Exodus 2:23Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

When we approach God, He warmly welcomes us, even when our need drives us to Him out of distress. True love leads one to overlook hardships, focusing solely on the beloved's presence and expressing gratitude for the challenging circumstances that prompted the encounter. The cries of the Israelites arose solely from the burdens and toil of their labor in making bricks. Was this not a reflection of their inner yearning? Did they not seek God amidst their suffering? Did He not turn away from them during their earnest pleas? Among all nations, they were the least. Yet, it brings joy to God to rescue those who turn to Him in their suffering.

The blessed prophets, who were deeply concerned with our spiritual well-being and exercised discerning judgment, earnestly prayed for the Word of God to serve as a helper and protector for those living on earth. They acknowledged Him alone as the Almighty capable of salvaging those ensnared in dire adversity. These prophets were esteemed teachers of righteousness, guiding the path to salvation with wisdom. What revered attributes did they lack? They undoubtedly warranted admiration. Yet, they could not dismantle the harsh dominion of Satan or disperse the malicious legions of demons that mercilessly ravaged us, leaving us in a state akin to captives, burdened by an oppressive yoke of servitude, compelled to think and act in ways that gratified their desires.

After Moses spent forty years in Midian, the Pharaoh who had oppressed the Hebrews passed away, bringing them a sense of relief following their severe enslavement.

During the reign of Pharaoh, the Israelites, weighed down by their labor in clay, brick, and fields, did not cry out to the Lord. Their hearts did not turn toward the God of their ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. However, upon his death, the children of Israel began to cry out, as noted in Scripture, and their pleas ascended to the Lord (Exodus 2:23). Historically, one might expect the Israelites to have rejoiced at that time, yet it was during Pharaoh's life that their sighs were truly felt.

The Israelites lamented for their spiritual endeavors, while the Egyptians, who took pleasure in these tasks and served a despotic ruler, found no compassion. Paradise.

The extent and depth of their sufferings ultimately validated their existence in their own eyes: the weight of their afflictions aligned with the standards of their moral judgment, leading to a sincere yet powerful prayer that rose to the presence of the Almighty. Though the spirit of devotion was reawakened, the collective spirit of the people remained dormant: their hearts were filled with faith and submission to God's will, yet the awareness of its significance, strength, and security was absent. This revival of spirit and consciousness would not have occurred had God not intervened with tremendous power and might. It is vital for a nation to recognize its significance, but the people of God must understand their strength solely through Him. Righteous faith

Approximately four decades elapsed, as indicated by the subsequent accounts. The Pharaoh from whom Moses sought refuge in Midian was likely not Amazis, the king during the onset of persecution, but rather Totmes I, whose demise is recorded in this scripture. Following him, his brother Totmes II ascended the throne alongside his sister-in-law Hatazu. Gerlach points out that this narrative illustrates that the affliction of Israel was not solely the result of the individual malice of a specific Pharaoh, but that a structured campaign of oppression was initiated against the Israelites, which was unaffected by the change in rulers. A. C. B. notes that Israel remained cognizant of and loyal to the concept of the Creator God, identified as Elohim, though this belief began to dwindle amidst the surrounding pagan influences, risking complete extinguishment.