Deuteronomy 26:5

and you are to declare before the LORD your God, "My father was a wandering Aramean, and he went down to Egypt few in number and lived there and became a great nation, mighty and numerous.

Study Bible

“Then you are to declare”
This phrase sets the stage for a formal proclamation, a ritualistic declaration before God. The Hebrew root for "declare" is "נגד" (nagad), which implies making something known or manifest. In the context of ancient Israel, declarations were not mere recitations but profound acknowledgments of God's providence and faithfulness. This act of declaring is a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people, emphasizing the importance of verbal confession in worship and remembrance.

“before the LORD your God”
The phrase underscores the presence of God as the audience of this declaration. The Hebrew term for "LORD" is "יהוה" (YHWH), the sacred name of God, which signifies His eternal and unchanging nature. "Your God" personalizes the relationship, reminding the Israelites of their unique covenant with the Almighty. This setting before the LORD highlights the solemnity and sacredness of the act, as it is performed in the divine presence, reinforcing the idea that all of life is lived coram Deo, before the face of God.

“My father was a wandering Aramean”
This phrase refers to the patriarch Jacob, also known as Israel. The term "wandering" comes from the Hebrew "אֹבֵד" (oved), which can mean lost or perishing, indicating a state of vulnerability and dependence on God. "Aramean" connects Jacob to the region of Aram, reflecting his sojourn and familial ties there. This acknowledgment of humble beginnings serves as a reminder of God's grace in transforming a nomadic family into a great nation, emphasizing the theme of divine election and providence.

“and he went down to Egypt”
The journey to Egypt is a pivotal moment in Israel's history, marking the transition from a family to a nation. The phrase "went down" (Hebrew "יָרַד" - yarad) often signifies a movement to a place of trial or testing. Egypt, in this context, becomes both a place of refuge and a crucible for the Israelites. This movement is a reminder of God's sovereignty in using even adverse circumstances to fulfill His promises.

“with a few people”
This phrase highlights the small beginnings of the Israelite nation. The Hebrew "מְעַט" (me'at) means few or little, underscoring the miraculous nature of Israel's growth. It serves as a testament to God's power in multiplying and blessing His people despite their initial insignificance, reinforcing the biblical theme that God often chooses the weak and small to accomplish His purposes.

“and lived there”
The Hebrew word "גּוּר" (gur) for "lived" implies sojourning or dwelling temporarily. This reflects the transient nature of Israel's stay in Egypt, which was never meant to be permanent. It serves as a metaphor for the believer's life on earth, a temporary dwelling while awaiting the promised inheritance. This sojourning is a reminder of God's faithfulness in sustaining His people through periods of waiting and uncertainty.

“and became a great nation”
The transformation into a "great nation" (Hebrew "גּוֹי גָּדוֹל" - goy gadol) is a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham. This phrase celebrates the miraculous growth and blessing of the Israelites, a testament to God's covenant faithfulness. It serves as an encouragement that God's promises, though delayed, are sure and will come to fruition in His perfect timing.

“powerful and numerous”
The Hebrew words "עָצוּם" (atzum) for "powerful" and "רָב" (rav) for "numerous" emphasize the strength and size of the nation that emerged from humble beginnings. This growth is attributed to God's blessing and serves as a reminder of His ability to bring about His purposes against all odds. It is an inspiration for believers to trust in God's power to multiply and strengthen them in their spiritual journey.

Persons / Places / Events

1. My Father (Jacob/Israel)
The reference to "my father" is traditionally understood to be Jacob, also known as Israel, who was the patriarch of the Israelites. He is described as a "wandering Aramean" due to his time spent in Paddan Aram, where he lived with his uncle Laban.

2. Aramean
This term refers to the region of Aram, which is modern-day Syria. Jacob's connection to this area is through his mother Rebekah and his wives Leah and Rachel, who were from this region.

3. Egypt
The land where Jacob and his family went during a famine. It is significant as the place where the Israelites grew into a great nation.

4. Foreigner
This term highlights the status of Jacob and his family in Egypt, emphasizing their dependence on God's provision and protection.

5. Great Nation
Refers to the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that their descendants would become a numerous and mighty people.

Teaching Points

Identity and Heritage
Understanding our spiritual heritage is crucial. Just as the Israelites were to remember their origins, Christians are called to remember their identity in Christ and the spiritual lineage of faith.

God's Faithfulness
The transformation from a small family to a great nation in Egypt is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Believers can trust in God's promises for their lives.

Dependence on God
The status of being a "foreigner" reminds us of our dependence on God in a world where we are spiritual sojourners. We are called to rely on Him for provision and guidance.

Gratitude and Worship
The declaration before God was an act of worship and gratitude. Christians are encouraged to regularly express gratitude for God's work in their lives and His faithfulness through generations.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the description of Jacob as a "wandering Aramean" shape our understanding of the Israelites' identity and history?

2. In what ways does the journey to Egypt and the growth of the Israelites there demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises?

3. How can we apply the concept of being "foreigners" in this world to our daily walk with Christ?

4. What are some practical ways we can express gratitude to God for His faithfulness in our lives, similar to the declaration in Deuteronomy 26:5?

5. How does understanding our spiritual heritage as Christians impact our identity and mission in the world today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 46
This chapter details Jacob's journey to Egypt, fulfilling the statement in Deuteronomy 26:5 about going down to Egypt.

Exodus 1
Describes the multiplication of the Israelites in Egypt, connecting to the phrase "became a great nation, mighty and numerous."

Genesis 12
God's promise to Abraham about making his descendants a great nation, which is echoed in the growth of Jacob's family in Egypt.