Jeremiah 32:21
And hast brought forth thy people Israel out of the land of Egypt with signs, and with wonders, and with a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with great terror;
Jeremiah 32:21
This verse looks back to the Exodus: God brought Israel out of Egypt “with signs, and with wonders, and with a strong hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with great terror.” It consolidates the signal moments by which God demonstrated unique power to liberate, sustain, and guide his people. The rhetorical contrast—signs and wonders alongside a “strong hand” and “stretched out arm”—highlights both miraculous intervention and persuasive leadership. The “great terror” signals the awe that God’s presence inspires—the fear of the Lord that leads to trust and obedience. In Jeremiah’s time, such memory of deliverance would function as a moral and spiritual compass, reminding the people that God’s power is available for present crisis.
The passage anchors God’s redemptive identity in history and emphasizes that salvation comes not by human cunning but by divine initiative. It frames Israel’s call to faithfulness within the context of ongoing divine action—God saves, but also demands fidelity to his covenant. This juxtaposition of grace (deliverance) and law (obedience) is central to biblical theology: God acts first, and response is expected. The “terrible” reverence for God’s power should lead to humble reliance rather than boasting in military or political might.
For modern readers, this is a reminder that God’s rescue often comes through dramatic, unmistakable interventions, but more often through steady, faithful provision in daily life. When you feel overwhelmed, recount past rescues—moments when God’s power was evident in your life or community—and let them bolster trust for today. At the same time, the expectation of obedience remains essential. God’s mighty acts invite a response of faithfulness, not complacency. A practical exercise: map a personal Exodus moment in your life and articulate how it shaped your current decisions—whether in family life, work ethics, or community service.
Cross-References: Exodus 6:6-8; Deuteronomy 4:34; Joshua 4:23-24; Psalm 136:10-12; Isaiah 63:12-14