“Ye shall remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt, and the Lord thy God redeemed thee thence: therefore I command thee to do this thing.”
This verse is part of a larger section in the Book of Deuteronomy that contains various laws and regulations for the Israelites. In this particular verse, God instructs the Israelites to remember their past as slaves in Egypt and how He delivered them from bondage. The purpose of this remembrance is to emphasize the importance of compassion and justice towards those in need.
Remembering the past: God tells the Israelites to remember their experience as bondmen in Egypt. This serves as a reminder of their own vulnerability, oppression, and dependence on God’s deliverance. The memory of their past should shape their actions in the present and future.
God’s redemption: The verse emphasizes that it was the Lord who redeemed the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. This serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness, power, and compassion. The Israelites were brought out of bondage through God’s intervention, and this act of redemption becomes a foundation for their relationship with Him.
The command to act: As a result of being redeemed, the Israelites are commanded to “do this thing.” While the verse does not explicitly state what “this thing” refers to, it can be understood in the broader context of the surrounding verses. Deuteronomy 24:17-22 contains regulations concerning the treatment of various vulnerable groups, including aliens, widows, and orphans. These regulations promote fairness, justice, and compassion within the community.
Therefore, the command to “do this thing” likely encompasses the broader theme of showing compassion and care for those in need. The Israelites are called to remember their own experience of being oppressed and, in response, to demonstrate kindness, fairness, and justice towards others.
The verse has relevance for us today as well. It reminds us of the importance of remembering our own past experiences and how God has delivered us from various forms of bondage or challenges. This remembrance should shape our attitudes and actions towards others, especially those who are marginalized or vulnerable. We are called to show compassion, justice, and kindness, reflecting the character of God.
In summary, Deuteronomy 24:18 highlights the significance of remembering one’s past, recognizing God’s redeeming work, and responding with acts of compassion. It serves as a reminder to the Israelites-and to us-of the importance of treating others justly and showing kindness, drawing on our own experiences of God’s deliverance.
