“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 unto God by reason of the bondage.”
This verse is situated within the larger context of the book of Exodus, which narrates the story of the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt and their journey toward the Promised Land. Exodus 2:23 serves as a pivotal point in the narrative, where the oppression and cries of the Israelites reach God’s ears.
Historical Context:At this point in the story, Moses has been born and concealed in a basket in the river, rescued by Pharaoh’s daughter, and raised as her own. Despite growing up in the royal palace, Moses identifies with his Hebrew roots. After witnessing an Egyptian taskmaster mistreat and kill a Hebrew slave, Moses intervenes, resulting in his flight from Egypt. The verse occurs after Moses has settled in Midian and before his encounter with the burning bush.
The Death of the King of Egypt: The verse begins by noting that “the king of Egypt died.” This event carries significance because it paves the way for future developments in the story. The death of the Pharaoh signifies a change in political leadership and creates an opportunity for the Israelites’ liberation.
The Children of Israel Sigh and Cry: The verse highlights the suffering of the Israelites who were in bondage under Egyptian oppression. The Hebrew people were enduring harsh slavery, subjected to hard labor and cruel treatment. They longed for freedom from their oppressive circumstances and cried out to God in their distress.
Divine Response: The verse concludes by emphasizing that the cry of the Israelites reached God. Despite their difficult circumstances, God heard their prayers and took note of their affliction. This sets the stage for the subsequent events where God reveals Himself to Moses and commissions him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.
Lessons from Exodus 2:23:
- God’s Timing: The verse mentions that “it came to pass in process of time” or “in the course of those many days.” This reminds us that God’s plans are often not immediate, but they unfold in His perfect timing. The death of the Egyptian king was a significant event that set the stage for God’s deliverance.
- God Hears Our Cries: The verse highlights that God is attentive to the cries and prayers of His people. He sees their suffering and responds to their distress. This reassures us that when we find ourselves in difficult circumstances, we can turn to God, knowing that He hears and cares for us.
- Liberation from Bondage: The verse serves as a reminder that God is a deliverer. The Israelites’ cry for freedom from bondage led to their eventual liberation from slavery in Egypt. It teaches us that God is compassionate and works for the liberation of His people from various forms of bondage, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual.
Overall, Exodus 2:23 captures the desperate situation of the Israelites, their cry for deliverance, and God’s attentiveness to their plight. This verse foreshadows the significant events that will follow in the book of Exodus, leading to the miraculous liberation of the Hebrew people from slavery and their journey toward the Promised Land.
