👉 Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I [am] the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 6:6. It's a really important and complex part of the story of the Israelites’ escape from slavery in Egypt. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God is the God, and He is actively working to free the Israelites from being enslaved. It's a declaration of divine power. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Wherefore say unto the children of Israel…” : This tells us this is a message to the Israelites – the people God has chosen to save. It’s a direct instruction from God. “…I [am] the LORD…” : This is the crucial part. “The LORD” is a very special name for God in Judaism and Christianity. It means that God is powerful, authoritative, and ultimately responsible for everything. It's not just a god, but the God. “…and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians…” : This speaks to their terrible situation – they were being held captive in Egypt, forced into a system where they worked hard and couldn’t leave. “Burden” suggests a heavy, oppressive force. “…and I will rid you out of their bondage…” : This is a direct promise – God intends to free them from this captivity. “Bondage” means being held captive or enslaved, often physically or emotionally. "...and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments:” This is the promise of God's action. "Redeem" means to rescue someone from a difficult situation – to make them better. “A stretched out arm” suggests a powerful, deliberate effort. “Great judgments” indicates that this isn’t just a casual act; it will be significant and potentially harsh. In short, God is actively intervening in their situation, promising to liberate them from the Egyptians' control through divine intervention. It’s a foundational statement of God’s sovereignty and his commitment to justice. Important Note: This verse is incredibly important in Jewish tradition, but it was also a key event in the creation of Christianity. It highlights God’s power and willingness to act against oppression. --- Do you want me to explain any of these parts further? For example, would you like me to: Discuss the significance of "the LORD"? Explain the context of this verse within the larger story of the Exodus?
