Leviticus 22:33

who brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your God. I am the LORD."

Study Bible

who brought you out of the land of Egypt
This phrase is a powerful reminder of God's deliverance and faithfulness. The Hebrew root for "brought you out" is "yatsa," which means to go out, come out, or bring out. This word is often used in the context of liberation and deliverance, emphasizing God's active role in freeing the Israelites from slavery. The "land of Egypt" symbolizes bondage and oppression, and God's deliverance from it is a central theme in the Old Testament, serving as a foundational event that defines the identity of Israel as God's chosen people. Historically, the Exodus is a pivotal moment that demonstrates God's power and His covenantal faithfulness. It is a call to remember God's past acts of salvation as a basis for trust and obedience.

to be your God
This phrase underscores the purpose of God's deliverance: to establish a relationship with His people. The Hebrew word for "God" here is "Elohim," which conveys the idea of majesty and power. The phrase "to be your God" indicates a personal and covenantal relationship. It is not merely about liberation from physical bondage but about entering into a spiritual and communal relationship with the Creator. This relationship is characterized by God's sovereignty and the people's worship and obedience. Theologically, it points to the idea that God's acts of salvation are always aimed at drawing people into a deeper relationship with Him, where He is acknowledged as the ultimate authority and source of life.

I am the LORD
This declaration is a profound assertion of God's identity and authority. The Hebrew word for "LORD" is "YHWH," often rendered as "Yahweh," which is the personal name of God revealed to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:14). It signifies God's eternal, self-existent nature and His covenantal faithfulness. The phrase "I am the LORD" is a recurring affirmation throughout the Old Testament, serving as a reminder of God's unchanging nature and His rightful place as the sovereign ruler over all creation. It is a call to recognize and revere God's holiness and to respond with faithfulness and obedience. In the broader scriptural context, this declaration is a cornerstone of Israel's faith, emphasizing that their identity and existence are rooted in their relationship with Yahweh, who is both their deliverer and their God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who reveals Himself as the one true God and the deliverer of His people.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, whom He delivered from slavery in Egypt and to whom He gave His laws and commandments.

3. Egypt
The land of bondage from which God delivered the Israelites, symbolizing sin and oppression.

4. Moses
The leader chosen by God to bring the Israelites out of Egypt and to whom the laws, including those in Leviticus, were given.

5. The Exodus
The pivotal event of deliverance where God led the Israelites out of Egypt, demonstrating His power and faithfulness.

Teaching Points

God's Deliverance as a Foundation for Obedience
The deliverance from Egypt is a foundational act that establishes God's authority and the basis for Israel's obedience to His laws.

Identity and Relationship with God
Understanding that God is the one who brought them out of Egypt helps the Israelites (and us) to see their identity as His people and the relational aspect of His commandments.

Remembrance and Gratitude
Regularly remembering God's past acts of deliverance fosters gratitude and strengthens faith, encouraging a life of worship and obedience.

God's Sovereignty and Faithfulness
The statement "I am the LORD" underscores God's sovereignty and faithfulness, reminding believers of His unchanging nature and His commitment to His promises.

Application to Christian Life
Just as Israel was called to remember their deliverance, Christians are called to remember their deliverance from sin through Christ, living in a way that reflects their new identity.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the reminder of God bringing the Israelites out of Egypt influence their understanding of His commandments in Leviticus?

2. In what ways can we, as modern believers, remember and celebrate our deliverance through Christ in our daily lives?

3. How does the concept of God as a deliverer in Leviticus 22:33 connect to the New Testament understanding of salvation?

4. What are some practical ways to cultivate gratitude for God's past deliverance in our personal and communal worship?

5. How can the identity of being God's chosen people, as seen in both the Old and New Testaments, impact our daily decisions and interactions with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 20:2
This verse echoes the declaration of God as the deliverer from Egypt, establishing His authority to give the commandments.

Deuteronomy 6:12
A reminder to the Israelites not to forget the LORD who brought them out of Egypt, emphasizing the importance of remembering God's past deliverance.

Psalm 81:10
Reinforces the identity of God as the one who brought Israel out of Egypt, encouraging trust and obedience.

1 Peter 2:9
Connects the concept of being a chosen people, called out of darkness, to the New Testament believers, drawing a parallel to the deliverance from Egypt.