Deuteronomy 26:8

KJV

And the LORD brought us forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with great terribleness, and with signs, and with wonders:

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} brought us forth {H3318} out of Egypt {H4714} with a mighty {H2389} hand {H3027}, and with an outstretched {H5186} arm {H2220}, and with great {H1419} terribleness {H4172}, and with signs {H226}, and with wonders {H4159}:

Complete Jewish Bible

and ADONAI brought us out of Egypt with a strong hand and a stretched-out arm, with great terror, and with signs and wonders.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great terror, signs, and wonders.

American Standard Version

and Jehovah brought us forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with great terribleness, and with signs, and with wonders;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 26:8 stands as a foundational confessional statement within Israel's firstfruits ceremony, powerfully encapsulating the LORD's miraculous and undeniable intervention in delivering His people from the oppressive bondage of Egypt. This verse vividly declares God's unparalleled might, active presence, and awe-inspiring judgment, serving as a perpetual reminder that Israel's very existence, freedom, and subsequent prosperity in the Promised Land were solely due to His sovereign, redemptive power and unwavering faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into the instructions for the firstfruits offering (Deuteronomy 26:1-11), a pivotal act of worship and remembrance for the Israelites upon entering and settling in the Promised Land. The act of bringing the first of their harvest to the priest was far more than an agricultural ritual; it was a profound theological confession. The Israelite was commanded to recite a historical creed (Deuteronomy 26:5-10), tracing their national story from their humble, vulnerable beginnings as a "perishing Syrian" (referring to Jacob, a wandering Aramean) to their miraculous deliverance from Egyptian slavery. This recitation, culminating in the powerful declaration of God's acts in verse 8, served to firmly root their present prosperity and future blessings in God's past faithfulness and mighty deeds, ensuring that gratitude, humility, and absolute dependence on the LORD remained central to their identity and worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Deuteronomy was delivered by Moses to the generation poised to enter the Promised Land, approximately forty years after the Exodus. This generation, largely unfamiliar with the direct experience of Egyptian slavery, desperately needed a vivid recounting of God's redemptive history to solidify their national and spiritual identity. The instructions for the annual firstfruits offering provided a concrete, tangible ritual to embed this crucial memory across generations. In a world where surrounding pagan nations often attributed agricultural bounty to nature deities or their own efforts, Israel's confession explicitly credited their prosperity to the one true God, Yahweh, who had demonstrated His supreme power over all other gods and nations through the Exodus. The ceremonial act of bringing the firstfruits to the central sanctuary (as prescribed in [Deuteronomy 26:2](/deuteronomy/26-2 "Deuteronomy 26:2 - Bringing Firstfruits to the Sanctuary")) also reinforced the unity of the nation and the centrality of God's dwelling place among them.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 26:8 powerfully articulates several foundational themes central to Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Deliverance and Sovereign Power**, emphasizing God's active, irresistible, and personal intervention in human history. The vivid anthropomorphic language underscores His direct involvement in freeing His people, a theme reiterated throughout the book, such as in [Deuteronomy 4:34](/deuteronomy/4-34 "Deuteronomy 4:34 - God's Mighty Acts in Egypt"). This grand deliverance naturally leads to the theme of **Remembrance and Gratitude**, as the ritual ensures that the monumental event of the Exodus is perpetually recalled and celebrated across generations, fostering a deep sense of indebtedness and thanksgiving for God's unmerited favor and covenant keeping. Finally, the verse highlights **Covenant Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to the promises made to the patriarchs (e.g., [Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13-14 "Genesis 15:13-14 - God's Covenant Promise to Abraham")) to deliver and multiply their descendants, even amidst severe oppression and seemingly insurmountable odds.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Terribleness (Hebrew, _môwrâʼ'_):** From H4172, this term denotes fear, dread, or a fearful thing or deed. In the context of God's actions against Egypt, it refers to the awe-inspiring and terrifying display of divine judgment that struck fear into the hearts of Pharaoh and his people, compelling them to release Israel. Simultaneously, it instilled a profound sense of reverence and awe in the Israelites themselves, reminding them of the holy, fearsome, and utterly sovereign character of the God who had redeemed them through such overwhelming power.
* **Signs (Hebrew, _ʼôwth'_):** From H226, this word signifies a signal (literally or figuratively), such as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, or evidence. In this verse, "signs" refers to the miraculous events that served as undeniable evidence or proof of God's presence, power, and message. These were not random occurrences but purposeful demonstrations (e.g., the plagues) designed to attest to Yahweh's supremacy over Egyptian deities and to confirm His covenant with Israel.
* **Wonders (Hebrew, _môwphêth'_):** From H4159, this term refers to a miracle, and by implication, a token or omen. Often paired with "signs," "wonders" emphasizes the astounding, extraordinary, and often inexplicable nature of God's interventions. These events were designed to evoke astonishment and demonstrate divine power beyond human comprehension, leaving no doubt that the Exodus was a supernatural act of God. Together with "signs," they encompass the entire spectrum of supernatural interventions that accompanied the Exodus, from the plagues to the parting of the Red Sea.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD brought us forth out of Egypt":** This opening clause immediately establishes divine agency as the sole and ultimate cause of Israel's liberation. It emphatically declares that their escape was not by their own strength, cunning, or negotiation, but by the direct, intentional, and sovereign act of Yahweh (H3068). The phrase "brought us forth" (H3318, _yatsa'_) is a foundational Exodus motif, signifying a complete, decisive, and irreversible liberation from bondage.
* **"with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm":** These parallel anthropomorphic phrases describe the irresistible power and active determination with which God accomplished the Exodus. "Mighty hand" (H2389, _châzâq_ and H3027, _yâd_) conveys God's crushing strength and sovereign authority, while "outstretched arm" (H5186, _nâṭâh_ and H2220, _zᵉrôwaʻ_) evokes the image of a warrior preparing for battle or an individual exerting maximum effort. Together, they portray God not as a distant observer but as a direct, forceful agent whose power cannot be thwarted by any human or natural force, overcoming all opposition from Pharaoh and his empire.
* **"and with great terribleness":** This refers to the awe-inspiring and fear-inducing nature of God's judgments upon Egypt. The plagues and the destruction of Pharaoh's army at the Red Sea were not merely powerful but also terrifying displays of divine wrath and sovereignty (H1419, _gâdôwl_ and H4172, _môwrâʼ_), designed to demonstrate God's absolute control over creation and history. This "terribleness" instilled both fear in Israel's enemies and a profound sense of reverence and humility in His redeemed people.
* **"and with signs, and with wonders":** This final phrase specifies the miraculous means by which God executed His deliverance. "Signs" (H226, _ʼôwth_) refers to events that served as evidence or proof of God's presence and power, while "wonders" (H4159, _môwphêth_) emphasizes the astonishing and extraordinary nature of these events. These were not random occurrences but purposeful supernatural interventions—the plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, and other miraculous provisions—that attested to God's unique power, humbled Egypt, and confirmed His covenant with Israel.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 26:8 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message of divine power and deliverance. **Anthropomorphism** is prominently featured in the phrases "mighty hand" and "outstretched arm," which attribute human body parts and actions to God. This vivid imagery makes God's abstract power tangible and relatable, emphasizing His active, personal, and forceful involvement in Israel's history. The verse also employs **Parallelism**, particularly in the pairing of "mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm," and "with signs, and with wonders." This rhetorical technique reinforces the meaning, adding emphasis and a rhythmic quality to the confession, underscoring the comprehensive nature of God's intervention. The cumulative effect of these powerful descriptors ("mighty hand," "outstretched arm," "great terribleness," "signs," "wonders") creates a sense of **Hyperbole** or extreme emphasis, underscoring the extraordinary, unparalleled, and overwhelming nature of God's intervention. This is not merely a historical recounting but a declarative statement of God's unique and irresistible power, designed to evoke profound awe, gratitude, and unwavering trust.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 26:8 serves as a profound theological anchor, inextricably linking Israel's present blessings and future hope to God's past redemptive acts. It establishes a foundational pattern of divine intervention: God sees His people's affliction, hears their cry, and acts powerfully and decisively to deliver them. This historical event of the Exodus becomes the paradigm for all subsequent acts of salvation, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises and His absolute sovereignty over all creation and human empires. The verse reveals essential aspects of God's character—His omnipotence, His justice, His compassion, His protective care, and His steadfast commitment to His chosen people. It teaches that true worship and genuine gratitude flow from a deep and continuous remembrance of God's redemptive history, acknowledging Him as the ultimate source of all good things, both spiritual freedom and material provision. The Exodus, as described here, is not just a historical event but a theological blueprint for understanding God's ongoing work of salvation throughout history.

* [Exodus 6:6](/exodus/6-6 "Exodus 6:6 - God's Promise to Deliver Israel with a Mighty Hand and Outstretched Arm")
* [Psalm 136:11-12](/psalms/136-11-12 "Psalm 136:11-12 - The LORD Brought Israel Out with a Strong Hand and an Outstretched Arm")
* [Acts 7:36](/acts/7-36 "Acts 7:36 - Stephen's Sermon Recounting Moses Leading Israel Out with Wonders and Signs")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 26:8 provides a timeless template for cultivating profound faith and enduring gratitude in the life of every believer. Just as Israel was commanded to perpetually remember God's powerful deliverance from Egypt, we are called to actively recall and recount God's past acts of grace, provision, and salvation in our own lives and in the collective history of the church. This intentional remembrance serves as an anchor in times of doubt, fear, and difficulty, building our faith and trust in God's unchanging character and His unfailing ability to overcome any obstacle. The verse challenges us to adopt a posture of profound humility, recognizing that all blessings—spiritual freedom from sin, material provision, personal breakthroughs, and eternal hope—flow solely from God's "mighty hand" and "outstretched arm." This acknowledgment should lead us to a life of profound gratitude, expressed not only in words but also in acts of worship, wholehearted obedience, and generous stewardship, mirroring Israel's offering of firstfruits. It reminds us that our true identity is rooted in God's redemptive work, compelling us to live as His redeemed people, constantly testifying to His greatness, faithfulness, and the awe-inspiring wonder of His salvation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "Exodus moments" in your own life—times when you clearly experienced God's "mighty hand" delivering you from a difficult situation, spiritual bondage, or overwhelming circumstances?**
* **How can you more intentionally practice remembering God's past faithfulness, both personally and corporately, to strengthen your faith for present and future challenges and to cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude?**
* **In what practical ways can you acknowledge God as the ultimate source of all your blessings, moving beyond mere intellectual assent to genuine worship, obedience, and generous stewardship?**

### FAQ
**Why is this historical recitation so important for the Israelite offering firstfruits?**

Answer: The historical recitation, of which Deuteronomy 26:8 is a central and climactic part, was crucial because it inextricably linked the present blessing of the harvest to God's past redemptive acts. It prevented the Israelites from falling into self-reliance or attributing their prosperity to their own labor, the fertility of the land, or the benevolence of false gods. By reciting their history, they were reminded that their very existence as a free people, their possession of the land, and thus their ability to cultivate it and enjoy its bounty, were direct results of God's miraculous intervention and covenant faithfulness. This fostered a deep sense of gratitude, humility, and covenant fidelity, ensuring that their worship was rooted in a profound remembrance of God's character and His unwavering commitment to His promises. It transformed a simple agricultural offering into a profound theological confession of absolute dependence and thanksgiving to the LORD.

**What is the significance of the phrases "mighty hand" and "outstretched arm"?**

Answer: These phrases are powerful anthropomorphic idioms that vividly describe God's active, irresistible, and sovereign power. "Mighty hand" (Hebrew: _yad chazaqah_) conveys strength, authority, and decisive action, often implying a forceful grip or a powerful blow that overcomes resistance. "Outstretched arm" (Hebrew: _zeroa' netuyah_) reinforces this, suggesting a deliberate, sustained exertion of power, like a warrior extending an arm to strike or protect with full force. Together, they emphasize that God's deliverance was not passive, accidental, or merely persuasive, but a direct, intentional, and overwhelming display of His omnipotence. They signify that no power, human or spiritual, could withstand God's will to liberate His people, making the Exodus an undeniable testament to His unique and unparalleled authority over all creation and history. These phrases are used throughout the Exodus narrative (e.g., [Exodus 3:19](/exodus/3-19 "Exodus 3:19 - God's Mighty Hand Against Pharaoh")) to underscore God's irresistible power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 26:8, with its powerful declaration of God's deliverance from Egyptian bondage, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The Exodus, as the quintessential act of Old Testament salvation, serves as a magnificent type and shadow of the greater spiritual liberation accomplished by Christ. Just as the LORD brought Israel "forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm," so too has God, through Jesus, delivered humanity from the far more pervasive and deadly bondage of sin, death, and the dominion of darkness. The "great terribleness" of God's judgment on Egypt foreshadows the divine wrath against sin that was fully poured out upon Christ on the cross, allowing for our redemption and propitiation (as seen in [Romans 3:25-26](/romans/3-25-26 "Romans 3:25-26 - God's Justice and Propitiation through Christ")). The "signs, and with wonders" that accompanied the Exodus point forward to the miraculous life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection of Jesus, which are the ultimate "signs and wonders" demonstrating God's power to save (as recorded in [John 20:30-31](/john/20-30-31 "John 20:30-31 - Purpose of Jesus' Signs")). Through His sacrifice, Jesus is the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), leading us out of the domain of darkness and into His kingdom of light (as described in [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Deliverance from Darkness to Light")). Our "firstfruits" offering today is our lives, offered in grateful worship and obedient service to Him who has accomplished the ultimate and eternal deliverance from spiritual slavery.

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 4:34

Or hath God assayed to go [and] take him a nation from the midst of [another] nation, by temptations, by signs, and by wonders, and by war, and by a mighty hand, and by a stretched out arm, and by great terrors, according to all that the LORD your God did for you in Egypt before your eyes?

Psalms 106:7

Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies; but provoked [him] at the sea, [even] at the Red sea.

Psalms 106:10

And he saved them from the hand of him that hated [them], and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy.

Psalms 105:27

They shewed his signs among them, and wonders in the land of Ham.

Psalms 105:38

Egypt was glad when they departed: for the fear of them fell upon them.

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.

Exodus 12:51

And it came to pass the selfsame day, [that] the LORD did bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their armies.