Deuteronomy 15:15

KJV

And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee: therefore I command thee this thing to day.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt remember {H2142} that thou wast a bondman {H5650} in the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}, and the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} redeemed {H6299} thee: therefore I command {H6680} thee this thing {H1697} to day {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and ADONAI your God redeemed you; that is why I am giving you this order today.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt, and Jehovah thy God redeemed thee: therefore I command thee this thing to-day.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 15:15 stands as a profound theological and ethical anchor for the preceding commands concerning social justice within ancient Israel, particularly regarding the release of debts and servants. It underscores the foundational motivation for obedience to God's law: a deep and abiding remembrance of His gracious and powerful acts of deliverance from bondage. This verse transforms abstract legal statutes into a living expression of gratitude, compelling Israel to extend the same mercy and freedom they received from the Lord to the vulnerable among them, thus reflecting God's own character in their societal practices.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 15:15 is strategically positioned at the culmination of a section detailing specific social and economic laws for Israel, serving as the divine rationale for these stipulations. The immediate preceding verses (Deuteronomy 15:1-11) outline the "year of release" (Sabbatical Year), mandating the cancellation of debts every seven years to prevent perpetual poverty and ensure economic equity within the community. Following this, Deuteronomy 15:12-14 addresses the release of Hebrew servants after six years of service, with a crucial command to provide generously for them upon their freedom, ensuring they are not sent away empty-handed. This verse, Deuteronomy 15:15, then provides the overarching theological imperative for these specific stipulations, linking their obedience directly to their own historical experience of God's redemptive grace. The phrase "this thing" explicitly refers back to these laws concerning the poor, the indebted, and the enslaved, cementing the ethical connection.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites were a people recently delivered from centuries of brutal slavery in Egypt. Their national identity was forged in the crucible of oppression and divine liberation, an experience that permeated their collective memory. The recollection of being "bondmen in the land of Egypt" was not a distant historical fact but a living, formative experience passed down through generations, constantly reinforced by their festivals, covenant narratives, and the very structure of their society. In the ancient Near East, slavery and debt bondage were common, often leading to cycles of intergenerational poverty and exploitation. However, the Mosaic Law, as reiterated in Deuteronomy, introduced revolutionary provisions designed to mitigate these harsh realities, reflecting God's character and His unique covenant with Israel. These laws stood in stark contrast to surrounding legal codes, emphasizing compassion, justice, and the inherent dignity of every Israelite, all rooted in their unique redemptive history. The command to "remember" was not merely cognitive recall but an active, ethical engagement with their past that was intended to profoundly shape their present and future societal practices.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several core themes prevalent throughout Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. The theme of **remembrance** is paramount; Israel is repeatedly called to remember God's mighty acts, serving as the basis for their covenant faithfulness and ethical conduct, as seen in the call to remember the Lord's leading in the wilderness ([Deuteronomy 8:2](/deuteronomy/8-2 "Deuteronomy 8:2 - Remember the Lord's Leading")). **Redemption** is presented as the ultimate motivation for ethical living; because God "redeemed" them from bondage, they are obligated to extend similar mercy to others. This highlights the profound principle that God's grace to us should be the wellspring of our grace to others. The verse also strongly emphasizes **social justice and empathy**, linking Israel's personal experience of oppression with the imperative to treat the vulnerable justly. Having known the bitterness of servitude, they were to be merciful to those in similar circumstances, reflecting God's own character and establishing a society founded on equity and compassion, as seen in the broader commands for the poor and needy ([Deuteronomy 15:7-11](/deuteronomy/15-7-11 "Deuteronomy 15:7-11 - Lending to the Poor")). Finally, it reinforces **covenant obligation**, demonstrating that their obedience to these commands, particularly those concerning the poor and oppressed, was a tangible expression of their faithfulness to the covenant relationship established with Yahweh at Sinai.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Remember (Hebrew, _zâkar'_):** This term (H2142) is a primitive root meaning "to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e. to remember; by implication, to mention." In Deuteronomy 15:15, it signifies more than mere cognitive recall; it is an active, ethical remembrance that demands a response. It implies internalizing past events—specifically God's redemptive act—in such a way that it shapes present behavior and future decisions, fostering gratitude and compelling obedience.
* **Bondman (Hebrew, _ʻebed'_):** This term (H5650) denotes a servant, slave, or bond-servant. In this context, it powerfully emphasizes Israel's former state of complete subjugation, lack of freedom, and vulnerability under Egyptian oppression. It highlights their utter dependence on an external power for their liberation, setting the stage for God's gracious and mighty intervention. The use of this term here serves as a stark reminder of their former helplessness, which should evoke profound empathy for others in similar circumstances.
* **Redeemed (Hebrew, _pâdâh'_):** The verb (H6299) is a primitive root meaning "to sever, i.e. ransom; gener. to release, preserve." In Deuteronomy 15:15, it underscores God's sovereign, mighty, and gracious act of liberation, which was not achieved by human effort but by divine power. This redemption was not merely an escape but a transformative act from slavery to covenant nationhood, establishing an eternal claim on Israel's obedience and gratitude.
* **Thing (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** This noun (H1697) means "a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing." Here, "this thing" refers specifically to the preceding commands regarding the release of debts and servants. Its inclusion emphasizes that these are not abstract or arbitrary rules, but concrete, divinely mandated actions directly stemming from God's character and His redemptive history with Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt remember":** This opening phrase is a crucial imperative throughout Deuteronomy, not just a suggestion. It mandates an active, ethical remembrance that shapes behavior. It implies a deep internalization of past events and their theological significance, leading to present obedience and compassion.
* **"that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt":** This clause grounds the command in Israel's own historical experience of suffering and oppression. It serves as a powerful, empathetic reminder of their former state of helplessness and vulnerability, intended to prevent them from inflicting similar hardship on others.
* **"and the LORD thy God redeemed thee":** This identifies the divine agent of liberation and the nature of the act. It was Yahweh, their covenant God, who, by His own power and grace, delivered them from slavery. This act of redemption is presented as the ultimate basis for their national existence and their moral obligations.
* **"therefore I command thee this thing to day":** This establishes a direct causal link between God's redemptive act and the specific social laws outlined in Deuteronomy 15. The "therefore" signifies that their experience of divine grace necessitates a corresponding response of grace and justice towards others. "This thing" refers specifically to the laws regarding the release of debts and servants, emphasizing that these are not arbitrary rules but expressions of God's character, to be mirrored by His people in their daily lives.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 15:15 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The primary device is **Historical Analogy**, where Israel's past experience of bondage and liberation serves as the direct model and motivation for their treatment of others. Their vivid memory of being "bondmen" and being "redeemed" is presented as the foundational reason for their compassionate laws. This is closely tied to **Exhortation**, as Moses directly commands the people to act based on this historical truth, urging them towards righteous behavior. The phrase "thou shalt remember" is a direct **Imperative**, a forceful command that demands active engagement and ethical response, not passive recall. The verse also utilizes **Covenantal Language**, implicitly referencing the covenant relationship where God's saving acts establish the terms for Israel's obedience and identity as "the LORD thy God." Finally, there is a clear use of **Motivation by Grace**, where God's undeserved favor (redemption) is presented as the ultimate impetus for human ethical action, transforming what might be seen as burdensome laws into grateful responses.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 15:15 encapsulates a profound theological truth: God's redemptive acts are not merely historical events but transformative experiences that demand an ethical response from His people. The liberation from Egyptian bondage was not an end in itself but the beginning of a covenant relationship that required Israel to embody God's character of justice and mercy. This principle reverberates throughout the Old Testament, where the call to care for the poor, the sojourner, the orphan, and the widow is consistently linked to Israel's own experience as aliens and oppressed people whom God delivered (e.g., [Exodus 22:21-27](/exodus/22-21-27 "Exodus 22:21-27 - Laws Concerning the Oppressed and Vulnerable")). It establishes a foundational biblical ethic: our experience of God's grace and liberation should compel us to extend grace and work for liberation for others. The law, in this context, is not a burden but a pathway to reflect the divine heart, demonstrating that true worship involves right relationships with both God and neighbor. This verse powerfully connects historical memory with ethical imperative, showing that gratitude for salvation must manifest in tangible acts of justice and compassion.

* [Leviticus 19:33-34](/leviticus/19-33-34 "Leviticus 19:33-34 - Love the Sojourner as Yourself")
* [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires of You")
* [Matthew 25:34-40](/matthew/25-34-40 "Matthew 25:34-40 - The Judgment of the Nations and Serving the Least of These")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 15:15 holds timeless relevance for believers today, transcending its ancient context to speak to the core of our faith and ethical living. Just as ancient Israel was commanded to remember their physical deliverance from Egyptian bondage, Christians are called to remember their spiritual redemption from the bondage of sin and death through Jesus Christ. This remembrance is not passive nostalgia but an active, transformative force that should cultivate profound gratitude for God's undeserved grace and freedom. This gratitude, in turn, becomes the wellspring of genuine compassion and generosity towards those who are vulnerable, oppressed, or in need in our world. Our freedom in Christ should compel us to advocate for justice, serve the marginalized, and extend mercy, reflecting the very heart of God who first showed us mercy when we were helpless. Our obedience to God's commands, particularly those related to loving our neighbor and caring for the marginalized, thus springs from a grateful heart that has experienced His profound redemption, rather than from a burdensome obligation. It reminds us that authentic faith is always expressed through active love and justice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does remembering God's past acts of redemption in your own life motivate your present actions and attitudes towards others?**
* **In what specific ways can your experience of spiritual freedom in Christ translate into practical acts of compassion and justice for the vulnerable around you?**
* **What are the "bondages" in our contemporary society that God might be calling His people to address, motivated by His redemptive work?**
* **How can we cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude for God's grace that actively shapes our generosity and willingness to serve others?**

### FAQ
**What does "this thing" refer to in Deuteronomy 15:15?**

Answer: "This thing" refers directly to the specific social justice laws detailed immediately preceding Deuteronomy 15:15 in the same chapter. Primarily, it refers to the laws concerning the release of debts every seven years (the Sabbatical Year, [Deuteronomy 15:1-11](/deuteronomy/15-1-11 "Deuteronomy 15:1-11 - The Sabbatical Year and Lending to the Poor")) and the release of Hebrew servants after six years of service, ensuring they are generously provided for upon their freedom ([Deuteronomy 15:12-14](/deuteronomy/15-12-14 "Deuteronomy 15:12-14 - Release of Hebrew Servants and Provision")). The verse provides the theological rationale for these specific commands, grounding them in Israel's own redemptive history and God's character.

**Why is "remembering" so important in Deuteronomy?**

Answer: In Deuteronomy, "remembering" (Hebrew, _zakhar_) is far more than mere cognitive recall; it's a foundational theological and ethical imperative. It means to actively internalize, meditate on, and allow past events—especially God's mighty acts of deliverance and covenant-making—to shape present behavior and future decisions. For Israel, remembering their time as "bondmen" and God's redemption from Egypt was meant to foster gratitude, prevent pride, ensure covenant faithfulness, and, crucially, motivate them to treat others with the same justice and mercy they had received. It's a call to let history inform ethics, ensuring that their society reflected the character of the God who saved them ([Deuteronomy 8:18](/deuteronomy/8-18 "Deuteronomy 8:18 - Remember the Lord Your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth")).

**Does this verse imply that Christians should practice debt cancellation or servant release today?**

Answer: While the specific practices of the Sabbatical Year and servant release were part of the Mosaic Covenant for ancient Israel, the underlying theological principles of Deuteronomy 15:15 are timeless and apply to Christians. The verse's core message is that our experience of God's grace and liberation should motivate us to show compassion, generosity, and justice to the vulnerable. While we may not implement the exact same laws, the spirit of the law compels us to address issues of poverty, debt, and oppression in ways that are relevant to our contemporary contexts. This might include advocating for fair economic practices, supporting ministries that alleviate poverty, providing generous aid to those in need, or working for systemic justice, always remembering our own spiritual redemption through Christ, which empowers us for good works ([Ephesians 2:8-10](/ephesians/2-8-10 "Ephesians 2:8-10 - Saved by Grace Through Faith for Good Works")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 15:15, with its emphasis on remembering redemption as the motivation for justice, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Israel's physical liberation from Egyptian bondage powerfully foreshadows the spiritual redemption accomplished by Christ, who delivers humanity from the far greater slavery of sin and death. Just as the Lord "redeemed" Israel, Jesus, the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), paid the ultimate price to set us free, not with silver or gold, but with His precious blood ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by the Precious Blood of Christ")). We, too, "were formerly slaves of sin" ([Romans 6:17](/romans/6-17 "Romans 6:17 - Slaves to Righteousness")), helpless and without hope, until Christ's intervention. Therefore, our remembrance of this spiritual redemption, a continuous and living reality through the Holy Spirit, becomes the supreme motivation for our obedience and our pursuit of justice and mercy. The law's demand for compassion, rooted in Israel's experience of grace, is perfectly embodied and fulfilled in Christ, who not only taught us to love our neighbor ([Matthew 22:39](/matthew/22-39 "Matthew 22:39 - Love Your Neighbor as Yourself")) but exemplified it through His self-sacrificial life and death. Our freedom in Christ is not for self-indulgence but for service, empowering us to become agents of God's redemptive love in the world, extending the grace we have received to those still in various forms of bondage ([Galatians 5:13](/galatians/5-13 "Galatians 5:13 - Freedom for Service Through Love")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 16:12

And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt: and thou shalt observe and do these statutes.

1 John 4:9

In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

1 John 4:11

Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

Isaiah 51:1

¶ Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the LORD: look unto the rock [whence] ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit [whence] ye are digged.

Ephesians 2:12

That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

Exodus 20:2

I [am] the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

Ephesians 4:32

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.