Topical Bible: Israel: Their Groaning Heard by God

◄ Israel: Their Groaning Heard by God ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The narrative of Israel's groaning and God's response is a pivotal moment in the biblical account of the Israelites' bondage in Egypt. This period marks a significant transition from oppression to divine intervention, setting the stage for the Exodus and the establishment of Israel as a nation under God's covenant.

Historical Context

The Israelites, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, found themselves in Egypt due to a severe famine during the time of Joseph, one of Jacob's sons. Initially welcomed and settled in the land of Goshen, the Israelites prospered and multiplied. However, as generations passed, a new Pharaoh arose who did not know Joseph and perceived the growing Israelite population as a threat (Exodus 1:8-10). Consequently, the Egyptians subjected the Israelites to harsh slavery, forcing them to build cities and work in the fields under brutal conditions (Exodus 1:11-14).

The Groaning of Israel

The severity of their oppression led the Israelites to cry out in their suffering. The Bible describes their plight: "The Israelites groaned in their labor, and they cried out, and their cry for help because of their bondage rose up to God" (Exodus 2:23). This groaning was not merely a physical lament but a deep spiritual cry for deliverance from their affliction.

God's Response

God's response to the groaning of the Israelites is a testament to His faithfulness and compassion. The Scripture records, "So God heard their groaning, and He remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob" (Exodus 2:24). This remembrance is not indicative of God having forgotten, but rather it signifies His readiness to act in accordance with His promises.

God's awareness of their suffering is further emphasized: "God saw the Israelites, and He took notice" (Exodus 2:25). This divine attention sets in motion the events leading to the liberation of the Israelites. God calls Moses at the burning bush, revealing His plan to deliver His people and bring them to a land flowing with milk and honey (Exodus 3:7-10).

Theological Significance

The groaning of Israel and God's subsequent intervention highlight several key theological themes:

1. Covenant Faithfulness: God's response is rooted in His covenant with the patriarchs. Despite the passage of time and the Israelites' dire circumstances, God remains faithful to His promises.

2. Divine Compassion: The narrative underscores God's compassion and attentiveness to human suffering. He is not distant or indifferent but is moved by the cries of His people.

3. Sovereign Deliverance: The deliverance of Israel from Egypt is a profound demonstration of God's sovereignty and power. It serves as a foundational event in the history of Israel, shaping their identity as God's chosen people.

4. Hope and Redemption: The account of Israel's groaning and God's deliverance offers hope for redemption and liberation. It foreshadows the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ, who frees humanity from the bondage of sin.

Conclusion

The account of Israel's groaning and God's response is a powerful reminder of God's enduring faithfulness and His active role in the lives of His people. It serves as an enduring testament to the hope and deliverance that God provides, both in the past and for future generations.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 2:23-25
And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up to God by reason of the bondage.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Knowledge of God
... They have committed villany in Israel, even I know, and am ... Psalm 38:8. My groaning
is not hid from thee.' Thou ... he himself will be the herald of their praises.1 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 the knowledge of god.htm

Hope for the Heathen
... Lord behold the earth; to hear the groaning of the ... philosophy and spiritism; others
were placing their trust in ... and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 31 hope for the.htm

The Birth of Mary the Holy Mother of God, and Very Glorious Mother ...
... that a king has been born to Israel, and we ... not to go into Jud??a, they went into
their own country ... And Elizabeth, groaning with a loud voice, says: O mountain ...
/.../unknown/the protevangelium of james/the birth of mary the.htm

Limiting God
... of God is gone, they relapse into their old despair. ... if thou art not limiting the
Holy One of Israel? ... hear another groan as thou art groaning, thou wouldst ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/limiting god.htm

April 24 Morning
... encouraged himself in the Lord his God."God will surely ... is in Egypt, and I have heard
their groaning, and am ... had spoken unto the house of Israel: all came to ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/april 24 morning.htm

Acts VII
... my people who are in Egypt, and have heard their groaning, and have ... the same did
God send to be a ruler and ... Moses who said to the children of Israel, A prophet ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts vii.htm

Acts vii. 6, 7
... when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the
children of Israel. ... And their groaning," saith He, "I have heard:" not [380 ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xvi acts vii 6.htm

Psalm LXXIX.
... thee, shall be called the God of Israel of the ... the unjust judge, who at length heard
her, not ... Prophet doth redouble his groaning, that their groaning may "come ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxix.htm

The Divine Pleader.
... all with the names of His spiritual Israel on His ... injured love."The Sick man feebly
groaning forth, in ... Bereaved, in the fresh gush of their sorrow, calling ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/xv the divine pleader.htm

To the Saddest of the Sad
... that Jehovah had said, "I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel
whom the ... my covenant." I fancy that those words opened their eyes a little ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 34 1888/to the saddest of the.htm