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how do other biblical narratives depict a people's 'cry' influencing divine or human action?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

Exodus 2:23-25

It happened in the course of those many days that the king of Egypt died, and the children of Israel sighed because of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up to God because of the bondage. God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. God saw the children of Israel, and God took notice of them.

This passage describes the worsening conditions of the Israelites in Egypt after Joseph's era, under a new pharaoh who enslaved them. It sets the stage for Moses's return and God's intervention to liberate them.

When we witness or experience deep suffering, what does it mean to trust that a 'cry' can still reach and move power?

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Read alongside it

  • Genesis 18:20-21

    God hears the 'cry' regarding Sodom and Gomorrah, prompting investigation and judgment.

  • James 5:4

    The 'cry' of exploited laborers is said to reach the ears of God.

  • Psalm 34:17

    The righteous 'cry' out, and Yahweh hears, delivering them from troubles.

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