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 serves as a potent reminder within Joshua's farewell address at Shechem, where the aged leader recounts God's unwavering faithfulness to Israel. This verse specifically highlights the Lord's direct, sovereign, and powerful intervention in delivering the Israelites from their oppressive bondage in Egypt, an event that fundamentally shaped their national identity and underscored the foundational truth of God's covenant loyalty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Joshua's final, climactic address to the entire nation of Israel at Shechem, recorded in [Joshua 24](/joshua/24 "Joshua 24 - Joshua's Farewell Address and Covenant Renewal"). The speech functions as a covenant renewal ceremony, echoing the structure of ancient Near Eastern suzerainty treaties. Joshua begins with a historical prologue, tracing God's redemptive acts from Abraham's call in [Ur of the Chaldeans](/genesis/11-31 "Genesis 11:31 - Terah's Departure from Ur") through the patriarchs, the Egyptian sojourn, the Exodus, the wilderness wanderings, and the conquest of Canaan. [Joshua 24:5](/joshua/24-5 "Joshua 24:5 - God's Deliverance from Egypt") specifically recalls the pivotal Exodus event, setting the stage for Joshua's powerful exhortation to "choose this day whom you will serve" in [Joshua 24:15](/joshua/24-15 "Joshua 24:15 - Choose Whom You Will Serve"). The purpose of this detailed historical review is to impress upon the people the undeniable evidence of God's unilateral faithfulness and power, thereby compelling them to respond with exclusive loyalty and obedience.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Exodus from Egypt, recounted in [Exodus 1-15](/exodus/1 "Exodus 1 - Israel's Oppression in Egypt"), was the defining historical event for ancient Israel, marking their birth as a nation under God's covenant. Egypt, at this time, was a dominant world power, and the Israelites had endured centuries of brutal slavery, as detailed in [Exodus 1:11-14](/exodus/1-11 "Exodus 1:11-14 - Israel's Hard Bondage"). The plagues, described in [Exodus 7-12](/exodus/7 "Exodus 7 - The First Plague"), were not merely natural disasters but direct divine judgments against Pharaoh and the pantheon of Egyptian gods, demonstrating Yahweh's supremacy over all earthly and spiritual powers. The subsequent deliverance through the Red Sea ([Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - Crossing the Red Sea")) established God as their ultimate deliverer and King, forming the basis for their national identity and their covenant relationship with Him at Sinai. Joshua's recounting of this event served to remind a new generation, now settled in the land, of the foundational act that brought them into existence and sustained their journey.
* **Key Themes:** [Joshua 24:5](/joshua/24-5 "Joshua 24:5 - God's Deliverance from Egypt") powerfully encapsulates several core themes prevalent throughout the book of Joshua and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Initiative and Sovereignty**, with the repeated "I" (God speaking) emphasizing that Israel's deliverance was solely God's doing, not a result of human effort or merit. He initiated the process, chose the leaders ([Moses and Aaron](/exodus/3-10 "Exodus 3:10 - God Calls Moses")), and executed judgment. Secondly, it highlights **God's Power Over Oppression and Idolatry**, as the plagues systematically dismantled the power of Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt, demonstrating Yahweh's unparalleled might and His ability to overcome any opposition to fulfill His purposes, as seen in [Exodus 12:12](/exodus/12-12 "Exodus 12:12 - Judgment on Egyptian Gods"). Finally, it serves as a testament to **Covenant Faithfulness and Redemption**, reminding Israel that God fulfilled His ancient promise to Abraham ([Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13 "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 special people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sent (Hebrew, _shalach'_):** This verb signifies a purposeful dispatch or sending with authority. When God "sent" Moses and Aaron, it was not merely a suggestion but a divine commission, endowing them with the authority and power necessary to confront Pharaoh and lead Israel. It highlights God's active involvement and initiation of the entire Exodus narrative, emphasizing His sovereign will behind the events.
* **Plagued (Hebrew, _nagaph'_):** This word carries the sense of a forceful "strike," "smite," or "affliction," often with a destructive outcome. In the context of the plagues, _nagaph_ denotes a direct, supernatural, and decisive blow from God upon Egypt, demonstrating His judgment and overwhelming power. It emphasizes the divine origin and severity of the calamities that compelled Pharaoh to release Israel, affirming God's direct involvement in the suffering that led to Israel's release.
* **Brought out (Hebrew, _yatsa'_):** While the root _yatsa_ means "to go out," in the Hiphil stem (as used here, הוֹצֵאתִי, _hotseti_), it means "to bring out" or "to cause to go out." This active causative form underscores God's agency in the deliverance. He didn't just allow Israel to leave; He actively and powerfully extracted them from Egypt, overcoming all obstacles and opposition. This highlights the redemptive and liberating nature of God's action.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I sent Moses also and Aaron":** This clause immediately establishes God as the primary actor and initiator of the Exodus. The first-person pronoun "I" underscores His divine sovereignty and direct involvement. Moses and Aaron were not self-appointed leaders but divinely commissioned agents, chosen and empowered by God to execute His will and confront the might of Egypt. This emphasizes the divine origin of their authority and the mission.
* **"and I plagued Egypt, according to that which I did among them":** This phrase directly attributes the ten plagues to God's action. The repetition of "I" reinforces His singular agency. "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 death of the firstborn. These plagues were not random occurrences but precise acts of divine judgment, designed to demonstrate Yahweh's supremacy over Pharaoh and the Egyptian deities, and to compel Pharaoh to release His people.
* **"and afterward I brought you out":** This final clause states the ultimate outcome of God's intervention: the liberation of Israel from bondage. The "you" refers to the entire Israelite nation, underscoring the collective nature of this redemptive act. The phrase "brought you out" (Hiphil of _yatsa'_) emphasizes God's active, powerful, and successful extraction of His people from oppression, fulfilling His covenant promises and establishing them as a free nation. This was the culmination of His mighty acts in Egypt.

#### Literary Devices
The concise declaration in [Joshua 24:5](/joshua/24-5 "Joshua 24:5 - God's Deliverance from Egypt") employs several powerful literary devices. **Anaphora**, the repetition of "I" at the beginning of successive clauses ("I sent... I plagued... I brought you out"), powerfully emphasizes God's singular agency and sovereignty in the Exodus event. This rhetorical device not only highlights His initiative but also reinforces the theological truth that Israel's deliverance was entirely His doing, not their own. The verse also functions as a highly condensed **Summary** or **Recapitulation** of the entire Exodus narrative, distilling a complex series of events into a few potent phrases. This conciseness serves to underscore the pivotal nature of the Exodus as the defining act of God's redemption for Israel. Furthermore, the verse uses **Direct Address** ("I brought *you* out"), making the historical account personal and immediate to the audience, inviting them to internalize God's past faithfulness as relevant to their present and future.

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

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

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 24:5, though rooted in ancient history, offers profound and enduring truths for contemporary believers. It calls us to remember the mighty acts of God in our own lives and in the broader sweep of redemptive history. Just as Israel was called to recall God's powerful deliverance from Egypt, we are encouraged to cultivate a habit of remembering God's faithfulness in our past struggles, His provision in times of need, and His liberation from various forms of bondage. This act of remembrance fosters gratitude, strengthens faith, and builds resilience for future challenges, reminding us that the God who delivered Israel is the same God who is sovereign over our circumstances today. It prompts us to acknowledge that our salvation, our breakthroughs, and our very existence as God's people are not due to our own merit or strength, but solely to His gracious initiative and powerful intervention. This understanding cultivates humility and deepens our reliance on His unfailing power and love.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does remembering God's past faithfulness (in your life or in biblical history) strengthen your trust in Him for present challenges?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to acknowledge God's sovereign initiative and power, rather than relying on your own efforts?**
* **What forms of "bondage" or "oppression" in your life or community might God be calling you to trust Him to "bring out" of?**

### 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 significance lies in powerfully emphasizing God's absolute **sovereignty** and **unilateral agency** in the Exodus event. It 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 worthy of all praise and exclusive loyalty. It sets the stage for Joshua's later 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 is worthy of such 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 frequently because it encapsulates several core truths about God's character and His relationship with His people. It demonstrates His power over oppression ([Exodus 14:13-14](/exodus/14-13 "Exodus 14:13-14 - The Lord Will Fight For You")), His faithfulness to His covenant promises ([Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13 "Genesis 15:13-14 - God's Covenant with Abraham")), His justice against evil, and His mercy in delivering His chosen people. It became the paradigm for salvation, a constant reminder of what God had done and what He was capable of doing. Moreover, the giving of the Law at Sinai immediately followed the Exodus, making the deliverance a prerequisite for the covenant relationship and the basis for Israel's obedience ([Exodus 20:2](/exodus/20-2 "Exodus 20:2 - The First Commandment")). Remembering the Exodus was a call to live in gratitude and covenant fidelity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 24:5, in its powerful recounting of God's deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage, serves as a profound Old Testament type and shadow pointing to the ultimate, greater deliverance accomplished by Jesus Christ. The Exodus, with its emphasis on God's sovereign initiative, the sending of a deliverer ([Moses](/exodus/3-10 "Exodus 3:10 - God Calls Moses")), the judgment of oppressive powers ([the plagues](/exodus/7 "Exodus 7 - The Plagues Begin")), and the liberation of a people, prefigures the spiritual "Exodus" that Christ achieves for humanity. Just as God "brought out" Israel from physical slavery, Jesus, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), delivers us from the far more pervasive bondage of sin and death ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")). His atoning sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate "plague" against the powers of darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")), and His resurrection is the definitive "bringing out" into new life and freedom ([Ephesians 2:5-6](/ephesians/2-5 "Ephesians 2:5-6 - Made Alive with Christ")). Through Christ, believers are not merely brought out of a physical land but are transferred from the dominion of darkness into the kingdom of His beloved Son ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")), experiencing a spiritual exodus that fulfills and transcends the historical event in Joshua 24:5.

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.