Deuteronomy 26:6
But the Egyptians mistreated us and afflicted us, putting us to hard labor.
But the Egyptians
The term "Egyptians" refers to the people of Egypt, a powerful and ancient civilization known for its advanced culture and formidable military. In the Hebrew context, Egypt often symbolizes oppression and bondage. Historically, Egypt was a place of refuge during famine, as seen in the account of Joseph, but it also became a place of enslavement for the Israelites. This duality highlights the transient nature of human alliances and the ultimate sovereignty of God over nations.

mistreated us
The Hebrew root for "mistreated" is "רָעַע" (ra'a), which conveys the idea of doing evil or causing harm. This word choice emphasizes the severity of the Egyptians' actions against the Israelites. It wasn't merely a matter of harsh treatment; it was a deliberate infliction of evil. This mistreatment serves as a reminder of the fallen nature of humanity and the need for divine intervention and justice.

and afflicted us
The word "afflicted" comes from the Hebrew "עָנָה" (anah), meaning to oppress or humble. This term suggests a systematic and intentional effort to break the spirit of the Israelites. The affliction was not just physical but also psychological, aiming to subdue and control. This reflects the broader biblical theme of suffering and endurance, where God's people are often tested and refined through trials.

putting us to hard labor
The phrase "hard labor" is derived from the Hebrew "עֲבֹדָה קָשָׁה" (avodah qashah), which indicates severe and rigorous work. This labor was not only physically demanding but also dehumanizing, stripping the Israelites of their dignity and freedom. In the biblical narrative, this hard labor is a precursor to the deliverance that God would provide, symbolizing the transition from slavery to freedom, from despair to hope. It serves as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual liberation that God offers to all who are oppressed by sin and the world.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Israelites
The descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were enslaved in Egypt and later delivered by God.

2. The Egyptians
The people of Egypt who enslaved the Israelites and subjected them to harsh treatment and forced labor.

3. Moses
The leader chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage and guide them to the Promised Land.

4. Egypt
The land where the Israelites were enslaved, representing a place of oppression and suffering.

5. The Exodus
The event of God delivering the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, a foundational moment in Israel's history.
Teaching Points
Understanding Oppression
Recognize the reality of oppression in the world and the importance of seeking justice and deliverance for those who are mistreated.

God's Faithfulness
Trust in God's faithfulness to deliver His people from bondage, both physically and spiritually.

The Importance of Remembrance
Remembering past struggles and God's deliverance helps to strengthen faith and reliance on Him in current challenges.

Empathy and Compassion
Develop empathy for those who are suffering and be moved to action, reflecting God's heart for the oppressed.

Spiritual Deliverance
Reflect on the spiritual deliverance from sin that God offers through Jesus Christ, paralleling the physical deliverance of the Israelites.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the experience of the Israelites in Egypt relate to situations of oppression in the world today?

2. In what ways can we see God's faithfulness in our own lives, similar to His deliverance of the Israelites?

3. How can remembering past struggles and God's deliverance impact our faith and actions in the present?

4. What practical steps can we take to show empathy and compassion to those who are suffering or oppressed?

5. How does the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt foreshadow the spiritual deliverance offered through Jesus Christ?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 1:11-14
This passage describes the harsh conditions and forced labor imposed on the Israelites by the Egyptians, providing a detailed background to Deuteronomy 26:6.

Exodus 3:7-10
God hears the cries of the Israelites and commissions Moses to lead them out of Egypt, showing His compassion and plan for deliverance.

Psalm 105:23-25
This psalm recounts Israel's time in Egypt and God's faithfulness, emphasizing His sovereignty over the nations.

Acts 7:17-19
Stephen's speech in the New Testament recounts the history of Israel, including their mistreatment in Egypt, highlighting God's redemptive plan through history.
Commemorations of National DeliveranceD. Davies Deuteronomy 26:1-11
The Dedication of the FirstfruitsR.M. Edgar Deuteronomy 26:1-11
The Presentation of the First FruitsJ. Orr Deuteronomy 26:1-11
People
Egyptians, Moses
Places
Beth-baal-peor, Egypt
Topics
Afflict, Afflicted, Bondage, Cruel, Crushing, Dealt, Egyptians, Entreated, Evil, Evil-entreated, Harshly, Ill, Ill-treated, Imposed, Labor, Laid, Mistreated, Putting, Service, Suffer, Treated, Yoke
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Deuteronomy 26:1-11

     4442   firstfruits

Deuteronomy 26:1-15

     8444   honouring God

Deuteronomy 26:4-11

     8670   remembering

Deuteronomy 26:5-9

     4208   land, divine responsibility

Deuteronomy 26:6-7

     5569   suffering, hardship
     8713   discouragement

Deuteronomy 26:6-8

     8610   prayer, asking God

Library
The Quiet Land
Gerhard Ter Steegen Deut. xxvi. 9 Stillness midst the ever-changing, Lord, my rest art Thou; So for me has dawned the morning, God's eternal NOW. Now for me the day unsetting, Now the song begun; Now, the deep surpassing glory, Brighter than the sun. Hail! all hail! thou peaceful country Of eternal calm; Summer land of milk and honey, Where the streams are balm. There the Lord my Shepherd leads me, Wheresoe'er He will; In the fresh green pastures feeds me, By the waters still. Well I know them,
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others

Appendix iv. An Abstract of Jewish History from the Reign of Alexander the Great to the Accession of Herod
The political connection of the Grecian world, and, with it, the conflict with Hellenism, may be said to have connected with the victorious progress of Alexander the Great through the then known world (333 b.c.). [6326] It was not only that his destruction of the Persian empire put an end to the easy and peaceful allegiance which Judæa had owned to it for about two centuries, but that the establishment of such a vast Hellenic empire. as was the aim of Alexander, introduced a new element into
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Jews Make all Ready for the War; and Simon, the Son of Gioras, Falls to Plundering.
1. And thus were the disturbances of Galilee quieted, when, upon their ceasing to prosecute their civil dissensions, they betook themselves to make preparations for the war with the Romans. Now in Jerusalem the high priest Artanus, and do as many of the men of power as were not in the interest of the Romans, both repaired the walls, and made a great many warlike instruments, insomuch that in all parts of the city darts and all sorts of armor were upon the anvil. Although the multitude of the young
Flavius Josephus—The Wars of the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem

Manner of Covenanting.
Previous to an examination of the manner of engaging in the exercise of Covenanting, the consideration of God's procedure towards his people while performing the service seems to claim regard. Of the manner in which the great Supreme as God acts, as well as of Himself, our knowledge is limited. Yet though even of the effects on creatures of His doings we know little, we have reason to rejoice that, in His word He has informed us, and in His providence illustrated by that word, he has given us to
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Deuteronomy
Owing to the comparatively loose nature of the connection between consecutive passages in the legislative section, it is difficult to present an adequate summary of the book of Deuteronomy. In the first section, i.-iv. 40, Moses, after reviewing the recent history of the people, and showing how it reveals Jehovah's love for Israel, earnestly urges upon them the duty of keeping His laws, reminding them of His spirituality and absoluteness. Then follows the appointment, iv. 41-43--here irrelevant (cf.
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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