Transformative Redemption

In Jewish terms, 'redemption' is the actual transformation a person undergoes when transitioning from one domain to another. A hostage, for instance, is not fully 'redeemed' by this definition upon the release from their captor, but only once they have been nursed back to health and are certain they will not be returned to their captor.

The word 'redemption' (pidyon) is used only six times in the entire Torah to describe the emancipation of the Jewish people from Egypt, and all six instances appear in Deuteronomy. Other terms, such as 'deliverance' (geulah) and 'leaving' (yetzia), are used to describe the emancipation. What is the Torah teaching us by waiting until Deuteronomy to use this unique term of "redemption" (pidyon)?

One idea is that full redemption is not just a physical transition from one place to another (e.g., from Egypt to the Desert). True redemption occurs when the Jewish people realize they are no longer under Pharaoh's dominion but are fully under Hashem's dominion. This realization required a 40-year experience in the Desert, living under Hashem's direct guidance. Deuteronomy marks the point when the Jewish people became truly redeemed from Egypt's grasp.

"You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and Hashem, your G-d, redeemed (pidyon) you . . ." Deuteronomy 15:15

* Based on Rav Chaim Soloveitchik as heard from Rabbi Immanuel Berstein, Journeys In Torah