringing the Israelites out of Egypt. It emphasizes God’s strength and power, highlighting that it was His intervention that set them free from slavery and brought them out of bondage.
Overall, Exodus 13:9 teaches us the importance of remembering and internalizing God’s deliverance and His commandments. It encourages us to keep His teachings in our hearts, allowing them to guide our actions and words. Just as the Israelites were to carry a physical reminder, we can also find ways to remind ourselves of God’s faithfulness and the truth of His Word in our daily lives.
