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Exodus 4:31
And the people believed: and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.

1 Samuel 1:11
And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no rasor come upon his head.

2 Samuel 16:12
It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day.

God.

had respect.

Exodus 1:8
Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph.

Exodus 3:7,8
And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people whichare in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; …

Psalm 1:6
For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

and took notice.
This indicates God's active response to the plight of the Israelites. The Hebrew word used here can also mean "acknowledged" or "understood," suggesting a deep, compassionate awareness. Historically, this marks the beginning of God's intervention to deliver the Israelites, leading to the calling of Moses and the subsequent Exodus. This act of taking notice is a precursor to the covenant relationship God establishes with Israel at Sinai. It also foreshadows the New Testament revelation of God taking notice of humanity's need for salvation through Jesus Christ, as seen in passages likeJohn 3:16, where God's love prompts Him to send His Son.

• The verse starts by focusing on the covenant Lord Himself—“God.”

• This is the same God who spoke to Abraham inGenesis 17:7, promising an everlasting covenant.

• His identity is not distant or abstract; He is the personal, promise-keeping Creator (Exodus 3:6).

• Remembering His covenant means He is now acting in perfect faithfulness (Psalm 105:8-10).

• Scripture says, “God saw the Israelites…”. Nothing escapes His sight (2 Chronicles 16:9).

• Seeing in Scripture often conveys deep awareness and compassion:

– Hagar confessed, “You are the God who sees me” (Genesis 16:13).

– InPsalm 34:15 we read, “The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous.”

• This seeing is not passive observation; it is the prelude to redemptive action.

• The focus narrows to the covenant people, suffering under harsh slavery (Exodus 2:23).

• God’s special relationship is in view (Deuteronomy 7:6-8), underscoring that His promises are tied to a real people in real history.

• Their groaning reminds us that God’s chosen often experience affliction before deliverance (Acts 7:34).

• The phrase is rendered, “and took notice” (or “knew,” “was concerned”). It signals intimate involvement.

• Similar language appears inExodus 3:7: “I have surely seen… I have heard… I know their sorrows.”

• God’s “taking notice” leads directly to calling Moses (Exodus 3:10) and ultimately to the Exodus itself (Exodus 12:40-42).

• For believers today, this shows that God’s awareness always includes purposeful response (Romans 8:28).

Exodus 2:25 assures us that the covenant-keeping God actively sees His people’s distress and moves to fulfill His promises. His sight is compassionate, His knowledge personal, and His response certain, anchoring our faith that He remains attentive and faithful in every generation.

Parallel Commentaries ...