Exodus 19:4
ESV
‘You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles ' wings and brought you to myself.
NIV
‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.
NASB
‘You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings, and brought you to Myself.
CSB
‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.
NLT
‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.
KJV
Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself.
NKJV
‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself.
What does Exodus 19:4 mean?
A recurring theme in the Old Testament is Israel's recurring habit of "forgetting" God's work on their behalf. This does not necessarily mean that the facts were erased from their minds. This "forgetting" is more about how much Israel takes those events into account when making choices. Despite God freeing them with plagues (Exodus 3:19–20), defending them with supernatural power (Exodus 14:21–28), and supporting them with miracles (Exodus 15:22–25; 16:13–16), the Israelites often act as if they have neither hope nor responsibility.Here, the Lord briefly emphasizes that Israel has seen His love expressed in action. Referring to eagles reminds Israel of how quickly their fortunes were reversed (2 Samuel 1:23; Isaiah 40:31). They arrived at Sinai a mere three months after being liberated (Exodus 12:40–41; 19:1–2) only because of God's direct work and love. All of this was preparation for this moment in Horeb (Exodus 3:1; Deuteronomy 5:2) where He would inaugurate them as His chosen people (Deuteronomy 14:2).
As promised to Abraham (Genesis 17:1–4), his descendants would be special to the Lord. However, benefits under the law of Moses would require Israel's obedience (Exodus 19:5).
