Jeremiah 32:21

You brought Your people Israel out of the land of Egypt with signs and wonders, with a strong hand and an outstretched arm, and with great terror.

Study Bible

You brought Your people Israel
This phrase emphasizes God's direct involvement and personal relationship with Israel. The Hebrew word for "brought" is "yatsa," which conveys the idea of leading out or delivering. This reflects God's role as a deliverer and protector, highlighting His covenantal faithfulness. The term "Your people" signifies a chosen relationship, underscoring the special status of Israel as God's covenant people, a theme that runs throughout the Old Testament.

out of the land of Egypt
Egypt, in biblical history, represents a place of bondage and oppression. The phrase recalls the Exodus, a foundational event in Israel's history where God liberated His people from slavery. This act of deliverance is a recurring theme in Scripture, symbolizing God's power to save and His commitment to His promises. The historical context of the Exodus serves as a reminder of God's ability to intervene in seemingly impossible situations.

with signs and wonders
The "signs and wonders" refer to the miraculous events that God performed to secure Israel's release from Egypt, such as the ten plagues and the parting of the Red Sea. The Hebrew words "oth" (signs) and "mopheth" (wonders) indicate acts that demonstrate divine power and authority. These miracles were not only displays of God's might but also served as evidence of His sovereignty over creation and His ability to fulfill His promises.

with a strong hand and an outstretched arm
This phrase is a metaphorical expression of God's power and might. The "strong hand" and "outstretched arm" symbolize God's active and forceful intervention in human affairs. In the Hebrew context, these terms convey the idea of strength and reach, emphasizing God's ability to accomplish His purposes. This imagery reassures believers of God's omnipotence and His willingness to act on behalf of His people.

and with great terror
The "great terror" refers to the awe-inspiring and fearsome nature of God's acts during the Exodus. The Hebrew word "mora" conveys a sense of fear and reverence. This aspect of God's deliverance served to demonstrate His holiness and justice, instilling a sense of reverence among both the Israelites and their enemies. It underscores the seriousness of God's intervention and the respect due to Him as the Almighty.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the people of Judah during a time of great turmoil and impending exile.

2. Israel
The chosen people of God, whom He delivered from slavery in Egypt, symbolizing His covenant relationship and faithfulness.

3. Egypt
The land of bondage from which God delivered the Israelites, representing oppression and the power of God to save.

4. Signs and Wonders
Miraculous acts performed by God to demonstrate His power and authority, particularly during the Exodus.

5. Exodus
The event of God leading the Israelites out of Egypt, a foundational moment in Israel's history that showcases God's deliverance and faithfulness.

Teaching Points

God's Faithfulness
Reflect on how God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt is a testament to His faithfulness. Just as He was faithful to Israel, He remains faithful to us today.

Power of God
Consider the power of God demonstrated through signs and wonders. Trust in His ability to intervene in our lives in miraculous ways.

Covenant Relationship
Recognize the importance of the covenant relationship between God and His people. We are called to live in obedience and trust, knowing God is committed to us.

Deliverance from Bondage
Just as God delivered Israel from physical bondage, He delivers us from spiritual bondage through Jesus Christ. Reflect on areas in your life where you need His deliverance.

Remembrance and Gratitude
Cultivate a heart of gratitude by remembering God’s past deliverances in your life. Let this remembrance fuel your faith and trust in Him for the future.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the deliverance of Israel from Egypt demonstrate God's faithfulness, and how can this encourage us in our current circumstances?

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

3. How does the concept of signs and wonders in the Old Testament connect to the miracles of Jesus in the New Testament?

4. What are some modern-day "Egypts" or areas of bondage from which we need God's deliverance?

5. How can we actively remember and celebrate God's past deliverances in our lives to strengthen our faith and trust in Him?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 7-12
These chapters detail the plagues and miracles God performed in Egypt, demonstrating His power and fulfilling His promise to deliver Israel.

Deuteronomy 4:34
This verse echoes the theme of God delivering Israel with signs and wonders, reinforcing His unique relationship with His people.

Psalm 136:11-12
This psalm praises God for His enduring love and recounts His deliverance of Israel from Egypt, emphasizing His mighty hand and outstretched arm.

Acts 7:36
Stephen's speech in the New Testament references the signs and wonders in Egypt, connecting the Old Testament deliverance to the broader account of God's salvation history.