Deuteronomy 26:6
“The Egyptians mistreated us, afflicted us, and imposed hard labor on us.”
What does Deuteronomy 26:6 mean?
This is Moses reminding the Israelites what their ancestors endured in Egypt, and it's part of a confession they were meant to recite when bringing their first fruits to God's house. By naming these specific hardships, Moses is helping people remember that their freedom didn't come easily or accidentally, but came after generations of real suffering. The verse anchors gratitude in honest acknowledgment of pain, suggesting that remembering where we've been (and what we've survived) deepens our appreciation for where we are now. For anyone who has walked through difficult seasons, this resonates: honoring what we've endured is part of honoring God's work to bring us through it.