Why does God repeatedly remind Israel of their time in Egypt?

God repeatedly reminds Israel of their time in Egypt (e.g., Exodus 20:2, Deuteronomy 5:6) for several crucial reasons. Firstly, it establishes the foundation of their covenant relationship; God is the one who delivered them from slavery, making Him uniquely worthy of their worship and obedience. Secondly, it serves as a constant reminder of their identity as a redeemed people, not by their own merit but by divine grace. Thirdly, and most pertinent to Deuteronomy 24:22, this memory is intended to cultivate profound empathy and compassion. Having experienced the indignity and hardship of being "bondmen," they are uniquely positioned to understand and protect the vulnerable in their own society – the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow. It transforms historical recollection into a powerful ethical imperative, ensuring that their freedom leads to justice for others.

How does this verse relate to modern concepts of social justice?

Deuteronomy 24:22 provides a profound biblical foundation for modern concepts of social justice. It establishes that justice for the vulnerable is not merely a human ideal but a divine command rooted in God's character and His redemptive acts. The verse teaches that our own experiences of hardship or liberation should compel us to advocate for and protect those who are currently oppressed or marginalized. It underscores the principle that true freedom and blessing are manifested not just in personal prosperity but in the creation of a just and equitable society where the rights and needs of the poor, the stranger, and the defenseless are upheld. This aligns with a holistic understanding of justice that goes beyond individual piety to encompass systemic care for the marginalized, echoing the call to "do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God" found in Micah 6:8.

24:21 24:21

Deuteronomy 24:22

25:1 25:1

Bible Versions

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

And thou shalt remember {H2142} that thou wast a bondman {H5650} in the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}: therefore I command {H6680} thee to do {H6213} this thing {H1697}.

Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt. That is why I am ordering you to do this.

Remember that you were slaves in the land of Egypt. Therefore I am commanding you to do this.

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

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.

Verse Lookup

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 24:18

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.
Deuteronomy 5:14

But the seventh day [is] the sabbath of the LORD thy God: [in it] thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that [is] within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou.
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.
1 John 4:10

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son [to be] the propitiation for our sins.
1 John 4:11

Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
Ephesians 5:1

¶ Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
Ephesians 5:2

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

Bible Versions

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