In the biblical context, "The Cry" often refers to the vocal expressions of deep emotion, ranging from anguish and desperation to fervent prayer and supplication. Throughout Scripture, cries are significant as they often precede divine intervention, reflect the human condition, and reveal the heart's posture towards God.

Old Testament Instances

1. The Cry of the Israelites in Egypt: The Israelites' cry under Egyptian bondage is a pivotal moment in the Old Testament. Their suffering and subsequent cry for deliverance reach God, prompting divine action. Exodus 2:23-24 states, "After a long time, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned under their slavery and cried out, and their cry for deliverance from bondage ascended to God. So God heard their groaning, and He remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob."

2. The Cry of the Oppressed: The cries of the oppressed are frequently mentioned in the Psalms and the Prophets. Psalm 34:17 declares, "The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears; He delivers them from all their troubles." This highlights God's responsiveness to the cries of those who are righteous and oppressed.

3. The Cry for Justice: In the prophetic literature, cries for justice are prominent. The prophet Habakkuk, for instance, cries out to God regarding the prevalence of injustice. Habakkuk 1:2 states, "How long, O LORD, must I call for help, but You do not listen, or cry out to You, 'Violence!' but You do not save?"

New Testament Instances

1. The Cry of Jesus on the Cross: One of the most profound cries in the New Testament is Jesus' cry from the cross. In Matthew 27:46 , it is recorded, "About the ninth hour, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, 'Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?' which means, 'My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?'" This cry reflects the depth of Jesus' suffering and the fulfillment of prophetic Scripture.

2. The Cry for Mercy: The Gospels recount several instances where individuals cry out to Jesus for mercy and healing. In Mark 10:47-48 , Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, cries out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Despite being rebuked by the crowd, he persists, demonstrating faith and desperation.

3. The Cry of the Martyrs: In Revelation, the souls of the martyrs cry out for justice. Revelation 6:10 states, "And they cried out in a loud voice, 'How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You avenge our blood and judge those who dwell upon the earth?'" This cry is a plea for divine justice and vindication.

Theological Significance

The cry in Scripture is not merely an expression of human emotion but is deeply theological. It signifies a recognition of human limitation and a turning towards God as the ultimate source of help and justice. The cries of God's people are met with divine compassion and action, underscoring the relational nature of God who hears and responds to His creation. The cry is both a personal and communal act, reflecting individual needs and collective suffering, and it often serves as a catalyst for divine intervention and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.