Deuteronomy 24:22
And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt: therefore I command thee to do this thing.
Original Language Analysis
וְזָ֣כַרְתָּ֔
And thou shalt remember
H2142
וְזָ֣כַרְתָּ֔
And thou shalt remember
Strong's:
H2142
Word #:
1 of 14
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
2 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הָיִ֖יתָ
H1961
הָיִ֖יתָ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
4 of 14
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כֵּ֞ן
H3651
כֵּ֞ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
8 of 14
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
לַֽעֲשׂ֔וֹת
thee to do
H6213
לַֽעֲשׂ֔וֹת
thee to do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
11 of 14
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
Spoken circa 1406 BC to the wilderness generation born in freedom, who never experienced Egyptian bondage personally. Moses constantly reminded them of their parents' slavery to instill generational memory and covenant identity. Israel's slavery lasted approximately 400 years (Genesis 15:13), ending with the Exodus circa 1446 BC. The memory was to shape national character permanently—former slaves must never become oppressors.
Questions for Reflection
- How should remembering your own 'Egypt'—times of need, oppression, or God's deliverance—motivate compassion?
- Why does God command generosity rather than merely suggesting it? What does this reveal about human nature?
- How does Christ's redemption create obligation to care for the vulnerable, as Israel's Exodus did?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt—the motivational refrain throughout Deuteronomy (5:15, 15:15, 16:12), grounding ethics in salvation history. Israel's own experience of poverty, powerlessness, and oppression in Egyptian slavery should produce empathy and generosity toward vulnerable populations. God's redemptive act obligated redeemed people to reflect His character by caring for the marginalized.
Therefore I command thee to do this thing—gleaning laws weren't suggestions but divine commands, enforceable requirements. Compassion was legislated, not left to individual benevolence. This prophylactic against greed recognized human selfishness, creating structural protections for the poor. The principle appears in 1 John 3:17: 'If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?'