And said unto the children of Israel, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel — Samuel addresses Israel in the name of God (ko amar YHWH), his words carrying divine authority. I brought you up out of Egypt, and delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all kingdoms that oppressed you — Samuel rehearses Israel's salvation history, reminding the people of God's mighty acts of deliverance. The phrase 'brought you up' ('asa'lti) echoes the language of the exodus, God's foundational saving act. The catalogue of deliverances (from Egypt, from all oppressing kingdoms) reminds Israel of its dependence on God.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

Publish a note on this verse