Exodus 3:7-12

God Has Seen the Oppression

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7The LORD said, “I have indeed seen the affliction of My people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their oppressors, and I am aware of their sufferings.

8I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites.

9And now the cry of the Israelites has reached Me, and I have seen how severely the Egyptians are oppressing them.

10Therefore, go! I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring My people the Israelites out of Egypt.”

11But Moses asked God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”

12“I will surely be with you,” God said, “and this will be the sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, all of you will worship God on this mountain.”

Berean Standard Bible

Read aloud

God tells Moses that he has seen the affliction of his people in Egypt and heard their cry because of their taskmasters. He says that he knows their sufferings and has come down to deliver them from the Egyptians and bring them into a good and broad land.

God then says he will send Moses to Pharaoh so that Moses may bring his people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt. Moses must return to Egypt, the country he fled when a previous Pharaoh sought his life. Now God sends him to confront its king and bring Israel out.

Moses asks, “Who am I?” He does not answer with a plan or claim the strength to lead. God answers, “I will surely be with you.” The sign will be that, after bringing the people out, they will serve God at this mountain.

God's compassion is active. He sees, hears, knows, and comes to deliver, but he also involves Moses in the work. Moses' inadequacy is not solved by pretending he is naturally fearless; it is met by God's presence and promise.

The promised destination includes worship. The people who now serve Egypt under compulsion will worship God on this mountain. Their rescue begins with the Lord's compassion and leads them into His service.

Questions

1 What does God say He knows about Israel?

AnswerHe has seen their affliction, heard their cries, and knows their suffering. Egypt's oppression has not escaped His attention.

2 Where does God promise to bring them?

AnswerOut of Egypt into a good, spacious land flowing with milk and honey. He names the peoples living in the land He promises to give them.

3 How does God answer Moses' question, “Who am I?”

AnswerHe promises, “I will surely be with you.” Moses' task depends on the God who sends him, not on his ability to free Israel by himself.

4 What sign does God promise Moses?

AnswerAfter Moses brings the people out of Egypt, they will worship God on this mountain. God speaks of their rescue as something He will accomplish.

What This Means for Us

God notices Israel's suffering before Moses receives an assignment. His compassion is the reason for the rescue. When we feel inadequate to help someone, we can remember that we are not bringing their need to an indifferent God. We can ask Him for wisdom and offer the help we are able to give.

Moses' particular commission does not mean a vulnerable person must confront an abuser alone. Care should protect people and share the burden. Accompany someone who needs support, help them find trustworthy assistance, or take responsibility for a task they cannot carry. Trust in God's care gives us reason to act thoughtfully.

Prayer

God who sees and hears, thank you for knowing the suffering of your people. Give us compassion that acts wisely, courage that does not become recklessness, and companions who help us serve those who are burdened. Amen.

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