Deuteronomy 6:21

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:

Deuteronomy 6:21 (KJV)

Context

Deuteronomy records Moses’ speeches to Israel before they entered the Promised Land. In this passage, Moses teaches the people how to answer their children’s questions about God’s laws. The question in Deuteronomy 6:20 is, “What mean the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD our God hath commanded you?” Verse 21 begins the prescribed answer: the parent is to rehearse the nation’s redemption history, not give a legal or abstract explanation.

Meaning

The confession “We were Pharaoh’s bondmen in Egypt” identifies the ancestors as slaves to the king of Egypt. The Hebrew term rendered “bondmen” denotes servitude and bondage. This was not a distant condition; the ancestors had lived in Egypt many years before being reduced to severe servitude and misery. The second confession, “the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand,” attributes the deliverance entirely to Yahweh. The phrase “mighty hand” signifies the exertion of God’s powerful power, which the Egyptians and their gods could not resist. The deliverance was an act of divine power, not human achievement.

The answer is corporate: “We were…” The present generation identifies with the redeemed community of the exodus. The pattern is redemption precedes law; the law is a response to grace. The following verses (Deut. 6:22-23) expand this confession: the LORD showed signs and wonders upon Egypt, and He brought them out to give them the land sworn to their fathers. Thus, the exodus was not an end in itself but was aimed at bringing Israel into the promised land. Verse 24 connects this redemption to the purpose of the commandments: the LORD commanded these statutes so that the people would fear Him, for their good always, and that He might preserve them alive.

Application

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 could demonstrate God’s faithfulness, His deliverance, and the importance of relying on Him in times of hardship.

While this passage 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, teaching our children and others the goodness of God, His faithfulness, and the importance of trusting Him in all circumstances.

Reflection

The passage 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, inspiring others to trust in God and strengthening their own relationship with Him.