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

and you are to declare before the LORD your God
This phrase emphasizes the act of confession and acknowledgment before God, a practice deeply rooted in the covenant relationship between God and Israel. It reflects the importance of verbalizing faith and history as a form of worship and remembrance. The act of declaring before God is a reminder of His sovereignty and the Israelites' dependence on Him. This practice is seen throughout the Old Testament, where verbal declarations are used in worship, such as in Psalms and the recitation of the Shema in Deuteronomy 6:4-9.

“My father was a wandering Aramean
This refers to Jacob, also known as Israel, who is considered the patriarch of the Israelites. The term "wandering Aramean" highlights Jacob's nomadic lifestyle and his connection to the region of Aram, which is modern-day Syria. This phrase underscores the humble beginnings of the Israelite nation, emphasizing their dependence on God's guidance and provision. The wandering nature of Jacob's life is a type of the spiritual journey of faith, reflecting the Christian pilgrimage towards the heavenly promise.

and he went down to Egypt few in number
This part of the declaration recalls the migration of Jacob and his family to Egypt during a time of famine, as recorded in Genesis 46. The phrase "few in number" highlights the small size of Jacob's family at the time, which consisted of 70 people. This migration was part of God's providential plan to preserve and grow the nation of Israel. The journey to Egypt is a significant event in biblical history, setting the stage for the eventual Exodus and the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham.

and lived there and became a great nation
In Egypt, the Israelites multiplied and grew into a large and powerful nation, as described in Exodus 1:7. This growth was a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars (Genesis 15:5). The transformation from a small family to a great nation in a foreign land demonstrates God's faithfulness and the unfolding of His redemptive plan. This growth also foreshadows the expansion of the Church, as seen in the New Testament, where the Gospel spreads from a small group of disciples to a global community.

mighty and numerous
The description of the Israelites as "mighty and numerous" reflects their strength and significant population by the time of the Exodus. This transformation is a testament to God's blessing and protection over His people, despite their oppression in Egypt. The might and numbers of Israel serve as a precursor to their eventual conquest of Canaan, fulfilling God's promise to give them a land of their own. This phrase also points to the spiritual strength and growth of believers, as seen in the New Testament Church, empowered by the Holy Spirit to spread the Gospel to all nations.

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.