Joshua 24:5

KJV

I sent Moses also and Aaron, and I plagued Egypt, according to that which I did among them: and afterward I brought you out.

KJV (with Strong's)

I sent {H7971} Moses {H4872} also and Aaron {H175}, and I plagued {H5062} Egypt {H4714}, according to that which {H834} I did {H6213} among {H7130} them: and afterward {H310} I brought you out {H3318}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I sent Moshe and Aharon, I inflicted plagues on Egypt in accordance with what I did among them, and afterwards I brought you out.

Berean Standard Bible

Then I sent Moses and Aaron, and I afflicted the Egyptians by what I did there, and afterward I brought you out.

American Standard Version

And I sent Moses and Aaron, and I plagued Egypt, according to that which I did in the midst thereof: and afterward I brought you out.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 24:5 stands as a powerful declaration within Joshua's climactic farewell address at Shechem, serving as a foundational reminder of God's unwavering faithfulness to Israel. This verse encapsulates the Lord's direct, sovereign, and overwhelming intervention in delivering the Israelites from their brutal bondage in Egypt, an event that not only forged their national identity but also established the enduring truth of God's covenant loyalty and His unparalleled power to redeem His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned within Joshua's final, monumental address to the assembled tribes of Israel at Shechem, meticulously recorded in [Joshua 24](/joshua/24 "Joshua 24 - Joshua's Covenant Renewal at Shechem"). The speech functions as a solemn covenant renewal ceremony, deliberately mirroring the structure of ancient Near Eastern suzerainty treaties. Joshua commences with an extensive historical prologue, meticulously tracing God's redemptive acts from the divine call of Abraham in [Ur of the Chaldeans](/genesis/11-31 "Genesis 11:31 - Terah's Departure from Ur"), through the patriarchal period, the sojourn in Egypt, the miraculous Exodus, the challenging wilderness wanderings, and finally, the successful conquest of Canaan. [Joshua 24:5](/joshua/24-5 "Joshua 24:5 - God's Mighty Deliverance from Egypt") specifically hones in on the pivotal Exodus event, setting the theological and historical stage for Joshua's profound exhortation to "choose this day whom you will serve" found in [Joshua 24:15](/joshua/24-15 "Joshua 24:15 - Choose Whom You Will Serve"). The overarching purpose of this detailed historical review is to impress upon the people the irrefutable evidence of God's unilateral faithfulness, immense power, and unceasing provision, thereby compelling them to respond with exclusive loyalty and unwavering obedience to Yahweh.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Exodus from Egypt, extensively chronicled in [Exodus 1-15](/exodus/1 "Exodus 1 - The Oppression and Deliverance of Israel"), represented the singular, most defining historical event for ancient Israel, marking their miraculous birth as a distinct nation under God's exclusive covenant. At this juncture, Egypt stood as a formidable world power, and the Israelites had endured centuries of brutal, dehumanizing slavery, as vividly described in [Exodus 1:11-14](/exodus/1-11-14 "Exodus 1:11-14 - Israel's Harsh Bondage in Egypt"). The ten plagues, detailed across [Exodus 7-12](/exodus/7 "Exodus 7 - The Plagues Begin"), were far from mere natural phenomena; they were direct, targeted divine judgments against Pharaoh and the entire pantheon of Egyptian gods, unequivocally demonstrating Yahweh's absolute supremacy over all earthly and spiritual powers, as highlighted in [Exodus 12:12](/exodus/12-12 "Exodus 12:12 - Judgment on Egypt's Gods"). The subsequent miraculous deliverance through the Red Sea, recounted in [Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Crossing of the Red Sea"), irrevocably established God as their ultimate Deliverer and King, forming the very bedrock of their national identity and their unique covenant relationship with Him at Mount Sinai. Joshua's recounting of this momentous event served to powerfully remind a new generation, now settled in the Promised Land, of the foundational act that brought them into existence and sustained their arduous journey.

* **Key Themes:** [Joshua 24:5](/joshua/24-5 "Joshua 24:5 - God's Deliverance from Egypt") masterfully encapsulates several core theological and narrative themes that permeate the entire book of Joshua and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it profoundly underscores **Divine Initiative and Sovereignty**, with the repeated first-person pronoun "I" (God speaking) emphatically asserting that Israel's deliverance was solely God's doing, entirely independent of human effort or merit. He unilaterally initiated the process, divinely chose and empowered the leaders ([Moses and Aaron](/exodus/3-10 "Exodus 3:10 - God Calls Moses")), and meticulously executed judgment. Secondly, the verse powerfully highlights **God's Power Over Oppression and Idolatry**, as the plagues systematically and decisively dismantled the political and religious power of Pharaoh and the false gods of Egypt, demonstrating Yahweh's unparalleled might and His absolute ability to overcome any opposition to fulfill His divine purposes, as seen in [Exodus 12:12](/exodus/12-12 "Exodus 12:12 - Judgment on Egyptian Gods"). Finally, it stands as an enduring testament to **Covenant Faithfulness and Redemption**, serving as a potent reminder to Israel that God faithfully fulfilled His ancient promise to Abraham ([Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13-14 "Genesis 15:13-14 - God's Covenant with Abraham")) to deliver his descendants from bondage and bring them into a land of their own, thereby establishing them as His specially chosen people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sent (Hebrew, _shâlach'_):** This verb (H7971) signifies a purposeful dispatch or sending with inherent authority and commission. When God "sent" Moses and Aaron, it was not a mere suggestion but a direct, divine mandate, endowing them with the necessary authority and power to confront Pharaoh and lead the Israelite nation. This word highlights God's active involvement and initiation of the entire Exodus narrative, emphasizing His sovereign will as the driving force behind these momentous events.
* **Plagued (Hebrew, _nâgaph'_):** This word (H5062) carries the potent sense of a forceful "strike," "smite," or "affliction," often resulting in destructive consequences. In the context of the Egyptian plagues, _nâgaph_ denotes a direct, supernatural, and decisive blow from God upon Egypt, unequivocally demonstrating His righteous judgment and overwhelming power. It underscores the divine origin and the severe, targeted nature of the calamities that ultimately compelled Pharaoh to release Israel, affirming God's direct and intentional involvement in the suffering that led to Israel's liberation.
* **Brought out (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ'_):** While the root _yâtsâʼ_ (H3318) generally means "to go out," its use here in the Hiphil stem (הוֹצֵאתִי, _hotseti_) specifically means "to bring out" or "to cause to go out." This active causative form emphatically underscores God's agency in the deliverance. He did not merely permit Israel to leave; He actively, powerfully, and successfully extracted them from Egypt, overcoming all formidable obstacles and opposition. This highlights the redemptive, liberating, and sovereign nature of God's decisive action.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I sent Moses also and Aaron":** This opening clause immediately establishes God as the primary actor and the divine initiator of the Exodus. The emphatic first-person pronoun "I" underscores His absolute divine sovereignty and direct, personal involvement. Moses and Aaron were not self-appointed leaders but divinely commissioned agents, chosen, empowered, and dispatched by God Himself to execute His will and confront the formidable might of Egypt. This highlights the divine origin of their authority and the sacred nature of their mission.
* **"and I plagued Egypt, according to that which I did among them":** This phrase directly attributes the ten devastating plagues to God's direct action. The repetition of "I" powerfully reinforces His singular agency and responsibility for these events. "According to that which I did among them" refers to the specific, targeted, and escalating series of judgments God unleashed upon Egypt, culminating in the climactic death of the firstborn. These plagues were not random occurrences but precise acts of divine judgment, meticulously designed to demonstrate Yahweh's absolute supremacy over Pharaoh and the entire pantheon of Egyptian deities, and to compel Pharaoh, through overwhelming force, to release His people.
* **"and afterward I brought you out":** This final clause articulates the ultimate, redemptive outcome of God's powerful intervention: the complete liberation of Israel from their oppressive bondage. The direct address "you" refers to the entire Israelite nation, underscoring the collective and comprehensive nature of this redemptive act. The phrase "brought you out" (the Hiphil of _yâtsâʼ'_) powerfully emphasizes God's active, mighty, and successful extraction of His people from oppression, thereby fulfilling His ancient covenant promises and establishing them as a free, sovereign nation. This was the culmination of His miraculous and mighty acts in Egypt.

#### Literary Devices
The concise yet profound declaration in [Joshua 24:5](/joshua/24-5 "Joshua 24:5 - God's Deliverance from Egypt") masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Anaphora**, the deliberate repetition of "I" at the beginning of successive clauses ("I sent... I plagued... I brought you out"), serves to powerfully emphasize God's singular agency, initiative, and absolute sovereignty in the monumental Exodus event. This rhetorical device not only highlights His divine initiative but also profoundly reinforces the theological truth that Israel's deliverance was entirely His doing, not a result of human strength or merit. The verse also functions as a highly condensed **Summary** or **Recapitulation** of the entire Exodus narrative, distilling a complex and extended series of events into a few potent, memorable phrases. This conciseness serves to underscore the pivotal and foundational nature of the Exodus as the defining act of God's redemption for Israel. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Direct Address** ("I brought *you* out"), making the historical account deeply personal and immediately relevant to the audience, inviting them to internalize God's past faithfulness as directly applicable to their present circumstances and future hope.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 24:5 stands as a foundational theological statement, profoundly underscoring God's active, sovereign involvement in human history, His unwavering commitment to His covenant people, and His absolute supremacy over nations and their rulers. The Exodus, so succinctly summarized here, is the paradigmatic act of redemption in the Old Testament, establishing the enduring pattern for God's salvation throughout biblical history. It reveals a God who attentively hears the cries of His oppressed people, intervenes with powerful and righteous judgment against their oppressors, and faithfully delivers them into freedom. This historical act of liberation is not merely a past event but a perpetual, living reminder of God's multifaceted character as both a righteous judge and a merciful deliverer, forming the very bedrock of Israel's national identity and their sacred call to exclusive loyalty and worship of Yahweh.

* [Exodus 6:6](/exodus/6-6 "God's Promise to Deliver Israel with an Outstretched Arm")
* [Deuteronomy 26:8](/deuteronomy/26-8 "Remembering the Exodus in Worship and Offering")
* [Psalm 105:26-27](/psalm/105-26-27 "God's Sending of Moses and Aaron and His Signs in Egypt")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 24:5, though deeply rooted in ancient history, offers profound and enduring truths that resonate powerfully for contemporary believers. It serves as a potent call for us to actively remember and reflect upon the mighty acts of God—both in our personal lives and in the grand, unfolding sweep of redemptive history. Just as Israel was solemnly called to recall God's powerful and miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage, we too are encouraged to cultivate a consistent habit of remembering God's unwavering faithfulness in our past struggles, His abundant provision in times of desperate need, and His liberating power from various forms of spiritual, emotional, or physical bondage. This intentional act of remembrance fosters profound gratitude, strengthens our faith amidst uncertainty, and builds resilience for future challenges, powerfully reminding us that the God who delivered ancient Israel is the very same God who remains sovereign over our circumstances today. This understanding compels us to acknowledge that our salvation, our breakthroughs, and our very existence as God's redeemed people are not due to our own merit, strength, or wisdom, but solely to His gracious initiative and powerful intervention. Such a realization cultivates deep humility and profoundly deepens our reliance on His unfailing power, steadfast love, and boundless wisdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does intentionally remembering God's past faithfulness (both in your personal life and in biblical history) strengthen your trust in Him for present challenges and future uncertainties?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to consciously acknowledge God's sovereign initiative and power, rather than relying predominantly on your own efforts or perceived control?**
* **What forms of "bondage" or "oppression" in your life, or within your community, might God be calling you to trust Him to "bring out" of, mirroring His powerful deliverance of Israel?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of God saying "I" so many times in this verse?**

Answer: The repeated use of the first-person pronoun "I" ("I sent... I plagued... I brought you out") is a crucial literary and theological device known as anaphora. Its profound significance lies in powerfully emphasizing God's absolute **sovereignty** and **unilateral agency** in the Exodus event. It unequivocally underscores that the deliverance of Israel from Egypt was not a result of human effort, military might, or favorable circumstances, but solely the direct, intentional, and powerful action of Yahweh. This reiteration serves to remove any doubt about who was ultimately responsible for Israel's liberation, thereby reinforcing the theological truth that God alone is the deliverer and, consequently, worthy of all praise, exclusive loyalty, and worship. It sets the crucial theological stage for Joshua's later, climactic challenge to "choose this day whom you will serve" ([Joshua 24:15](/joshua/24-15 "Joshua 24:15 - Choose Whom You Will Serve")), as only the God who acted so decisively and powerfully is truly worthy of such unwavering commitment.

**Why is the Exodus so frequently referenced throughout the Old Testament?**

Answer: The Exodus from Egypt is the foundational redemptive event for ancient Israel, serving as the historical and theological bedrock upon which their identity as God's covenant people was built. It is referenced with remarkable frequency throughout the Old Testament because it encapsulates several core truths about God's character and His unique relationship with His people. It powerfully demonstrates His absolute power over oppression ([Exodus 14:13-14](/exodus/14-13-14 "Exodus 14:13-14 - The Lord Will Fight For You")), His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises ([Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13-14 "Genesis 15:13-14 - God's Covenant with Abraham")), His righteous justice against evil, and His boundless mercy in delivering His chosen people. It became the enduring paradigm for salvation, a constant and vivid reminder of what God had done and what He was eternally capable of doing. Moreover, the monumental giving of the Law at Mount Sinai immediately followed the Exodus, making the deliverance a prerequisite for the covenant relationship and the very basis for Israel's obedience ([Exodus 20:2](/exodus/20-2 "Exodus 20:2 - The First Commandment")). Therefore, remembering the Exodus was a perpetual call to live in profound gratitude and unwavering covenant fidelity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 24:5, in its powerful and concise recounting of God's miraculous deliverance of Israel from the physical bondage of Egypt, serves as a profound Old Testament type and shadow, pointing inexorably to the ultimate, infinitely greater deliverance accomplished by Jesus Christ. The Exodus, with its profound emphasis on God's sovereign initiative, the divine sending of a chosen deliverer ([Moses](/exodus/3-10 "Exodus 3:10 - God Calls Moses")), the righteous judgment of oppressive powers ([the plagues](/exodus/7 "Exodus 7 - The Plagues Begin")), and the glorious liberation of a people, powerfully prefigures the spiritual "Exodus" that Christ achieves for all humanity. Just as God "brought out" Israel from physical slavery, 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"), delivers us from the far more pervasive and deadly bondage of sin and spiritual death ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and the Gift of God")). His atoning sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate "plague" against the powers of darkness, having disarmed and triumphed over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")), and His glorious resurrection is the definitive "bringing out" into new life, freedom, and reconciliation with God ([Ephesians 2:5-6](/ephesians/2-5-6 "Ephesians 2:5-6 - Made Alive with Christ and Seated with Him")). Through Christ, believers are not merely brought out of a physical land but are miraculously transferred from the dominion of darkness into the glorious kingdom of His beloved Son ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness into Light")), experiencing a spiritual exodus that completely fulfills and infinitely transcends the historical event recounted in [Joshua 24:5](/joshua/24-5 "Joshua 24:5 - God's Deliverance from Egypt").

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

Exodus 3:10

Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.

Exodus 7:1

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet.

Exodus 7:12

For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods.

Exodus 12:37

¶ And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot [that were] men, beside children.

Exodus 4:12

Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.

Exodus 4:14

And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses, and he said, [Is] not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart.

Psalms 105:26

He sent Moses his servant; [and] Aaron whom he had chosen.