Deuteronomy Chapter 7 · Verse 18

Authorized King James Version

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Thou shalt not be afraid of them: but shalt well remember what the LORD thy God did unto Pharaoh, and unto all Egypt;

Original Language Analysis

לֹ֥א H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 1 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִירָ֖א Thou shalt not be afraid H3372
תִירָ֖א Thou shalt not be afraid
Strong's: H3372
Word #: 2 of 13
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
מֵהֶ֑ם H1992
מֵהֶ֑ם
Strong's: H1992
Word #: 3 of 13
they (only used when emphatic)
תִּזְכֹּ֗ר of them but shalt well H2142
תִּזְכֹּ֗ר of them but shalt well
Strong's: H2142
Word #: 4 of 13
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
תִּזְכֹּ֗ר of them but shalt well H2142
תִּזְכֹּ֗ר of them but shalt well
Strong's: H2142
Word #: 5 of 13
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
אֵ֤ת H853
אֵ֤ת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 6 of 13
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 #: 7 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָשָׂה֙ did H6213
עָשָׂה֙ did
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 8 of 13
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
יְהוָ֣ה what the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֣ה what the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 9 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ thy God H430
אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ thy God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 10 of 13
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
לְפַרְעֹ֖ה unto Pharaoh H6547
לְפַרְעֹ֖ה unto Pharaoh
Strong's: H6547
Word #: 11 of 13
paroh, a general title of egyptian kings
וּלְכָל H3605
וּלְכָל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 12 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מִצְרָֽיִם׃ and unto all Egypt H4714
מִצְרָֽיִם׃ and unto all Egypt
Strong's: H4714
Word #: 13 of 13
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

Analysis & Commentary

The command 'Thou shalt not be afraid' addresses the fear anticipated in verse 17. Fear is conquered by remembrance: 'shalt well remember what the LORD thy God did unto Pharaoh.' The Hebrew zakar tizkor (emphatic remembrance) means to recall with full attention and application. Past redemption provides confidence for present challenges. Pharaoh and Egypt were the ancient world's superpower—if God defeated them, He can defeat any enemy. This principle of remembrance permeates Scripture: remembering God's past faithfulness strengthens present faith (Psalm 77:11-12; 105:5). The Lord's Supper embodies this—'do this in remembrance of me' (1 Corinthians 11:24-25)—recalling Christ's redemptive work to strengthen faith.

Historical Context

The Exodus had occurred 40 years prior to Moses' address in Deuteronomy. The current generation witnessed God's provision in the wilderness but many were children during the Exodus itself. Moses calls them to remember (through teaching and testimony) what God did to Pharaoh—the plagues, Red Sea crossing, and Egypt's destruction. This corporate memory would sustain Israel through conquest. Later biblical writers repeatedly invoke the Exodus as paradigmatic proof of God's saving power (Psalms 78, 105, 106, 136; Isaiah 43:16-19). Remembering God's mighty acts is essential to maintaining faith.

Questions for Reflection