Deuteronomy 29:16
(For ye know how we have dwelt in the land of Egypt; and how we came through the nations which ye passed by;
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יְדַעְתֶּ֔ם
For ye know
H3045
יְדַעְתֶּ֔ם
For ye know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
3 of 15
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
אֵ֥ת
H853
אֵ֥ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 15
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יָשַׁ֖בְנוּ
how we have dwelt
H3427
יָשַׁ֖בְנוּ
how we have dwelt
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
6 of 15
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
וְאֵ֧ת
H853
וְאֵ֧ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 15
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עֲבַרְתֶּֽם׃
and how we came
H5674
עֲבַרְתֶּֽם׃
and how we came
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
11 of 15
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
בְּקֶ֥רֶב
through
H7130
בְּקֶ֥רֶב
through
Strong's:
H7130
Word #:
12 of 15
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
הַגּוֹיִ֖ם
the nations
H1471
הַגּוֹיִ֖ם
the nations
Strong's:
H1471
Word #:
13 of 15
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
Historical Context
Israel spent 400 years in polytheistic Egypt where gods were depicted as animals and humans. The exodus journey brought them through territories of Edomites, Moabites, and Ammonites - peoples descended from Abraham's relatives but worshiping false gods.
This exposure to paganism created constant temptation to syncretism, requiring repeated warnings against adopting neighboring peoples' religious practices.
Questions for Reflection
- How does remembering past experience in paganism motivate covenant faithfulness?
- What did exposure to Egyptian and Canaanite religions teach Israel about false worship?
- Why should seeing alternatives make us appreciate relationship with the true God?
- How should Christians' memory of life before conversion affect present obedience?
- What dangers exist when covenant people forget their origins and deliverance?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
(For ye know how we have dwelt in the land of Egypt; and how we came through the nations which ye passed by; Moses reminds Israel of their experience in Egypt and journey through the nations. This historical review grounds covenant commitment in remembrance of God's faithfulness and the pagan alternatives they've witnessed.
The phrase ye know appeals to Israel's direct experience. They lived in polytheistic Egypt and passed through pagan territories, seeing firsthand the idolatry and immorality characterizing nations that don't know the true God.
This experiential knowledge should motivate covenant faithfulness - having seen pagan corruption, Israel should appreciate the privilege of relationship with the holy, righteous God who delivered them.
Christians similarly should remember their former life in sin and the corruption of the world system, allowing this memory to motivate grateful obedience to God who saved them.