“And the LORD brought us forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with great terribleness, and with signs, and with wonders.”
Context: Deuteronomy 26 contains instructions given by Moses to the Israelites regarding the offering of the firstfruits of their land to the Lord once they enter the Promised Land. In this verse, the Israelites are reminded of how God delivered them from slavery in Egypt through His mighty power and miraculous signs.
Historical Background:
- The Israelites were enslaved in Egypt for several centuries before God sent Moses to deliver them.
- God performed ten plagues upon Egypt, demonstrating His power over the Egyptian gods and compelling Pharaoh to release the Israelites.
- The Israelites left Egypt and journeyed through the wilderness towards the land God promised to give them.
God’s Mighty Hand and Outstretched Arm:
- The “mighty hand” and “outstretched arm” of God symbolize His power and strength.
- It signifies God’s ability to intervene in human affairs and bring about deliverance.
- God’s mighty hand and outstretched arm were manifested in the ten plagues and the parting of the Red Sea, among other miracles.
Great Terribleness:
- The term “terribleness” refers to God’s awe-inspiring and fearful power.
- The miraculous acts that God performed in Egypt struck fear into the hearts of the Egyptians, revealing His supremacy over their false gods.
- The display of God’s terribleness served as a means to accomplish His purpose of delivering the Israelites and demonstrating His sovereignty.
Signs and Wonders:
- God performed numerous signs and wonders to attest to His divine presence and power.
- These signs and wonders included the plagues upon Egypt, the pillar of cloud and fire, the provision of manna and water in the wilderness, and other miraculous interventions.
- Through these signs and wonders, God affirmed His covenant with the Israelites and established Himself as the one true God.
Application to Believers Today:
- Deuteronomy 26:8 serves as a reminder to believers of God’s faithfulness and power.
- It encourages us to reflect on the mighty acts of God throughout history, including His ultimate act of deliverance through Jesus Christ.
- We can find assurance in knowing that the same God who delivered the Israelites from slavery is the same God who works in our lives today.
- We can trust in His power to overcome challenges, deliver us from difficult situations, and provide for our needs.
In summary, Deuteronomy 26:8 highlights the remarkable deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt through God’s mighty hand, outstretched arm, terribleness, signs, and wonders. It reminds believers of God’s power, faithfulness, and ability to intervene in their lives. It encourages us to trust in Him and reflect on His past acts of deliverance as we navigate our own journeys of faith.
