Exodus 2:23 - In the course of those many days, the king of Egypt died, and the children of Israel sighed because of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up to God because of the bondage.

Generated Verse: Exodus 2:23

What does "Exodus 2:23" mean?


This verse from Exodus 2:23 sets the stage for the story of the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt. It contains several important elements:

"In the course of those many days, the king of Egypt died": This indicates a passage of time. The previous pharaoh, who had likely initiated the oppression of the Israelites, is now dead. This could imply a potential shift in the political landscape, though it doesn't immediately translate into relief for the Israelites. The verse doesn't name the pharaoh, highlighting the focus on the people's suffering rather than individual rulers.

"and the children of Israel sighed because of the bondage": This shows the continued suffering of the Israelites under Egyptian slavery. "Bondage" refers to their forced labor, harsh conditions, and lack of freedom. "Sighed" suggests a deep, internal expression of pain and despair, born from the weight of their oppression.

"and they cried, and their cry came up to God because of the bondage": The Israelites' sighing escalates into an outright cry for help. This is a crucial point. Their cry isn't just a human expression of pain, but a direct appeal to God. The phrase "their cry came up to God" indicates that God heard and acknowledged their suffering. This is a key element in the narrative, as it triggers God's intervention in their situation.

In summary, the verse highlights the persistent suffering of the Israelites under slavery, the passage of time, and most importantly, the fact that their cries for help reached God, thus setting the stage for divine intervention and their eventual liberation. The verse emphasizes that God is aware of their plight and will act in response to their suffering.