Exodus 6:5

Furthermore, I have heard the groaning of the Israelites, whom the Egyptians are enslaving, and I have remembered My covenant.

Study Bible

Furthermore
This word serves as a continuation of God's previous declarations to Moses. It indicates that what follows is an addition to what has already been revealed. In the Hebrew text, the word used here is "וְגַם" (vegam), which connects the ongoing narrative of God's interaction with His people. It emphasizes the continuity of God's attention and action, reassuring the Israelites that He is actively involved in their plight.

I have heard
The Hebrew word for "heard" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which implies not just hearing but understanding and responding. This is significant because it shows that God is not distant or indifferent. His hearing is an active engagement with the suffering of His people, reflecting His compassionate nature and His readiness to intervene.

the groaning
The term "groaning" comes from the Hebrew "נְאַקָה" (neakah), which conveys a deep, distressing cry for help. This word captures the intense suffering and oppression the Israelites were experiencing under Egyptian bondage. It is a reminder that God is attentive to the cries of His people, no matter how desperate their situation may seem.

of the Israelites
The Israelites, or "בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל" (b'nei Yisrael) in Hebrew, are the descendants of Jacob, whom God renamed Israel. This phrase identifies the specific group of people God is addressing and highlights their unique covenant relationship with Him. It underscores their identity as God's chosen people, set apart for His purposes.

whom the Egyptians are enslaving
This phrase highlights the oppressors, the Egyptians, and their actions against the Israelites. The Hebrew word for "enslaving" is "מַעֲבִדִים" (ma'avidim), which indicates forced labor and harsh treatment. This context sets the stage for God's deliverance, as He is about to confront the powers of Egypt and liberate His people.

and I have remembered
The word "remembered" in Hebrew is "זָכַר" (zakar), which means more than just recalling; it implies taking action based on a prior commitment. God's remembrance is tied to His faithfulness and His covenant promises. It reassures the Israelites that God is faithful to His word and will act on their behalf.

My covenant
The covenant referred to here is the Abrahamic covenant, which God established with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This covenant, found in Genesis, promised land, descendants, and blessing. The use of "My covenant" emphasizes God's personal commitment and the unbreakable nature of His promises. It serves as a foundation for the hope and deliverance that God is about to bring to His people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Israelites
The descendants of Jacob, also known as the children of Israel, who are enslaved in Egypt and crying out for deliverance.

2. The Egyptians
The people of Egypt, under whose harsh bondage the Israelites are suffering.

3. God (Yahweh)
The God of Israel, who hears the cries of His people and remembers His covenant with their forefathers.

4. The Covenant
The promise made by God to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, ensuring the Israelites' future as a great nation and their possession of the Promised Land.

5. Moses
The chosen leader through whom God will deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage.

Teaching Points

God's Faithfulness
God is faithful to His promises. Just as He remembered His covenant with the Israelites, He remains faithful to His promises to us today.

The Power of Prayer
The groaning of the Israelites reached God's ears, reminding us that our prayers and cries for help are heard by God.

Divine Timing
God's remembrance and action come in His perfect timing. We must trust His timing in our own lives, even when it seems delayed.

Covenant Relationship
Understanding our relationship with God through the lens of His covenant helps us grasp the depth of His commitment to us.

Deliverance and Redemption
Just as God delivered Israel from physical bondage, He offers us deliverance from spiritual bondage through Jesus Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob enhance our understanding of His actions in Exodus 6:5?

2. In what ways can we be assured that God hears our prayers and groanings today, as He did with the Israelites?

3. How can we apply the concept of divine timing in our personal lives when waiting for God's intervention?

4. What are some modern-day examples of God's faithfulness that mirror His remembrance of the covenant in Exodus 6:5?

5. How does the concept of deliverance in Exodus 6:5 connect to the deliverance offered through Jesus in the New Testament?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 15
God's covenant with Abraham, promising him numerous descendants and the land of Canaan, is foundational to understanding God's remembrance in Exodus 6:5.

Exodus 2:24
Earlier in Exodus, God hears the groaning of the Israelites and remembers His covenant, setting the stage for His intervention.

Psalm 105
This psalm recounts God's faithfulness to His covenant and His mighty acts on behalf of Israel, reinforcing the theme of divine remembrance and deliverance.

Hebrews 8
The New Testament speaks of a new covenant through Christ, drawing a parallel to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises.