Leviticus 22:33

who brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your God. I am the LORD."

Study Bible

who brought you out of the land of Egypt
This phrase recalls the foundational event of the Exodus, where God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. This act of deliverance is central to Israel's identity and relationship with God. It signifies God's power and faithfulness, fulfilling His promise to Abraham (Genesis 15:13-14). The Exodus is a type of Christ's redemptive work, as Jesus delivers believers from the bondage of sin (John 8:34-36). The land of Egypt symbolizes oppression and idolatry, contrasting with the freedom and worship of the true God.

to be your God
This phrase emphasizes the covenant relationship between God and Israel. God’s deliverance was not just an act of liberation but was intended to establish a unique relationship where He would be their God, and they would be His people (Exodus 6:7). This covenant is reiterated throughout the Old Testament and finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Covenant through Jesus Christ (Jeremiah 31:33, Hebrews 8:10). The phrase underscores God's desire for a personal and communal relationship with His people, marked by obedience and worship.

I am the LORD.
This declaration asserts God's sovereignty and authority. The name "LORD" (YHWH) is God's personal name revealed to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:14), signifying His eternal, self-existent nature. It is a reminder of His unchanging character and faithfulness. This statement serves as a divine seal on His commands and promises, reinforcing His role as the covenant-keeping God. It also points to Jesus, who identifies Himself with the "I AM" statements in the Gospel of John, affirming His divinity and continuity with the God of Israel (John 8:58).

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who reveals Himself as the one true God and the deliverer of His people.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, whom He delivered from slavery in Egypt and to whom He gave His laws and commandments.

3. Egypt
The land of bondage from which God delivered the Israelites, symbolizing sin and oppression.

4. Moses
The leader chosen by God to bring the Israelites out of Egypt and to whom the laws, including those in Leviticus, were given.

5. The Exodus
The pivotal event of deliverance where God led the Israelites out of Egypt, demonstrating His power and faithfulness.

Teaching Points

God's Deliverance as a Foundation for Obedience
The deliverance from Egypt is a foundational act that establishes God's authority and the basis for Israel's obedience to His laws.

Identity and Relationship with God
Understanding that God is the one who brought them out of Egypt helps the Israelites (and us) to see their identity as His people and the relational aspect of His commandments.

Remembrance and Gratitude
Regularly remembering God's past acts of deliverance fosters gratitude and strengthens faith, encouraging a life of worship and obedience.

God's Sovereignty and Faithfulness
The statement "I am the LORD" underscores God's sovereignty and faithfulness, reminding believers of His unchanging nature and His commitment to His promises.

Application to Christian Life
Just as Israel was called to remember their deliverance, Christians are called to remember their deliverance from sin through Christ, living in a way that reflects their new identity.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the reminder of God bringing the Israelites out of Egypt influence their understanding of His commandments in Leviticus?

2. In what ways can we, as modern believers, remember and celebrate our deliverance through Christ in our daily lives?

3. How does the concept of God as a deliverer in Leviticus 22:33 connect to the New Testament understanding of salvation?

4. What are some practical ways to cultivate gratitude for God's past deliverance in our personal and communal worship?

5. How can the identity of being God's chosen people, as seen in both the Old and New Testaments, impact our daily decisions and interactions with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 20:2
This verse echoes the declaration of God as the deliverer from Egypt, establishing His authority to give the commandments.

Deuteronomy 6:12
A reminder to the Israelites not to forget the LORD who brought them out of Egypt, emphasizing the importance of remembering God's past deliverance.

Psalm 81:10
Reinforces the identity of God as the one who brought Israel out of Egypt, encouraging trust and obedience.

1 Peter 2:9
Connects the concept of being a chosen people, called out of darkness, to the New Testament believers, drawing a parallel to the deliverance from Egypt.