Deuteronomy 15:15
Remember that you were slaves in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God redeemed you; that is why I am giving you this command today.
Remember
The Hebrew word for "remember" is "זָכַר" (zakar), which implies more than just recalling a fact; it involves an active, conscious effort to bring something to mind and act upon it. In the biblical context, remembering is often tied to covenant faithfulness. God calls His people to remember their past, not to dwell in it, but to let it shape their present actions and attitudes. This remembrance is a call to gratitude and obedience, acknowledging God's past deliverance as a foundation for current faithfulness.

that you were slaves
The phrase "that you were slaves" serves as a poignant reminder of Israel's past bondage in Egypt. The Hebrew word for "slaves" is "עֲבָדִים" (avadim), which denotes servitude and oppression. This historical context is crucial, as it underscores the transformation from slavery to freedom, a central theme in Israel's identity. It is a call to humility and empathy, reminding the Israelites of their humble beginnings and encouraging them to treat others with compassion and justice.

in the land of Egypt
"Egypt" in Hebrew is "מִצְרַיִם" (Mitzrayim), often symbolizing a place of oppression and idolatry in the biblical narrative. The land of Egypt represents the world from which God delivered His people, a place of spiritual and physical bondage. This reference serves as a backdrop for understanding God's redemptive power and His ability to bring His people out of darkness into light. It is a call to recognize God's sovereignty and His ability to transform dire circumstances.

and the LORD your God
The phrase "the LORD your God" uses the sacred name "יְהוָה" (YHWH), which is often translated as "LORD" in English. This name signifies God's eternal, self-existent nature and His covenant relationship with Israel. The use of "your God" personalizes this relationship, emphasizing that the same God who delivered Israel is actively involved in their lives. It is a reminder of God's faithfulness and His intimate involvement in the lives of His people.

redeemed you
The Hebrew word for "redeemed" is "גָּאַל" (ga'al), which means to buy back or to rescue. This term is rich with theological significance, as it points to God's act of deliverance from slavery in Egypt. Redemption is a central theme in Scripture, foreshadowing the ultimate redemption through Christ. It highlights God's grace and mercy, underscoring that salvation is an act of divine intervention, not human effort.

that is why I am giving you this command today
This phrase ties the historical and theological context to a present-day application. The command given is rooted in God's past actions and His ongoing relationship with His people. It emphasizes the continuity of God's covenant and the expectation of obedience as a response to His grace. The word "today" underscores the immediacy and relevance of God's commands, calling believers to live in the light of God's past deliverance and present guidance.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Israelites
The chosen people of God who were once enslaved in Egypt and later redeemed by God's mighty hand.

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

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel who redeemed His people from slavery.

4. Moses
The leader and prophet who delivered God's laws and commands to the Israelites, including this reminder in Deuteronomy.

5. Redemption
The act of God delivering the Israelites from slavery, symbolizing spiritual redemption.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Remembrance
Remembering past deliverance strengthens faith and gratitude.

Reflect on personal "Egypts" from which God has delivered you.

God's Command and Our Response
God's commands are rooted in His past actions and character.

Obedience is a response to God's redemptive work in our lives.

Spiritual Redemption
Just as God redeemed Israel, He offers spiritual redemption through Christ.

Embrace and live out the freedom found in Christ.

Gratitude and Generosity
Remembering God's deliverance should lead to a life of gratitude and generosity.

Consider how you can extend grace and freedom to others.

Identity in Christ
Our identity is shaped by God's redemptive work, not our past bondage.

Live as those who are free, serving God and others.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does remembering the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt help us understand God's character and His expectations for us today?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of remembrance in our daily walk with God?

3. How does the concept of redemption in Deuteronomy 15:15 connect to the New Testament understanding of redemption through Christ?

4. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate gratitude and generosity in response to God's deliverance in our lives?

5. How can reflecting on our identity in Christ help us overcome past "bondages" and live in the freedom He provides?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 13:3
This verse also calls the Israelites to remember their deliverance from Egypt, emphasizing the importance of remembrance in their faith journey.

Leviticus 25:42
Highlights the concept of redemption and freedom, reminding the Israelites that they are God's servants, not to be sold as slaves.

1 Corinthians 6:20
Paul reminds believers that they were bought with a price, drawing a parallel to the concept of redemption in Deuteronomy.

Ephesians 1:7
Speaks of redemption through Christ's blood, connecting the Old Testament concept of redemption to the New Testament fulfillment in Jesus.
RememberSpurgeon, Charles HaddonDeuteronomy 15:12-18
Slaves to be Regarded as BrethrenD. Davies Deuteronomy 15:12-18
The Freedom of the SlaveR.M. Edgar Deuteronomy 15:12-18
The Release of Bond-ServantsC. Simeon, M. A.Deuteronomy 15:12-18
BondmenJ. Orr Deuteronomy 15:12-19
People
Moses
Places
Beth-baal-peor, Egypt
Topics
Bondman, Bond-man, Bondservant, Command, Commanding, Egypt, Free, Hast, Mind, Order, Ransom, Redeemed, Remember, Remembered, Servant, Slave, Slaves, To-day, Wast
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Deuteronomy 15:15

     1315   God, as redeemer
     7021   church, OT anticipations
     8404   commands, in OT

Deuteronomy 15:12-15

     5246   captivity
     5404   masters
     5707   male and female
     7482   Year of Jubilee

Deuteronomy 15:12-18

     5378   law, OT
     5504   rights
     7447   slavery, in OT
     8343   servanthood, in society

Deuteronomy 15:14-15

     5856   extravagance

Library
Homiletical.
Twenty-four homilies on miscellaneous subjects, published under St. Basil's name, are generally accepted as genuine. They are conveniently classified as (i) Dogmatic and Exegetic, (ii) Moral, and (iii) Panegyric. To Class (i) will be referred III. In Illud, Attende tibi ipsi. VI. In Illud, Destruam horrea, etc. IX. In Illud, Quod Deus non est auctor malorum. XII. In principium Proverbiorum. XV. De Fide. XVI. In Illud, In principio erat Verbum. XXIV. Contra Sabellianos et Arium et Anomoeos.
Basil—Basil: Letters and Select Works

Civ. Jesus Arrives and is Feasted at Bethany.
(from Friday Afternoon Till Saturday Night, March 31 and April 1, a.d. 30.) ^D John XI. 55-57; XII. 1-11; ^A Matt. XXVI. 6-13; ^B Mark XIV. 3-9. ^d 55 Now the passover of the Jews was at hand: and many went up to Jerusalem out of the country before the passover, to purify themselves. [These Jews went up before the Passover that they might have time to purify themselves from ceremonial uncleanness before the feast. They were expected to purify before any important event (Ex. xix. 10, 11), and did
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Secondly, for Thy Words.
1. Remember, that thou must answer for every idle word, that in multiloquy, the wisest man shall overshoot himself. Avoid, therefore, all tedious and idle talk, from which seldom arises comfort, many times repentance: especially beware of rash answers, when the tongue outruns the mind. The word was thine whilst thou didst keep it in; it is another's as soon as it is out. O the shame, when a man's own tongue shall be produced a witness, to the confusion of his own face! Let, then, thy words be few,
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
THE FALL OF NINEVEH AND THE RISE OF THE CHALDAEAN AND MEDIAN EMPIRES--THE XXVIth EGYPTIAN DYNASTY: CYAXARES, ALYATTES, AND NEBUCHADREZZAR. The legendary history of the kings of Media and the first contact of the Medes with the Assyrians: the alleged Iranian migrations of the Avesta--Media-proper, its fauna and flora; Phraortes and the beginning of the Median empire--Persia proper and the Persians; conquest of Persia by the Medes--The last monuments of Assur-bani-pal: the library of Kouyunjik--Phraortes
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8

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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