Exodus 2:25
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 2:25
25 And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them.
Chapter Context
Exodus 2 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of salvation, wisdom, righteousness. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-25: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 2:25
25 And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- References God: Psalms 1:6
- References Israel: Exodus 4:31
- Parallel theme: 1 Samuel 1:11, 2 Samuel 16:12, Job 33:27, Psalms 55:22, Matthew 7:23, Luke 1:25