Deuteronomy 26:8
And the LORD brought us forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with great terribleness, and with signs, and with wonders:
Deuteronomy 26:8
This verse celebrates the immediate, dramatic deliverance from Egypt: God’s mighty hand, outstretched arm, terrible power, signs, and wonders. The language emphasizes power and salvific initiative—the Lord acts decisively to redeem. The passage situates the Exodus not as conquest by human effort but as divine intervention that reveals God’s character—holy, powerful, and faithful. The signs and wonders authenticate God’s authority and affirm the covenant with Israel. It also serves as a foundational memory tool for the people to recall God’s strength whenever they face future challenges.
Thematically, the Exodus event is central to Israel’s self-understanding: God saves and orders history according to divine purposes. It foregrounds God’s holiness (to do wonders requires moral and ethical authority) and his power to deliver. Theologically, it also prefigures the NT understanding of salvation: God’s initiative, not human merit, brings deliverance.
Today, this invites believers to rely on God’s strength in difficult seasons. Practical steps: prayerful trust during crises, remembrance of past deliverances to sustain faith, and sharing stories of rescue to encourage others. Recognize that God’s power may operate in ways that are surprising or non-linear, but always toward liberation, healing, and growth.
Cross-References: Exodus 3:14-20; Psalm 77:11-15; Isaiah 40:10-11; Luke 1:68-69; 1 Corinthians 2:4-5