Deuteronomy 6:21
Then thou shalt say unto thy son, We were Pharaoh's bondmen in Egypt; and the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand:
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Egypt enslaved Israel approximately 400 years (Genesis 15:13, Exodus 12:40), intensifying oppression with forced labor and infanticide before the exodus (Exodus 1:8-22). God raised up Moses, sent ten plagues demonstrating power over Egyptian gods, instituted Passover, and delivered Israel through Red Sea crossing (Exodus 1-15). This redemptive event became Israel's foundational salvation narrative, constantly rehearsed in worship (Psalms 78, 105, 106, 136). Christian preaching similarly proclaims redemption from sin's bondage through Christ.
Questions for Reflection
- How does beginning the gospel story with bondage rather than human potential emphasize salvation as grace, not merit?
- In what ways does the exodus serve as type and pattern for presenting Christian redemption from sin's slavery?
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Analysis & Commentary
The commanded response begins with personal testimony: 'We were Pharaoh's bondmen in Egypt.' Starting with slavery emphasizes grace—salvation is deliverance from bondage, not reward for merit. The historical specificity ('Pharaoh...Egypt') grounds faith in objective redemptive events, not subjective experience or mythology. The verb 'brought us out' attributes deliverance entirely to divine initiative. This verse models gospel presentation: begin with humanity's enslaved condition, then proclaim God's gracious rescue. The Reformed emphasis on God's sovereignty in salvation appears clearly—redemption is entirely divine work.