Deuteronomy 24:18

KJV

But thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee thence: therefore I command thee to do this thing.

KJV (with Strong's)

But thou shalt remember {H2142} that thou wast a bondman {H5650} in Egypt {H4714}, and the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} redeemed {H6299} thee thence: therefore I command {H6680} thee to do {H6213} this thing {H1697}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Rather, remember that you were a slave in Egypt; and ADONAI your God redeemed you from there. That is why I am ordering you to do this.

Berean Standard Bible

Remember that you were slaves in Egypt, and the LORD your God redeemed you from that place. Therefore I am commanding you to do this.

American Standard Version

but thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt, and Jehovah thy God redeemed thee thence: therefore I command thee to do this thing.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 24:18 serves as the profound theological bedrock for a series of social justice mandates within ancient Israelite law. It compels the Israelites to actively recall their past servitude in Egypt and the mighty, redemptive act of the LORD their God who delivered them from bondage. This foundational historical memory and the experience of divine grace are presented as the compelling and non-negotiable reasons for them to extend justice, compassion, and equitable treatment to the vulnerable and marginalized within their own society, ensuring that their liberation translates into a community characterized by righteousness and mercy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 24:18 is strategically positioned within a broader legislative corpus (Deuteronomy 24:10-22) that delineates specific humanitarian and ethical regulations for Israelite society. Immediately preceding this verse are laws concerning the fair treatment of debtors and the prohibition against kidnapping ([Deuteronomy 24:6-7](/deuteronomy/24-6-7 "Deuteronomy 24:6-7 - Laws on Pledges and Kidnapping")). More directly, verse 18 provides the theological rationale for subsequent commands regarding fair wages for hired laborers ([Deuteronomy 24:14-15](/deuteronomy/24-14-15 "Deuteronomy 24:14-15 - Fair Wages for Hired Servants")), impartial justice for the resident alien, the fatherless, and the widow ([Deuteronomy 24:17](/deuteronomy/24-17 "Deuteronomy 24:17 - Justice for the Vulnerable")), and the gleaning laws designed to provide for the poor ([Deuteronomy 24:19-22](/deuteronomy/24-19-22 "Deuteronomy 24:19-22 - Gleaning Laws for the Poor")). The concluding phrase "this thing" in verse 18 acts as a summary reference, encompassing these specific ethical mandates and emphasizing that they are not arbitrary rules but flow directly from Israel's defining experience of divine redemption. The structure underscores that Israel's past oppression and God's liberating intervention must fundamentally shape their present and future ethical conduct.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel's national identity was indelibly forged by their experience of slavery in Egypt and their miraculous exodus under Yahweh's powerful hand. This event was not merely a historical footnote but the foundational narrative of their covenant relationship with God. In the broader ancient Near East, vulnerable groups such as the _ger_ (resident alien), _yatom_ (fatherless), and _almanah_ (widow) frequently lacked legal protection, land rights, or familial support, rendering them highly susceptible to exploitation. Deuteronomy, presented as Moses' final address to the generation poised to enter the Promised Land, continually reiterates this defining origin story and God's mighty acts. The laws articulated in Deuteronomy 24 represent a radical departure from typical ancient Near Eastern legal codes, which often prioritized the rights of the powerful. Instead, they uniquely highlight Yahweh's profound concern for the marginalized, aiming to establish a society where justice and compassion were deeply rooted in divine command and a living historical memory. The concept of "redemption" (_padah_) from slavery was thus not just a past event but a dynamic theological truth demanding a reciprocal ethical response from the redeemed community.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 24:18 encapsulates several central themes vital to the book of Deuteronomy and the broader Old Testament. Foremost is **Remembrance** (_zakhar_); Israel is consistently commanded to [remember their past](/deuteronomy/5-15 "Deuteronomy 5:15 - Remember the Sabbath and the Exodus") not as a static historical fact, but as an active, internalizing process that shapes their present actions and national character. Second, **Redemption** by Yahweh is presented as the ultimate act of grace, establishing Israel's unique covenant relationship with God and serving as the foundational basis for all subsequent covenant obligations. Third, **Empathy and Compassion** emerge as direct, necessary consequences of this redemption; having personally experienced the bitterness of oppression, Israel is divinely mandated to identify with and actively care for the vulnerable in their midst, including the [foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow](/deuteronomy/10-19 "Deuteronomy 10:19 - Love the Sojourner"). Fourth, **Social Justice** is presented as an indispensable facet of covenant faithfulness, flowing directly from God's righteous character as a redeemer and His expectation that His people will reflect His own righteousness in their societal structures. Finally, the verse powerfully highlights **Gratitude as a Motivator for Obedience**, implying that Israel's ethical conduct is not burdensome legalism but a joyful and thankful response to God's liberating grace.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **remember (Hebrew, _zâkar'_):** This primitive root signifies more than mere mental recall; it implies an active, intentional engagement with the past that shapes present behavior and future actions. For Israel, to "remember" their bondage and God's redemption was to internalize these truths so deeply that they would compel ethical living and a commitment to justice for others. It is a call to live out the implications of their history, making the past a dynamic force in the present.
* **bondman (Hebrew, _ʻebed'_):** This term refers to a slave or servant, emphasizing a state of complete subjugation, lack of personal freedom, and often, severe hardship. In the context of Egypt, it highlights Israel's utter powerlessness and oppression, a condition from which only divine intervention could rescue them. The use of "bondman" underscores the severity of their former plight, making God's act of redemption all the more profound and awe-inspiring.
* **redeemed (Hebrew, _pâdâh'_):** This primitive root means to "sever," "ransom," "deliver," or "set free," often implying a powerful act of intervention or the payment of a price. It is a strong term for liberation, highlighting God's active, decisive, and costly involvement in Israel's deliverance from Egyptian bondage. It signifies not merely a release but a forceful, purposeful act of divine rescue that establishes a new, profound relationship between the redeemer and the redeemed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But thou shalt remember":** This opening imperative establishes the core command: active, intentional recollection. It is a call to bring to mind and internalize a foundational truth about their national identity and divine relationship, ensuring it is not forgotten or treated as mere historical trivia, but remains a living, shaping force.
* **"that thou wast a bondman in Egypt":** This clause directs their remembrance to their specific, humiliating, and painful past. It grounds their identity in a shared experience of oppression and vulnerability, emphasizing their former state of powerlessness and suffering under foreign rule, a condition from which they could not escape on their own.
* **"and the LORD thy God redeemed thee thence":** This is the pivotal theological statement, highlighting God's gracious and powerful intervention. It underscores that their liberation was not by their own might or merit but by the sovereign, covenantal act of Yahweh, their personal God. The redemption is presented as both personal ("thy God") and complete ("thence," from that place of bondage).
* **"therefore I command thee to do this thing":** This concluding clause forms the logical and ethical consequence. The "therefore" (וְלָכֵן, _wəlāḵēn_) powerfully links their past experience and God's redemptive act directly to the present divine mandate. "This thing" refers collectively to the specific social justice laws outlined in Deuteronomy 24 (e.g., fair wages, justice for the vulnerable, gleaning laws), establishing that their ethical conduct is a direct, grateful, and empathetic response to God's unparalleled grace.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 24:18 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its transformative message. The primary device is **Didacticism**, as the verse explicitly teaches a moral and theological lesson, directly linking past divine action to present human responsibility. It functions as a **Covenantal Imperative**, where the command ("thou shalt remember... therefore I command thee") is deeply rooted in the established covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel, underscoring that ethical behavior is a non-negotiable aspect of their identity as God's redeemed people. The phrase "thou wast a bondman in Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee thence" serves as a potent **Historical Allusion**, referencing the foundational Exodus event that defines Israel's national narrative and theological understanding. This allusion is not merely factual but profoundly **Rhetorical**, designed to evoke deep empathy, gratitude, and a sense of moral obligation, compelling the audience to act justly. The verse also powerfully utilizes **Cause and Effect**, clearly articulating that God's redemptive act (the cause) necessitates a particular ethical response (the effect) from His people, making their social justice practices a direct outflow of divine grace.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 24:18 encapsulates a profound and enduring theological principle: God's redemptive acts are not merely for the isolated benefit of the redeemed, but are fundamentally designed to transform them into agents of His justice and compassion in the world. Israel's liberation from Egyptian bondage was intended to cultivate a national character profoundly marked by empathy for the vulnerable, thereby reflecting the very character of their Redeemer God. This principle extends far beyond specific legal statutes, establishing a paradigm where a personal or communal experience of divine grace becomes the inexhaustible wellspring for ethical responsibility towards others, particularly those who are marginalized, oppressed, or without recourse. It underscores that true worship and covenant faithfulness are expressed not only in ritual observance but, perhaps even more profoundly, in righteous living, social equity, and the pursuit of justice for all.

* [Deuteronomy 5:15](/deuteronomy/5-15 "Deuteronomy 5:15 - Remember the Sabbath and the Exodus")
* [Exodus 23:9](/exodus/23-9 "Exodus 23:9 - Do Not Oppress the Sojourner")
* [Leviticus 19:33-34](/leviticus/19-33-34 "Leviticus 19:33-34 - Love the Sojourner as Yourself")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 24:18 offers a timeless and profoundly challenging mandate to believers across generations. Just as ancient Israel was called to actively remember their physical redemption from slavery as the foundational basis for their ethical conduct, we, as followers of Christ, are called to remember our spiritual redemption from the devastating bondage of sin, death, and futility. This profound act of grace, accomplished through Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross, should not remain a private, isolated blessing but must become a powerful, transformative force that compels us to live justly and compassionately in a broken world. Our experience of God's boundless mercy, liberating forgiveness, and new life ought to cultivate within us a deep, active empathy for all who are oppressed, marginalized, or vulnerable in our own societies. This means actively advocating for systemic justice, treating every person with inherent dignity, ensuring fair and equitable practices in our workplaces, and extending practical care and support to the poor, the stranger, the voiceless, and those suffering injustice, thereby reflecting the very heart of God who redeems and liberates. Our obedience to God's commands, particularly those concerning social responsibility and care for the "least of these," becomes a joyful, grateful, and authentic response to His immense love and deliverance, transforming our personal faith into a tangible, redemptive force for good in our communities and beyond.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does remembering God's redemptive work in your own life, particularly through Christ, motivate your actions towards others, especially the vulnerable and oppressed?**
* **In what specific, practical ways can you apply the principle of empathy, born from your own experience of divine grace, to advocate for justice within your community, workplace, or sphere of influence?**
* **What specific "things" (actions, attitudes, or commitments) is God commanding you to do today as a direct and grateful response to His redemption in your life?**
* **How might a deeper awareness of your own past "bondage" (whether spiritual, emotional, or societal) and God's powerful liberation from it increase your compassion and drive to serve those who are currently experiencing oppression or hardship?**

### FAQ

**What does "this thing" refer to in Deuteronomy 24:18?**

Answer: "This thing" in Deuteronomy 24:18 refers collectively to the specific ethical and social justice commands outlined in the surrounding verses of [Deuteronomy 24](/deuteronomy/24 "Deuteronomy 24 - Various Laws and Ordinances"). These include regulations concerning the fair treatment of hired servants ([Deuteronomy 24:14-15](/deuteronomy/24-14-15 "Deuteronomy 24:14-15 - Fair Wages for Hired Servants")), ensuring impartial justice for the resident alien, the fatherless, and the widow ([Deuteronomy 24:17](/deuteronomy/24-17 "Deuteronomy 24:17 - Justice for the Vulnerable")), and the laws regarding leaving gleanings in fields, olive groves, and vineyards for the poor and the stranger ([Deuteronomy 24:19-22](/deuteronomy/24-19-22 "Deuteronomy 24:19-22 - Gleaning Laws for the Poor")). The phrase serves as a powerful summary, indicating that these preceding and subsequent mandates are not arbitrary legal stipulations but are profoundly rooted in the foundational memory of Israel's redemption from Egyptian bondage. It emphasizes that these laws are a direct, logical, and necessary consequence of God's redemptive character and Israel's own defining historical experience of liberation.

**Why is "remembering" so important in this context?**

Answer: In biblical thought, "remembering" (Hebrew: _zâkar'_) is far more than a passive recollection of historical facts; it implies an active, intentional, and transformative engagement with the past that profoundly shapes present behavior and future actions. For Israel, remembering their past as "bondmen" in Egypt and the LORD's powerful act of redemption was crucial for several interwoven reasons. First, it continually reinforced their unique identity as God's chosen, liberated, and covenant people. Second, it cultivated deep gratitude, loyalty, and unwavering devotion towards God, their mighty Redeemer. Most importantly, as powerfully articulated in [Deuteronomy 24:18](/deuteronomy/24-18 "Deuteronomy 24:18 - Remember Your Redemption"), this active remembrance served as the theological and moral impetus for their ethical conduct. By internalizing their own experience of oppression and God's profound mercy, they were compelled to extend that same mercy, justice, and compassion to others, particularly the vulnerable and marginalized in their society, ensuring that their hard-won freedom led to a truly just and righteous community. This active, living remembrance prevents complacency, fuels compassionate action, and makes the past a dynamic guide for present righteousness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 24:18, with its profound emphasis on remembering a past redemption as the foundational basis for present ethical living, finds its ultimate, most comprehensive, and eternally significant fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Israel's liberation from physical slavery in Egypt serves as a powerful and divinely orchestrated foreshadowing of the far greater spiritual redemption from the devastating bondage of sin, death, and the law's condemnation, a liberation accomplished solely through Christ's atoning sacrifice. Just as the LORD "redeemed" Israel with a mighty hand and outstretched arm, so too has Christ "redeemed" us, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with His own precious blood, as of a lamb without blemish or spot ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed with Precious Blood")). We, as His redeemed people, are called to "remember" this ultimate act of grace, not merely as a historical event, but as the defining, transformative truth of our very existence, compelling us to live out the radical implications of our new freedom in Christ. Our experience of being set free from the dominion of darkness and miraculously transferred into the glorious kingdom of God's beloved Son ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Redeemed and Transferred to God's Kingdom")) should ignite within us a profound, empathetic identification with the suffering, and a passionate, unwavering commitment to justice for the marginalized and oppressed. Just as Israel's redemption led to specific laws for the fatherless, the widow, and the stranger, our redemption in Christ calls us to be active agents of His compassion, advocating for the poor, the vulnerable, and the voiceless, for truly, whatever we do for the least of these, we do for Him, our King and Redeemer ([Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Whatever You Did for the Least of These")). Thus, the Christ-centered fulfillment of Deuteronomy 24:18 transcends a national historical memory, transforming it into a universal spiritual reality that mandates the redeemed people of God to reflect His redemptive love, righteousness, and justice in every sphere of life, until His kingdom comes in its fullness.

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 5:15

And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and [that] the LORD thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the LORD thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day.

Deuteronomy 16:12

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

Deuteronomy 24:22

And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt: therefore I command thee to do this thing.

Deuteronomy 15:15

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.