“And the people believed: and when they heard that the Lord had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.”
Historical Context:Exodus is the second book of the Bible and focuses on the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. In this particular verse, Moses and his brother Aaron have been sent by God to deliver a message of liberation to the Israelites who were in bondage under the oppressive rule of Pharaoh.
The People Believed:The verse starts by saying, “And the people believed.” This signifies a turning point in the narrative. Initially, the Israelites had been sceptical of Moses’ claim that he was sent by God to lead them out of Egypt. However, upon witnessing the miraculous signs that God had performed through Moses and hearing the news of God’s concern for their affliction, their doubts were dispelled, and they came to believe in God’s plan for their deliverance.
God’s Visitation and Compassion:The verse goes on to say that the people believed when they heard that “the Lord had visited the children of Israel” and that “he had looked upon their affliction.” The term “visited” here indicates that God had taken notice of the Israelites’ suffering and intervened in their situation. This visitation demonstrated God’s compassionate concern for His people.
Response: Bowed Heads and Worship:In response to the news of God’s visitation and His care for them, the Israelites “bowed their heads and worshipped.” This act of worship and submission reflects their recognition of God’s sovereignty and their gratitude for His intervention. It is an expression of reverence, humility, and acknowledgment of His power and faithfulness.
Application:This verse serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness, compassion, and His ability to bring deliverance to those who trust in Him. It shows that when the Israelites received the message of God’s visitation and concern, their doubts were replaced with belief, leading them to worship. Similarly, when we recognise God’s presence and His care for us, it should inspire us to trust in Him, worship Him, and surrender to His will.
