The Lord Brought You Out

Before the Exodus, during preparations for the Passover meal, Moses told the Israelites, Remember this day in which you went out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the Lord brought you out of this place. (Ex. 13:2a NKJV)

By definition, bondage involves servitude or slavery—subjection to force. The Israelites wanted to escape—sort of. People do not walk away from slavery easily. God knew that once the Israelites passed through the sea—had actually left the land of Egypt—they would suffer withdrawal pangs when struggling alone in the desert without familiar surroundings and familiar foods.

If deliverance was to be complete, the people needed to cooperate. God’s words through Moses looked ahead to tough times. Because the Israelites could not get out alone—nor stay out alone—God wanted them to remember the great miracle of their escape—and then remember that He could also provide the strength and provision they would need to go further and further into His plan for them.

Originally published March 12, 1993.