Deuteronomy 24:18 - Remember Egyptian slavery, act compassionately.

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Hebrew Text

וְזָכַרְתָּ כִּי עֶבֶד הָיִיתָ בְּמִצְרַיִם וַיִּפְדְּךָ יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ מִשָּׁם עַל־כֵּן אָנֹכִי מְצַוְּךָ לַעֲשׂוֹת אֶת־הַדָּבָר הַזֶּה׃

English Translation

but thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Miżrayim, and the Lord thy God redeemed thee from there: therefore I command thee to do this thing.

Transliteration

Vezacharta ki eved hayita bemitzrayim vayifdecha Adonai Elohecha misham al ken anochi metzavecha la'asot et hadavar hazeh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְזָכַרְתָּ֗ כִּ֣י עֶ֤בֶד הָיִ֙יתָ֙ בְּמִצְרַ֔יִם וַֽיִּפְדְּךָ֛ יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ מִשָּׁ֑ם עַל־כֵּ֞ן אָנֹכִ֤י מְצַוְּךָ֙ לַעֲשׂ֔וֹת אֶת־הַדָּבָ֖ר הַזֶּֽה׃ {ס}

Parasha Commentary

Context and Source

The verse appears in Devarim (Deuteronomy) 24:18, within a section discussing ethical commandments related to justice and kindness, particularly toward the vulnerable. The Torah repeatedly invokes the Exodus from Egypt as a moral imperative for righteous behavior.

Literal Meaning (Peshat)

Rashi explains that this verse serves as a reminder to act justly and compassionately—particularly toward strangers, widows, and orphans—because we ourselves experienced oppression in Egypt. The redemption by Hashem obligates us to emulate His kindness.

Moral Imperative (Derash)

The Mechilta (Shemot 22:20) elaborates that remembering our servitude in Egypt should inspire empathy. Just as Hashem heard our cries and redeemed us, we must respond to the suffering of others. Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 6:4) emphasizes that this memory should cultivate humility and compassion, preventing arrogance.

Halachic Implications

Positive Commandment: The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 63) identifies this as the source for the obligation to remember the Exodus daily, as it shapes our ethical conduct.
Justice and Mercy: The Sifrei links this verse to fair treatment of workers and the poor, as our own history demands sensitivity to their plight.

Philosophical Dimension (Rambam and Chassidic Thought)

Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:39) teaches that the Exodus is not merely a historical event but a perpetual lesson in divine providence and human dignity. The Sefat Emet adds that internalizing this memory refines our character, aligning our actions with Hashem’s will.

Practical Application

The Kitzur Shulchan Aruch (1:5) cites this verse as a basis for reciting the Exodus in daily prayers, ensuring it remains a living moral compass. It reminds us that redemption obligates us to uphold justice and kindness in all dealings.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 13b

The verse is referenced in the discussion about the obligation to remember the Exodus from Egypt, particularly in the context of reciting the Shema.

📖 Kiddushin 22b

The verse is cited in a discussion about the laws of Hebrew slaves and the moral imperative to treat them with kindness, drawing a parallel to the Israelites' experience in Egypt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 24:18 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 24:18 reminds us that we were once slaves in Egypt and Hashem redeemed us. Because of this experience, we are commanded to act with compassion and justice, especially toward those who are vulnerable or oppressed. Rashi explains that this verse connects our past suffering to our ethical obligations today.

Q: Why is remembering our slavery in Egypt important?
A: Remembering our slavery in Egypt is a core principle in Judaism because it teaches us humility and empathy. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 6:4) emphasizes that this memory should inspire us to treat others kindly, as we understand the pain of oppression. This mitzvah appears multiple times in the Torah to reinforce its importance.

Q: How does Deuteronomy 24:18 apply to our lives today?
A: This verse teaches us to be sensitive to the struggles of others—whether the poor, the stranger, or the oppressed. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 59b) derives from this that we must go beyond the letter of the law to act with kindness. For example, we should be extra careful in business dealings or helping those in need, remembering our own history.

Q: What specific commandment is referred to in 'therefore I command you to do this thing'?
A: While the verse is general, Rashi and other commentators explain that it refers to the commandments in the surrounding context—such as leaving forgotten sheaves (Deuteronomy 24:19) or paying workers on time (Deuteronomy 24:14-15). The broader lesson is that all mitzvot involving kindness stem from remembering our redemption from Egypt.

Q: Why does the Torah connect morality to the Exodus?
A: The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) teaches that our experience as slaves makes us uniquely responsible to uphold justice. Since we know the pain of oppression, we must actively prevent it. This idea is foundational to Jewish ethics—our past suffering obligates us to build a society based on righteousness and compassion.