Deuteronomy 16:12

12 Remember that you were a slave in Egypt; then you will keep and obey these laws.

Deuteronomy 16:12 Meaning and Commentary

Deuteronomy 16:12

And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt,
&c.] And now delivered from that bondage; the consideration of which should make them liberal in their freewill offering, and generous in the feast they provided, and compassionate to the stranger, widow, and fatherless:

and thou shalt observe and do these statutes;
concerning the passover, the feast of unleavened bread, and of Pentecost, and the peace offerings and the freewill offerings belonging to them: and nothing could more strongly oblige them to observe them than their redemption from their bondage in Egypt; as nothing more engages to the performance of good works than the consideration of our spiritual and eternal redemption by Christ, ( 1 Corinthians 6:19 1 Corinthians 6:20 ) ( Titus 1:14 ) ( 1 Peter 1:17-19 ) .

Deuteronomy 16:12 In-Context

10 You are to observe the festival of Shavu'ot [weeks] for ADONAI your God with a voluntary offering, which you are to give in accordance with the degree to which ADONAI your God has prospered you.
11 You are to rejoice in the presence of ADONAI your God - you, your sons and daughters, your male and female slaves, the L'vi'im living in your towns, and the foreigners, orphans and widows living among you - in the place where ADONAI your God will choose to have his name live.
12 Remember that you were a slave in Egypt; then you will keep and obey these laws.
13 "You are to keep the festival of Sukkot for seven days after you have gathered the produce of your threshing-floor and winepress.
14 Rejoice at your festival - you, your sons and daughters, your male and female slaves, the L'vi'im, and the foreigners, orphans and widows living among you.
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.