Exodus 3:7Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The blessings of affliction lead to sincere prayer; the readiness of mercy comes forth immediately to those who cry out. God acted similarly in the past, in Egypt; thus He proclaimed: ‘I observed the suffering of My people in Egypt, and I heard their cry from their oppressors; I am aware of their sorrows, and I am coming to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them out of this land.’ Likewise, beloved, amidst your trials, do not lose hope or be fearful, but rather uplift your spirit, for it is during these times that your prayers are purer and God’s grace is more abundant. Dedicate all your efforts to ensure that your life is filled with toil, remembering that ‘all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted’ (2 Tim. 3:12), and that ‘through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God’ (Acts 14:22). Therefore, do not cherish a life of indulgence and complacency, nor desire to tread the wide path that does not lead to heaven—rather, choose the narrow way. If you aspire to reach higher grounds, flee from pleasures, reject worldly arrogance, scorn wealth, fame, and power; embrace poverty, humility of spirit, repentance, and a heart that weeps. Strive for everything that brings forth salvation. The one who chooses this path finds safety, and their prayers rise in elevation. If you align yourself in this manner and earnestly call upon God with such a heart, He will undoubtedly hear you. In Psalm 119, there lies no glory of existence, no abundance of righteousness, nor exhibition of virtue, only the cries and tears, as in the land of Egypt, where it is stated: I saw the suffering of My people in Egypt, and heard their cries. This was not due to their turning to the truth but because they thought it sufficient to seek salvation from God. Is this enough for reconciliation with Him? Surely, as the prophet asserts, for He is merciful and compassionate; He will show mercy based on the sound of your cries, and when He hears it, He will respond. In Isaiah 30, let us be fervent in prayer; it is a powerful weapon when performed diligently, free from vanity, issuing from a sincere heart; it has driven adversaries away and has favored a nation, even an unworthy one: ‘I saw the affliction of My people in Egypt, and heard their cry...,' declares God, ‘...and I go to deliver them...’; it is the healing balm that protects against sins and cures offenses.

God desires to liberate from this bondage, showing compassion towards His creation who is burdened by labor, just as He once observed the distress of the children of Israel and freed them through the Exodus.

It is important to note that shortly before this, Pharaoh—the ruler from whom Moses had escaped—died, following an unsuccessful attempt to inspire the Hebrews to seek liberation from their oppression. The Hebrews continued to endure this bondage, hoping that a new ruler might ease their burdens. However, this hope was unfulfilled, as the same oppressions persisted under the new king, ultimately leading to their desperate cry to the Lord (Ex. 2: 23).”