Deuteronomy 6:22

And the Lord shewed signs and wonders, great and sore, upon Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his household, before our eyes:

Deuteronomy 6:22 (KJV)

Context

This verse belongs to Moses’ second speech to Israel on the plains of Moab, just before they entered the Promised Land. The book of Deuteronomy records Moses reminding the people of God’s law and urging them to remain faithful. Here he recounts the mighty acts the Lord performed in Egypt, so that the generation about to enter Canaan would remember what God had done for their fathers.

Meaning

The “signs and wonders” refer to the ten plagues that God sent upon Egypt. These were not ordinary events; they were marvelous works above the power of nature, and they were “great and sore,” meaning severe and distressing to the Egyptians. They were directed against Egypt, Pharaoh, and all his household—the king, his courtiers, and the whole land. The phrase “before our eyes” emphasizes that the Israelites were eyewitnesses of these events. They were not distant stories but public, undeniable demonstrations of God’s power and judgment.

Biblical connections

In Deuteronomy 7:19, Moses again reminds the people of the signs and wonders the Lord displayed in Egypt, linking them to God’s faithfulness and His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. These acts demonstrated God’s sovereignty over the false gods of Egypt and secured the liberation of His people from slavery. The deliverance from Egypt became a foundational event in the Old Testament, showing God’s power, faithfulness, and judgment upon oppressors.

Application

The firsthand experience of the Israelites served as a foundation for their faith and a reminder of God’s power and provision throughout their journey. In the same way, believers today are called to remember God’s works in their own lives and to pass down this testimony to future generations, so that they too might know and serve the Lord. This verse is a call to remember God’s deliverance and to remain steadfast in faith and obedience.

Reflection

God’s signs and wonders were not only acts of judgment but also acts of grace toward His people. They revealed His presence and faithfulness in a tangible way. As we reflect on this verse, we are reminded that God’s power is still at work, and His faithfulness endures to all generations.