What connections exist between Deuteronomy 15:15 and Christ's redemptive work? Scripture Foundation “Remember that you were slaves in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God redeemed you; that is why I am giving you this command today.” — Deuteronomy 15:15 Historical Snapshot • Israel had just been instructed to grant freedom to Hebrew servants in the seventh year (Deuteronomy 15:12–14). • God anchors this social command in a past act of redemption: their deliverance from Egyptian slavery (Exodus 12–14). • The command blends memory with mercy: “Because I redeemed you, you must release others.” Redemption Defined • “Redeemed” (Hebrew gaʾal) = to buy back, ransom, or rescue at a price. • God paid Egypt’s firstborn in judgment (Exodus 12:29–30) and the Passover lamb’s blood in substitution (Exodus 12:13). Foreshadowing Christ’s Work 1. From slavery to freedom • Egypt → bondage to sin (Romans 6:6). • Israel’s exodus → believers’ exodus through Christ (Galatians 5:1). 2. Price of release • Passover lamb → “Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” (1 Corinthians 5:7). • Costly blood echoes 1 Peter 1:18-19: “You were redeemed… with the precious blood of Christ.” 3. Divine initiative • “The LORD your God redeemed you” (Deuteronomy 15:15). • “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). 4. Ongoing memory • Israel told to remember past redemption. • Lord’s Supper calls believers to remember Christ’s redemption (Luke 22:19-20). 5. Ethical overflow • Israel’s redeemed status produced generosity toward former servants (Deuteronomy 15:13-14). • Believers, freed by Christ, release debts of others—forgiveness, generosity, justice (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13). Year of Release and Christ’s Jubilee • Deuteronomy 15 mirrors the Sabbatical principle later magnified in Jubilee (Leviticus 25). • Jesus proclaims “the year of the Lord’s favor” and freedom for captives (Luke 4:18-19), embodying permanent Jubilee. Key Parallels Summarized • Slavery: Egypt ➔ Sin. • Redeemer: LORD ➔ Jesus, God the Son (Galatians 4:4-5). • Ransom price: Passover blood ➔ Christ’s blood. • Purpose: Freedom to serve (Deuteronomy 15:12; Romans 6:18). • Memory motivates mercy: Israel’s servant-release ➔ believers’ liberating love (1 John 3:16-18). Living the Connection • Celebrate redemption regularly—worship, Communion, testimony. • Practice tangible release—cancel grudges, aid the poor, advocate freedom for the oppressed. • Ground obedience in gratitude: we give because He first gave (2 Corinthians 8:9). |
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