Deuteronomy 11:3
And his miracles, and his acts, which he did in the midst of Egypt unto Pharaoh the king of Egypt, and unto all his land;
Original Language Analysis
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֹֽתֹתָיו֙
And his miracles
H226
אֹֽתֹתָיו֙
And his miracles
Strong's:
H226
Word #:
2 of 13
a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc
וְאֶֽת
H853
וְאֶֽת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מַעֲשָׂ֔יו
and his acts
H4639
מַעֲשָׂ֔יו
and his acts
Strong's:
H4639
Word #:
4 of 13
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָשָׂ֖ה
which he did
H6213
עָשָׂ֖ה
which he did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
6 of 13
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
בְּת֣וֹךְ
in the midst
H8432
בְּת֣וֹךְ
in the midst
Strong's:
H8432
Word #:
7 of 13
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
Historical Context
The ten plagues systematically dismantled Egypt's pantheon: the Nile (Hapi), frogs (Heqet), sun (Ra), cattle (Hathor), etc. Egypt was the ancient world's superpower with sophisticated military and economic systems, yet Yahweh humiliated its gods and broke its military might. For Israel facing Canaanite fortified cities and iron chariots, remembering Egypt's fall would strengthen faith that no enemy could withstand Yahweh.
Questions for Reflection
- How do God's past deliverances provide confidence for present challenges?
- What false 'gods' or powers in modern culture need to be exposed as powerless before the true God?
- How does remembering God's mighty acts protect against fear when facing overwhelming obstacles?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Moses continues detailing the signs (otot, אֹתוֹת) and deeds (ma'asim, מַעֲשִׂים) God performed in Egypt. These were not natural phenomena but supernatural demonstrations of Yahweh's supremacy over Pharaoh and Egypt's gods. The mention of 'all Egypt' emphasizes the comprehensive nature of divine judgment—no part of Egypt escaped God's notice or power. This recitation serves both as historical reminder and theological foundation: the God who conquered Egypt will certainly give Israel victory in Canaan. The purpose of remembering these acts is not nostalgia but faith—past faithfulness guarantees future deliverance.