Deuteronomy 26:8

Then the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great terror, signs, and wonders.

Study Bible

Then the LORD brought us out of Egypt
This phrase refers to the pivotal event of the Exodus, where God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. This act of deliverance is central to Israel's identity and is frequently referenced throughout the Old Testament. It signifies God's faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Exodus is a foundational narrative that underscores God's power and His role as a deliverer. It also prefigures the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ, who frees believers from the bondage of sin.

with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm
This imagery emphasizes God's power and active intervention in human history. The "mighty hand" and "outstretched arm" are metaphors for God's strength and His willingness to act on behalf of His people. This language is used repeatedly in the Old Testament to describe God's deliverance and protection (e.g., Deuteronomy 4:34, Psalm 136:12). It highlights the personal involvement of God in the affairs of His people, contrasting with the impersonal deities of surrounding nations.

with great terror
The "great terror" refers to the fear and awe that God's actions inspired in both the Egyptians and the Israelites. The plagues and the parting of the Red Sea demonstrated God's supremacy over the gods of Egypt and His control over nature. This fear served to establish God's authority and to ensure that His power was recognized by all. It also foreshadows the reverence and awe that believers are to have towards God, recognizing His holiness and justice.

signs, and wonders
The "signs and wonders" are the miraculous events that accompanied the Exodus, such as the ten plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, and the provision of manna in the wilderness. These miracles served as evidence of God's power and His special relationship with Israel. They also functioned as a testament to future generations of God's ability to intervene in the natural world. In the New Testament, Jesus performs signs and wonders to authenticate His divine authority and mission, drawing a parallel to the miracles of the Exodus.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who demonstrates His power and faithfulness by delivering His people.

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

3. Moses
The leader chosen by God to bring the Israelites out of Egypt and guide them to the Promised Land.

4. Israelites
The descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were enslaved in Egypt and later delivered by God.

5. Exodus
The event of God delivering the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, marked by miraculous signs and wonders.

Teaching Points

God's Deliverance
God is a deliverer who rescues His people from bondage. Just as He delivered Israel from Egypt, He delivers us from sin through Jesus Christ.

Power and Might of God
The "mighty hand and outstretched arm" symbolize God's unparalleled power. We can trust in His strength in our own lives, knowing He is capable of overcoming any obstacle.

Signs and Wonders
God's use of signs and wonders in the Exodus account demonstrates His sovereignty over creation. We should remain open to seeing God's hand at work in miraculous ways today.

Remembrance and Gratitude
The Israelites were called to remember their deliverance and express gratitude. We, too, should regularly reflect on and give thanks for God's work in our lives.

Faithfulness of God
God's actions in the Exodus reveal His faithfulness to His promises. We can rely on His promises in Scripture, knowing He is faithful to fulfill them.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the historical context of the Exodus enhance our appreciation of God's deliverance in Deuteronomy 26:8?

2. In what ways can we see God's "mighty hand and outstretched arm" at work in our lives today?

3. How do the signs and wonders performed during the Exodus encourage us to trust in God's power and sovereignty?

4. What are some practical ways we can remember and express gratitude for God's deliverance in our own lives?

5. How does the faithfulness of God in delivering Israel from Egypt inspire us to trust in His promises found in other parts of Scripture?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 3-14
These chapters detail the calling of Moses, the plagues, and the eventual deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt, providing the historical context for Deuteronomy 26:8.

Psalm 136
This psalm recounts God's enduring love and mighty acts, including the deliverance from Egypt, emphasizing His faithfulness.

Acts 7:36
Stephen's speech in the New Testament references the signs and wonders performed by God during the Exodus, connecting the Old Testament deliverance to the broader account of God's salvation plan.