Numbers 15:41
I am the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I am the LORD your God.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָ֥ה
I am the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֥ה
I am the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶֽם׃
to be your God
H430
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶֽם׃
to be your God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
3 of 14
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
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הוֹצֵ֤אתִי
which brought you out
H3318
הוֹצֵ֤אתִי
which brought you out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
5 of 14
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
אֶתְכֶם֙
H853
אֶתְכֶם֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לִֽהְי֥וֹת
H1961
לִֽהְי֥וֹת
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
9 of 14
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶֽם׃
to be your God
H430
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶֽם׃
to be your God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
11 of 14
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
Historical Context
This formula, repeated throughout the Pentateuch, constantly reminded Israel that their relationship with God was founded on grace—His unmerited choice to redeem them from slavery. Egypt represented bondage to sin and idolatry; deliverance from Egypt represented salvation from sin's power. Paul later uses the Exodus as a type of Christian salvation (1 Corinthians 10:1-4), showing that redemption always precedes and motivates holiness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does remembering your redemption in Christ motivate pursuit of holiness rather than earning salvation?
- What practical difference does it make to root obedience in gratitude for grace rather than in earning favor?
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Analysis & Commentary
The concluding formula 'I am the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt' grounds the command for holiness in redemption. God didn't command holiness and then redeem—He redeemed first, then called the redeemed to holiness. This establishes the biblical pattern: salvation precedes obedience, which flows from gratitude for redemption rather than earning it. The phrase 'to be your God' emphasizes covenant relationship—God chose Israel as His special possession, requiring reciprocal commitment from them.