Deuteronomy 15:15

And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt, and the Lord thy God redeemed thee: therefore I command thee this thing to day.

Deuteronomy 15:15 (KJV)

Context

Deuteronomy records Moses’ final instructions to Israel before they entered the Promised Land. In Deuteronomy 15, God gives laws about releasing debts and treating Hebrew servants with fairness. This verse gives the reason behind the command to release servants generously.

Meaning

The verse begins with a command to remember. Israel had been slaves in Egypt for generations, and God delivered them through mighty signs and wonders. The word “redeemed” means to rescue, deliver, or set free from bondage. This was an act of God’s grace and power, not something Israel earned. The memory of their slavery was not meant to shame them but to shape them. Because they knew oppression, they were to treat their own servants with compassion and generosity. The command to release servants after six years and provide for them was grounded in this shared history. The remembrance is not merely historical; it shapes the community’s ethical conduct. God’s redeeming work becomes the foundation for how His people treat one another.

Biblical connections

The same motivation appears in Deuteronomy 5:15, where God commands the Sabbath rest. There, Israel is told to remember their bondage in Egypt and that God brought them out with a mighty hand. This shows that the memory of redemption is a recurring basis for obedience throughout the law. The command is given with divine authority: “therefore I command thee this thing to day.” This is not a suggestion but a command from the Lord.

Application

Believers today can learn from this verse. First, we should remember our own spiritual bondage and how God redeemed us through Christ. This should produce gratitude and humility. Second, we should extend grace to others because we have received grace. Our treatment of people should reflect the character of the God who saved us. This command is not only about ancient Israel. It calls us to be generous, fair, and compassionate in our daily dealings. When we remember what God has done for us, we are motivated to obey Him and to care for those in need. As Christ has redeemed us from bondage to sin, we are to extend grace and generosity to others.

Reflection

God’s redeeming work is the foundation for how His people treat one another. The verse calls for a deliberate, ongoing remembrance of God’s saving acts, which leads to practical obedience. As we remember our own redemption, we are to live in a way that honors Him and serves others.