The obligation of tefillin is mentioned four times in the Torah: twice when recalling the the Exodus from Egypt: * And it shall be for a sign for you upon your hand, and for a memorial between your eyes, that the law of the Lord may be in your mouth; for with a strong hand did the Lord bring you out of Egypt.—Exodus 13:9 * And it shall be for a sign upon your hand, and as totafot between your eyes; for with a mighty hand did the Lord bring us forth out of Egypt.—Exodus 13:16 and twice in the shema passages: