What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 5:15?

Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt

• God calls His people to keep their past in view: “Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt”.

• This recollection guards against pride and fosters humility (see Deuteronomy 8:2; Titus 3:3-5).

• It fuels compassion toward others who suffer (compare Exodus 22:21 and Deuteronomy 24:17-18).

• Memory of bondage highlights the contrast between life under Pharaoh’s tyranny and life under God’s gracious rule.

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The LORD your God brought you out with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm

• Deliverance was God’s work alone—“with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm” (Deuteronomy 4:34; Exodus 6:6).

• The plagues, the Passover, and the Red Sea prove His power (Exodus 12:51; 14:30-31).

• That same power still saves (Isaiah 59:1; Romans 1:16).

• The phrase underscores God’s covenant love: He redeems, then claims His people as His own (Exodus 19:4-6; 1 Peter 2:9).

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That is why the LORD your God has commanded you to keep the Sabbath day

• The Sabbath is rooted not only in creation (Exodus 20:11) but in redemption—rest follows rescue.

• Weekly rest rehearses freedom: slaves work without relief, but the redeemed enjoy God-given pause (Leviticus 25:38; Hebrews 4:9-10).

• Observing the Sabbath becomes testimony: “It is the sign between Me and you” (Ezekiel 20:12).

• Jesus affirms the Sabbath’s purpose for blessing, not burden (Mark 2:27), and offers ultimate rest in Himself (Matthew 11:28-29).

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summary

Deuteronomy 5:15 ties Sabbath obedience to Israel’s deliverance. Remembering slavery cultivates humility; celebrating God’s mighty rescue fuels worship. The weekly Sabbath stands as a living reminder that the Lord frees His people and invites them to rest in His finished work.