“Then thou shalt say unto thy son, We were Pharaoh’s bondmen in Egypt, and the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand.”
Context:The book of Deuteronomy is part of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible traditionally ascribed to Moses. It primarily consists of Moses’ speeches to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land. In this particular verse, Moses is instructing the Israelites on how to pass on their faith and history to the next generation.
The Importance of Passing on Faith:In Deuteronomy 6:7, Moses instructs the Israelites to teach God’s commandments diligently to their children. This verse follows that instruction, emphasising the importance of recounting their history as slaves in Egypt and how the Lord delivered them from bondage. The purpose is to ensure that future generations understand and appreciate God’s faithfulness and provision.
Remembering God’s Deliverance:The verse acknowledges that the Israelites were once Pharaoh’s bondmen (slaves) in Egypt. It serves as a reminder to the Israelites, and to subsequent generations, of their former state of bondage. The phrase “the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand” emphasises the miraculous and powerful intervention of God in liberating them from slavery.
Faith in Action:By instructing the Israelites to share this account with their children, Moses encourages them to pass on their faith experientially. It is not merely a theoretical or abstract teaching but a lived reality. By recounting their history, the Israelites were able to demonstrate God’s faithfulness, His deliverance, and the importance of relying on Him in times of hardship.
Application for Believers Today:While this verse was originally addressed to the Israelites, its principle of passing on faith and remembering God’s faithfulness remains relevant for believers today. As Christians, we are called to share our testimonies and experiences of how God has worked in our lives. We can teach our children and others the goodness of God, His faithfulness, and the importance of trusting Him in all circumstances.
In conclusion, Deuteronomy 6:21 underscores the importance of passing on faith to the next generation. It reminds us to share our personal experiences of God’s deliverance and faithfulness. By doing so, we can inspire others to trust in God and strengthen their own relationship with Him.
