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Deuteronomy 15:15 - Remember Egyptian slavery, Divine redemption.

Deuteronomy 15:15 - דברים 15:15

Hebrew Text

וְזָכַרְתָּ כִּי עֶבֶד הָיִיתָ בְּאֶרֶץ מִצְרַיִם וַיִּפְדְּךָ יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ עַל־כֵּן אָנֹכִי מְצַוְּךָ אֶת־הַדָּבָר הַזֶּה הַיּוֹם׃

English Translation

And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Miżrayim and the Lord thy God redeemed thee: therefore I command thee this thing today.

Transliteration

Vezakharta ki eved hayita be'eretz mitzrayim vayifdecha Adonai Eloheicha al ken anochi metzavecha et-hadavar hazeh hayom.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְזָכַרְתָּ֗ כִּ֣י עֶ֤בֶד הָיִ֙יתָ֙ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם וַֽיִּפְדְּךָ֖ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ עַל־כֵּ֞ן אָנֹכִ֧י מְצַוְּךָ֛ אֶת־הַדָּבָ֥ר הַזֶּ֖ה הַיּֽוֹם׃
וְזָכַרְתָּ֗ כִּ֣י עֶ֤בֶד הָיִ֙יתָ֙ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם וַֽיִּפְדְּךָ֖ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ עַל־כֵּ֞ן אָנֹכִ֧י מְצַוְּךָ֛ אֶת־הַדָּבָ֥ר הַזֶּ֖ה הַיּֽוֹם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context and Meaning

The verse (Devarim 24:18) emphasizes the moral obligation to remember our enslavement in Egypt and Hashem's redemption, which serves as the foundation for numerous mitzvot, particularly those related to kindness and justice. Rashi explains that this remembrance is meant to inspire empathy and ethical behavior, especially toward the vulnerable, as we were once in their position.

Connection to Mitzvot

Rambam (Hilchot Matnot Aniyim 10:2) derives from this verse the obligation to treat others with compassion, particularly in matters of charity and fair treatment of workers. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 10b) links this remembrance to the mitzvah of paying wages on time, as we experienced oppression in Egypt and must not replicate such injustice.

Spiritual and Ethical Lessons

  • Empathy: The Sforno teaches that remembering our suffering in Egypt should cultivate deep empathy for those in hardship, motivating us to act with chesed (lovingkindness).
  • Gratitude: The Chizkuni highlights that recalling our redemption reinforces gratitude to Hashem, obligating us to fulfill His commandments with joy.
  • Humility: The Kli Yakar notes that remembering our humble origins prevents arrogance, reminding us that our status is solely due to Hashem's grace.

Halachic Implications

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 482) connects this verse to the prohibition against oppressing the stranger, as we know "the soul of the stranger" from our own experience. The Ramban adds that this remembrance is a recurring theme in Torah to instill yirat Shamayim (fear of Heaven) and moral vigilance in all interpersonal mitzvot.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 13b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the obligation to remember the Exodus from Egypt during the recitation of the Shema.
📖 Pesachim 116b
The verse is cited in the discussion about the requirement to mention the Exodus during the Passover Seder.
📖 Kiddushin 22b
The verse is used in a discussion about the laws of Hebrew slaves and the moral imperative to treat them kindly, remembering Israel's own experience as slaves in Egypt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 15:15 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 15:15 reminds the Jewish people to remember their slavery in Egypt and how Hashem redeemed them. This memory should inspire kindness and fairness, especially when dealing with servants or those in need, as the verse introduces laws about releasing Hebrew slaves with generosity.
Q: Why is remembering the Exodus important in this verse?
A: Remembering the Exodus is central to Jewish identity and ethics. Rashi explains that recalling our suffering in Egypt teaches us empathy—just as Hashem showed us compassion, we must treat others, especially those less fortunate, with the same kindness and fairness.
Q: How does this verse apply to daily life today?
A: The Talmud (Bava Metzia 10b) derives from this verse that we must go beyond the letter of the law in treating others with compassion. Whether in business, employer-employee relationships, or helping the needy, we must act with extra generosity, remembering our own history of oppression and redemption.
Q: What is the 'thing' that G-d commands in this verse?
A: According to Rambam (Hilchos Avadim 3:14), the 'thing' refers to the mitzvah of releasing Hebrew slaves in the seventh year and providing them with gifts. The verse connects this commandment directly to our experience in Egypt—just as we left with wealth (Exodus 12:36), we must generously provide for freed servants.
Q: Why does the verse say 'I command you this thing today'?
A: The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) explains that 'today' teaches us these laws are always relevant. Though the specific laws about Hebrew slaves don't apply today, the principle of remembering our redemption to inspire kindness applies in every generation, making the commandment eternally binding.