Exodus 2:25
And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֥רְא
looked
H7200
וַיַּ֥רְא
looked
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 7
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֱלֹהִֽים׃
And God
H430
אֱלֹהִֽים׃
And God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
2 of 7
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּנֵ֣י
upon the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
upon the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 7
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
5 of 7
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
Cross References
Exodus 4:31And 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.Psalms 55:22Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.Psalms 1:6For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.Luke 1:25Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.2 Samuel 16:12It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day.Matthew 7:23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.Job 33:27He looketh upon men, and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not;1 Samuel 1:11And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.
Historical Context
Chapter 2 spans approximately 80 years from Moses' birth to the eve of his call. The chapter's structure shows God's hidden providence: preserving Moses through infancy, preparing him through Egyptian education, humbling him through exile, settling him through marriage, and positioning him through shepherding near Horeb (3:1). Every detail serves God's redemptive purpose.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's 'looking upon' and 'knowing' Israel encourage you that He sees your suffering and will act in His perfect timing?
- What does this chapter's emphasis on God's initiative (hearing, remembering, looking, knowing) teach about the source and nature of redemption?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them (וַיַּרְא אֱלֹהִים אֶת־בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וַיֵּדַע אֱלֹהִים, vayar Elohim et-benei Yisra'el vayeda Elohim)—God looked (רָאָה, ra'ah) with attentive, compassionate regard, not mere observation. Had respect unto them (וַיֵּדַע, vayeda, lit. "and God knew") conveys intimate, covenant knowledge—not information but relationship (cf. Genesis 4:1, Amos 3:2). Some translations render this "God took notice" or "God knew [their condition]." This concludes chapter 2's movement from Moses' preparation to God's initiative. The stage is set for chapter 3's burning bush—God will now act to deliver His people through the man He's been preparing for 80 years.