“And it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What is this? that thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand the LORD brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage.”
This verse is part of the narrative of the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt, specifically referring to the instruction given to the Israelites regarding the commemoration of the Passover and the consecration of their firstborn sons to the Lord.
Historical Context:In Exodus 13, the Israelites had just been liberated from their bondage in Egypt through the mighty acts of God. The tenth plague, the death of the firstborns, had prompted Pharaoh to release the Israelites. Now, they were journeying toward the Promised Land under the leadership of Moses.
Passing Down the Story:The verse emphasizes the importance of passing down the knowledge of God’s deliverance from Egypt to future generations. It anticipates a time when children will ask their parents about the significance of the commemorative practices associated with the Exodus, such as the observance of the Passover feast.
A Lesson for Future Generations:When a son asks, “What is this?” the parent is instructed to explain that the Israelites were brought out of Egypt by the “strength of hand” of the Lord. This phrase acknowledges God’s mighty power and intervention on behalf of His people.
Acknowledging God’s Deliverance:The verse reminds the Israelites that their liberation was not accomplished through their own strength or might, but by the intervention of God’s power. It emphasizes their dependence on God and serves as a reminder for future generations to recognize and acknowledge God’s deliverance.
The House of Bondage:The phrase “the house of bondage” refers to the oppressive slavery the Israelites endured in Egypt. It serves as a reminder of the difficult and oppressive conditions they were rescued from, highlighting God’s compassion and faithfulness in delivering His people.
In summary, Exodus 13:14 encourages the Israelites to teach future generations about God’s deliverance from Egypt and the significance of the Passover feast. It underscores the importance of acknowledging God’s mighty acts and the fact that their liberation was accomplished by His power alone. This verse reminds us of the need to pass down our faith experiences to future generations, so they may know and understand the goodness and faithfulness of God.
