apr3 thepeoplebelieved

The People Believed

Exodus 4:31 (ESV) – And the people believed; and when they heard that the LORD had visited the people of Israel and that he had seen their affliction, they bowed their heads and worshiped.

It is important for us to get reassurance. Children need to hear “I love you” more than one time from their parents. Spouses need to hear “I love you” more than simply on their wedding day. The need for constant assurance from people is important in helping our insecurities. We not only forget easily but hearing important things like “I’m proud of you” or “I love you” helps us to trust more. We find confidence when we’re reminded that people are there for us. 

Our passage today points us to this truth. There may not be a more important reality of being loved and cared for by God. To have reassurances from Him changes us. We read in Exodus 4:31, “And the people believed; and when they heard that the LORD had visited the people of Israel and that he had seen their affliction, they bowed their heads and worshiped.”

The context of this passage is that the Israelites are enslaved in Egypt. They no longer have the favor of Pharaoh and Egyptian leaders. Hundreds of years have passed since Joseph helped organize the food distribution program during the famine. Now the people have multiplied in a great way but are under the yoke of slavery. Life is hard. They cry out to God and moan under the oppression of the Egyptians. 

We read in the passage that God saw their affliction. Moses told them that God had visited the people. This is a way of speaking that implies He “visited town” or “came near.” God didn’t need to leave Heaven to see what was happening in Egypt, but it is a way of talking that helps the hearer to understand that God’s attention was on His people’s pain. When the people hear Moses deliver this news, they believe. They believe Moses’ words, and they bow their heads in worship. The news that God saw their plight led them to worship. The reassurance that He had not forgotten them, led them to praise.


God sees you, friend. Remember that He keeps His promises and Word to us. He knows what we are facing and is with us. Believe that. Worship Him with your heart fully confident that you are known and loved.

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Reflection & Journal: 
- Why is the reminder that God visited and saw the Israelites condition so important?
- What does their response to this news say about what it did to their hearts?
- How is this lesson applicable to us today?


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