Book of Deuteronomy - Chapter 5 - Verse 15
Meaning
When the verse states "And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt," it is reminding the Israelites of their past enslavement in Egypt. This serves as a humbling experience for them, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and humility. The verse goes on to mention that the Lord God brought them out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, highlighting God's power and mercy in delivering them from bondage. By commanding the Israelites to keep the sabbath day, God is reminding them of their freedom and the need to rest and reflect on His goodness. The sabbath day becomes a symbol of their liberation and a time to acknowledge God's sovereignty over their lives. Overall, this verse serves as a poignant reminder of the Israelites' past struggles, God's faithfulness in delivering them, and the importance of honoring and remembering these significant events in their history.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of this verse highlights the significance of remembering where the Israelites came from and how God delivered them from slavery in Egypt. By reminding the Israelites that they were once servants in Egypt, the verse emphasizes the importance of humility and gratitude. It serves as a reminder that God's power and intervention were instrumental in their liberation from bondage. The mention of the Sabbath day in this context could be seen as a way for the Israelites to express their thankfulness and loyalty to God for His deliverance. Additionally, the command to keep the Sabbath may also serve as a means of fostering unity and devotion among the community of believers. Word studies of 'mighty hand' and 'stretched out arm' could reveal the imagery of God's strength and power in delivering His people, emphasizing His ability to overcome all obstacles and bring about salvation. Overall, this verse conveys the themes of remembrance, deliverance, gratitude, and obedience in the context of Israelite history and faith.