Deuteronomy 6:21

Then thou shalt say vnto thy sonne, We were Pharaohs bondmen in Egypt, and the Lord brought vs out of Egypt with a mighty hand. Deuteronomy 6:21 (KJV)

The book of Deuteronomy is part of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible traditionally ascribed to Moses. It primarily consists of Moses’ speeches to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land, and in this particular passage Moses is instructing the people on how to pass on their faith and history to the next generation.

In Deuteronomy 6:7 Moses instructs the Israelites to teach God’s commandments diligently to their children. This instruction emphasizes the importance of recounting their history as slaves in Egypt and how the Lord delivered them from bondage, so that future generations understand and appreciate God’s faithfulness and provision.

The passage acknowledges that the Israelites were once Pharaoh’s bondmen (slaves) in Egypt. It serves as a reminder of their former state of bondage, and the phrase “the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand” emphasizes the miraculous and powerful intervention of God in liberating them from slavery.

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.

In conclusion 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.