Deuteronomy 24:22

Remember that you were slaves in the land of Egypt. Therefore I am commanding you to do this.

Study Bible

Remember that you were slaves in the land of Egypt.
This phrase serves as a reminder of Israel's past bondage and God's deliverance. The Israelites' slavery in Egypt is a central theme in the Old Testament, symbolizing oppression and the need for divine intervention. This historical context underscores God's power and faithfulness in liberating His people. The command to remember is not just about recalling facts but internalizing the lessons of humility and gratitude. This remembrance is a call to empathy and justice, urging the Israelites to treat others with compassion, as they once experienced suffering. The theme of remembering past deliverance is echoed in other scriptures, such as Exodus 13:3 and Deuteronomy 5:15, reinforcing the importance of gratitude and obedience to God.

Therefore I am commanding you to do this.
The command here is rooted in the authority of God, who delivered the Israelites from slavery. It emphasizes obedience as a response to God's grace and mercy. The "this" refers to the preceding instructions in Deuteronomy 24, which include laws about justice, fairness, and care for the marginalized, such as the poor, widows, orphans, and foreigners. These laws reflect God's character and His desire for a just society. The command is not merely a legal obligation but a moral imperative, reflecting the covenant relationship between God and His people. This principle of obedience out of gratitude is mirrored in the New Testament, where believers are called to live righteously in response to Christ's sacrifice, as seen in passages like Romans 12:1-2.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Israelites
The chosen people of God, who were once slaves in Egypt and are now being instructed by God through Moses.

2. Egypt
The land where the Israelites were enslaved for 400 years before God delivered them through Moses.

3. Moses
The prophet and leader of the Israelites, who is delivering God's laws and commandments to the people.

4. God
The sovereign Lord who delivered the Israelites from slavery and is now giving them laws to live by in the Promised Land.

Teaching Points

Memory as Motivation
Remembering past hardships can motivate us to act justly and compassionately towards others. The Israelites' memory of slavery was meant to inspire empathy and fair treatment of others.

Gratitude and Obedience
Recognizing God's deliverance should lead to a life of gratitude and obedience. The Israelites were to follow God's commands as a response to His saving grace.

Social Justice and Compassion
God's laws often emphasize care for the marginalized, such as widows, orphans, and foreigners. This reflects God's heart for justice and compassion, which should be mirrored in our actions.

Identity and Responsibility
The Israelites' identity as former slaves shaped their responsibility to act justly. Our identity in Christ should similarly influence our actions and attitudes towards others.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does remembering past experiences of hardship or deliverance shape our actions and attitudes today?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of treating others with fairness and compassion in our daily lives?

3. How does our identity in Christ influence our responsibility towards social justice and caring for the marginalized?

4. What are some practical ways we can express gratitude to God for His deliverance in our lives?

5. How can we ensure that our obedience to God's commands is motivated by love and gratitude rather than obligation?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 13:3
This verse also calls the Israelites to remember their deliverance from Egypt, emphasizing the importance of memory in shaping identity and obedience.

Leviticus 19:34
This passage instructs the Israelites to love the foreigner as themselves, reminding them of their own experience as foreigners in Egypt.

Matthew 7:12
Known as the Golden Rule, this teaching of Jesus echoes the principle of treating others with the same kindness and fairness that one desires for oneself.