Exodus 13:16
And it shall be for a token upon thine hand, and for frontlets between thine eyes: for by strength of hand the LORD brought us forth out of Egypt.
EXODUS 13:16
This verse expands the sign of the exodus into a physical reminder: a “token” on the hand and between the eyes. Such tokens—phylacteries—are described later in Deuteronomy as part of worshipful practice. The idea is that God’s saving power, demonstrated by the mighty hand, must constantly guide daily life—visible in actions (hand) and in thoughts and affections (between the eyes). The refrain emphasizes that deliverance is not abstract; it shapes how Israel views work, decisions, and priorities. The imagery ties back to the exodus narrative: God’s strength in bringing Israel out of Egypt becomes the motif that informs all of life.
Theologically, this verse underscores the embodied nature of devotion: faith is not only internal belief but visible practice and mental focus aligned with God’s redemptive acts. It also anchors the idea of sanctification—being set apart—so daily life is marked by allegiance to the Lord. The “hand” and “forehead” motifs recur in biblical symbolism as centers of action and thought; they remind believers that all of life should be oriented by God’s saving acts, not by self-reliance or cultural pressures.
In contemporary terms, this invites you to let your daily routines, decisions, and priorities reflect God’s deliverance. For example, let your work be done with integrity as a response to God’s rescue, and let your thoughts be shaped by God’s truth rather than fear or cynicism. Create visible reminders of faith that aren’t merely decorative—like a small symbol, a family ritual, or a habit of repeating a verse during decisions. The principle is to integrate God’s saving power into the rhythm of your day: how you speak, how you treat others, how you use your resources.
Cross-References: Deuteronomy 6:8-9; Psalm 119:105; Colossians 3:2; Hebrews 10:16; 2 Corinthians 3:18