Definition: Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Exodus 3:9. It’s a really important verse that speaks about a difficult situation in ancient Egypt. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is concerned about the Israelites – a group of people God had promised to be his chosen people – and they are suffering under the oppressive rule of the Egyptians. He’s noticing their distress and feels compelled to intervene. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Now therefore, behold…” : This is like saying “So now, let me show you.” It's a dramatic way for God to introduce something important. “…the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me…” : The Israelites are actually crying out – they’re complaining and suffering. They're feeling overwhelmed and frustrated by their situation. "Come unto me" means they’re reaching out to God for help. “and I have also seen…” : This is a key part. God isn’t just noticing the crying; he sees it. He’s witnessing their suffering firsthand. This shows that He cares deeply about them and understands what they’re going through. What does this mean in terms of context? The Egyptian Rule: The Egyptians were ruling over the Israelites, and they were taking away their freedom and rights. They were forcing the Israelites to work for them, demanding taxes, and generally being incredibly harsh. Oppression: The word "oppression" means unfair treatment or control exerted by someone or something. The Egyptians were treating the Israelites poorly. Overall Significance: This verse is a sign that God is concerned with the people He’s chosen to be his people, and he's recognizing that they need help. It sets the stage for later events in the Bible where God will work through Moses to free the Israelites from Egyptian slavery. It also highlights God’s concern for His people and their well-being. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Give you a historical context – like when this verse was written? Discuss what it might mean in relation to other stories in the Bible?