Cry of Oppression – Exodus 2:23-25
In the Disney movie, Meet the Robinsons, there’s a scene with a Tyrannosaurus Rex who is trying to grab this little human and he makes the comment: “I have a big head and little arms. I’m just not sure how well this plan was thought through.”
James Weldon Johnson began a poem with these words: “Young man, young man, your arm’s too short to box with God.” Satan’s arms are too short to box with God and when we realize that, we will fear Satan less and serve God more.
Let’s examine Exodus 1 and 2:23-25…
ISRAEL BEGINS SMALL – 1:1-6:
Moses summarizes in this first paragraph what had transpired to bring Abraham’s family into Egypt. Noting that there were 70 who came into Egypt sets the stage for the exponential growth that Moses will emphasize beginning in verse 7.
ISRAEL PROSPERS DESPITE OPPRESSION – 1:7-14:
Pharaoh, perhaps not realizing he was working against Jehovah God, tries to undo the blessing mentioned in 1:7. His oppression of Israel recalls the promise God made to Abraham in Genesis 15:13. Observe in verses 11-14 how difficult Pharaoh made the lives of the Israelites. But, the more he persecuted, the more Israel grew, and the more Egypt grieved!
Some thoughts for Christians to consider…
Pharaoh was, arguably, ungrateful for what Joseph had done for Egypt. It is still a sin to be ungrateful (Eph. 5:20; Col. 3:15; 1 Thess. 5:18; 2 Thess. 1:3; 2:13; Hebrews 13:15). Rabbi Gamaliel warned his fellow Jews that if they persecute Christians, they may find themselves “fighting against God” (Acts 5:39). It is good for us to remember our sinful past because it can help us appreciate the grace of God (2 Cor. 12:7-10).
GOD PROTECTS THE FAITHFUL – 1:15-22:
Isn’t it remarkable that in God’s word, the pharaoh is nameless but the two women who saved God’s children are named?! But, the growth of Israel has been emphasized in this chapter, in verses 7, 12, and 20. No one cannot stop God from fulfilling His plans and promises!
Thoughts for Christians to consider…
David praises the king who rules with “fear of God” (2 Sam. 23:3). Nehemiah lived in the “fear of God” (Neh. 5:15). Eliphaz asks Job if he has “fear of God” (Job 4:6). The ungodly have no “fear of God” (Psa. 36:1).
Paul quotes Psalm 36:1 to the effect that the wicked have no fear of God (Rom. 3:18). In 2 Corinthians 7:1, Paul calls on Christians to perfect their holiness “in the fear of God.” While it is possible that Shiphrah and Puah lied to Pharaoh, God does not approve of their lying. Under the New Testament, the covenant of Jesus Christ, all lying is forbidden (Rev. 21:8). “God-fearer” became a common designation in NT times for a Gentile who believed in the God of the Jews (Luke 7:1-10; Acts 10:2, 22; 13:16, 26).
GOD REMEMBERS – 2:23-25:
Once that particular Pharaoh died, the Israelites felt a sense of relief. It is almost as if the oppression let up just enough to allow them to cry. They did cry out and their cry rose to heaven, into the ears of God because of the hard work they were required to do. Notice the emphasis in these last two verses on God: 1) God heard their cry; 2) God remembered His covenant; 3) God saw the sons of Israel; 4) God knew, that is, He knew what was going on with His children.
Thoughts to consider…
In Deuteronomy 26:7, Moses refers to this paragraph, reminding Israel that God heard their cries and groans.
The NT portrays Christians as “foreigners” as well: Eph. 2:12, 19; Heb. 11:13; 1 Peter 2:11-12.
Even if we experience catastrophes in our lives, even if things are going poorly for us, God still hears our cries. He still sees our oppression. He is still moved in His heart, and He remembers. He remembers that we are members of the body of His Son. We are His children. He will come to our rescue. Satan’s arms are too short to box with God.
We need to be faithful, fearing God as these midwives did, and be patient. Deliverance will come