Deuteronomy 6:22
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 6:22
22 And the LORD shewed signs and wonders, great and sore, upon Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his household, before our eyes:
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 6 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, judgment, love. Written during the end of the wilderness wandering (c. 1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Moses delivered these speeches as Israel prepared to enter a land filled with different Canaanite city-states.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-25: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Deuteronomy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Deuteronomy 6:22
22 And the LORD shewed signs and wonders, great and sore, upon Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his household, before our eyes:
Analysis
The testimony continues: 'the LORD shewed signs and wonders, great and sore, upon Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his household.' The Hebrew 'otot u-mophtim' (signs and wonders) indicates miraculous divine intervention demonstrating God's power and authority. The plagues were 'great and sore'—comprehensive and severe, breaking Egypt's pride and power. The specific targeting 'upon Pharaoh, and upon all his household' demonstrates divine judgment against those oppressing God's people. This verse emphasizes that redemption requires divine power overcoming enemies—believers cannot save themselves but require sovereign deliverance.
Historical Context
The ten plagues (Exodus 7-12) systematically demonstrated Yahweh's superiority over Egyptian gods: Nile (Hapi), frogs (Heqet), sun (Ra), etc. Each plague increased in severity, culminating in firstborn death. Pharaoh's household suffered especially—his magicians failed, his officials begged surrender, his firstborn died. These 'signs and wonders' authenticated Moses' message and revealed God's sovereign power. Israel's children would hear this testimony, strengthening faith across generations. Christian testimony similarly proclaims God's mighty acts in Christ.
Reflection
- How do the 'signs and wonders' in Egypt demonstrate that salvation requires divine intervention, not human effort?
- What parallels exist between God's deliverance from Egypt and Christ's victory over sin, death, and Satan?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Deuteronomy 4:34, 7:19
- Parallel theme: Psalms 91:8