Read the Daily Bible Verse – Deuteronomy 15:15 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Deuteronomy 15:15 is a verse from the Old Testament that speaks about remembering God‘s deliverance. It is part of the instructions given by Moses to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land. This verse teaches us about freedom, gratitude, and compassion. It reminds us to treat others with kindness because of what God has done for us.
The Context of Deuteronomy 15:15 KJV
The Book of Deuteronomy
The Book of Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Bible. It is also the last book of the Torah, also known as the Pentateuch. Deuteronomy means “second law.” It is a repetition and explanation of the laws God gave to Israel through Moses. The book contains Moses’ final words to the Israelites before his death and before they entered the land of Canaan.
Deuteronomy focuses on reminding the people of God’s covenant. It urges them to obey God’s commandments. It tells them how to live as His holy people.
Chapter 15 Overview
Deuteronomy 15 focuses on mercy, justice, and compassion. It talks about the “year of release,” also called the Sabbatical Year. Every seven years, Israelites were to forgive debts. They were to free fellow Israelites who had become servants because of debt.
This chapter encourages generosity and kindness. It tells the Israelites not to be hard-hearted or tight-fisted. Instead, they should open their hands to the poor and needy.
The Surrounding Verses
In Deuteronomy 15:12–14, Moses instructs the Israelites about how to treat Hebrew servants. If a fellow Hebrew had sold himself into slavery, he was to be set free in the seventh year. But it wasn’t just about setting the servant free. The master was also to send him away with gifts. He was to provide from his own flock, his threshing floor, and his winepress.
Then comes Deuteronomy 15:15, which gives the reason for this kindness.
Deuteronomy 15:15 (KJV)
“And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt, and the Lord thy God redeemed thee: therefore I command thee this thing to day.” — Deuteronomy 15:15 (KJV)
This verse tells the Israelites to remember their past. They were once slaves in Egypt. But God rescued them with a mighty hand. Because of this, they must show mercy to others.
Deuteronomy 15:15 Meaning
Remember Your Past
The first part of the verse says, “And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt.” God wants the Israelites to remember that they were once in bondage. They had no freedom. They worked under cruel masters. Their lives were bitter. But God did not forget them. He heard their cry and came to their rescue.
This memory was not to make them feel shame. It was to help them stay humble. It was to remind them not to act like the Egyptians who oppressed them. Instead, they were to treat others with fairness and love.
God often calls His people to remember. Remembering helps us stay thankful. It helps us stay grounded. It helps us treat others the way we want to be treated.
God’s Redemption
The next part of the verse says, “and the Lord thy God redeemed thee.” The word “redeemed” means to buy back or rescue. God redeemed Israel from slavery. He brought them out with signs and wonders. He split the Red Sea. He led them by a cloud and fire. He gave them water from a rock and manna from heaven.
This redemption was not because they were perfect. It was because of His love and His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
This points to a greater truth. In the New Testament, we see that Jesus redeemed us from sin. Just as God redeemed Israel from Egypt, Jesus rescues us from spiritual slavery. He paid the price for our freedom with His own blood.
A Command to Obey
The last part of the verse says, “therefore I command thee this thing to day.” Because of all that God had done for them, the Israelites were commanded to be generous. They were not to be greedy. They were not to hold onto their possessions tightly.
This command was tied to their identity as God’s people. They were to reflect God’s character. They were to be merciful because God had shown them mercy.
This is not a suggestion. It is a command. Obedience to this command would show their love for God and for others.
Deuteronomy 15:15 Application in Life
1. Remember Where You Came From
This verse teaches us the power of remembering. We should never forget where we came from. Maybe we were once lost in sin. Maybe we struggled with addiction, depression, or selfishness. Maybe we were spiritually blind. But God found us. He saved us. He gave us a new life.
When we remember our past, we become more thankful. We also become more patient with others who are still struggling.
We must not look down on others. Instead, we should reach out to help them, just as God helped us.
2. Show Mercy and Compassion
God redeemed us, and now we must show mercy to others. We should forgive those who wrong us. We should help those in need. We should be generous with our time, money, and talents.
If someone is in a tough place, we should not turn away. We should not say, “They deserve it.” Instead, we should ask, “How can I help?”
Compassion is a sign that we know God. The Bible says in Luke 6:36, “Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.”
3. Live Generously
Deuteronomy 15 encourages the people of God to live generously. Not only were the Israelites to release their servants, but they were also to provide for them generously. This applies to us as well.
When we see someone in need, we should not hold back. We should give freely. This doesn’t mean we give foolishly, but it means we give with love and care.
In 2 Corinthians 9:7, Paul writes, “God loveth a cheerful giver.” Our giving should come from a heart full of gratitude.
4. Obey God’s Commands
The command to treat others kindly is not optional. It is a requirement for those who belong to God. Jesus said in John 14:15, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
When we obey God, we show that we trust Him. We show that we want to live according to His will. Obedience brings blessing. Disobedience brings trouble.
When we help others, we are not losing. We are gaining. We are storing up treasures in heaven.
5. Let Your Life Reflect God’s Love
God’s people are supposed to be different. The way we treat others should reflect God’s love. People should see Jesus in us. They should feel His grace and mercy through our actions.
When we forgive others, when we help the poor, when we act kindly, we are showing the world what God is like.
Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Conclusion
Deuteronomy 15:15 is a powerful verse that teaches us to remember, to give, and to love. It reminds us that we were once lost, but God saved us. He brought us out of bondage. He gave us freedom and new life. Because of this, we are called to show mercy. We are called to forgive. We are called to live generously. We are called to obey. This verse is not just for ancient Israel. It speaks to us today. It speaks to every heart that has been touched by God’s grace.
As Christians, we must never forget what God has done for us. We were slaves to sin, but now we are free in Christ. Let us live in that freedom by helping others find it too. May we never forget. May we always obey. And may our lives bring glory to the God who redeemed us.
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