In these verses from the book of Exodus, we find a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Israelites' journey. The verse begins with a profound statement: "God heard their groaning." This refers to the groaning and suffering of the Israelites who were enslaved in Egypt. Their cries did not go unnoticed by God. He heard their pleas for deliverance and saw their oppression.
- Covenant and Promise
The passage continues by noting that "God remembered his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob." This is a reference to the covenant God had made with the patriarchs of Israel. God's covenantal promise to bless and multiply their descendants was still in effect. Despite the passage of time and the challenges the Israelites faced, God remained faithful to His promise.
- Divine Concern and Action
The verse concludes with the affirmation: "God saw the children of Israel, and God was concerned about them." This underscores God's deep concern for His people. His gaze was not merely observational; it was accompanied by compassion and care. God's concern for His people moved Him to take action on their behalf.
Cross-References
Exodus 6:5: "I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in bondage, and I have remembered my covenant."
Psalm 106:44-45: "Nevertheless he regarded their distress, when he heard their cry. He remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his loving kindnesses."
In conclusion, Exodus 2:24-25 captures a significant turning point in the story of the Israelites' liberation from Egypt. These verses reveal God's compassionate response to the suffering of His people. God's hearing, remembering, seeing, and concern demonstrate His active involvement in the lives of His chosen ones. This passage serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises, His responsiveness to the cries of His people, and His commitment to intervening on their behalf.
Exodus 2:24-25. God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. God saw the children of Israel, and God was concerned about them.