Deuteronomy 26:7
And when we cried unto the LORD God of our fathers, the LORD heard our voice, and looked on our affliction, and our labour, and our oppression:
Deuteronomy 26:7 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the Book of Deuteronomy highlights the power of prayer and the faithfulness of God. In times of distress and hardship, the Israelites turned to the LORD God of their fathers for help. Despite their affliction, labor, and oppression, they found comfort in knowing that God heard their cries. The verse serves as a reminder that no matter how difficult the circumstances may be, God is always present and attentive to the prayers of His people. It demonstrates the compassion and mercy of God towards His children, showing that He is not indifferent to their suffering. This verse can serve as a source of inspiration and hope for believers, encouraging them to trust in God's faithfulness and seek His help in times of trouble.
Theological Overview
When examining the theological interpretation of the verse "And when we cried unto the LORD God of our fathers, the LORD heard our voice, and looked on our affliction, and our labour, and our oppression," we can see a clear demonstration of God's compassionate and responsive nature towards His people. The act of crying out to God in times of distress is a common theme throughout the Bible, and here we see that the Lord not only hears the cries of His people but also looks upon their suffering with understanding and concern. This verse highlights the relational aspect of God's interactions with His people, showing that He is attentive to their pleas and actively involved in their lives, particularly in times of hardship and oppression. The word "affliction" in this context emphasizes the pain and distress the Israelites were experiencing, while "labour" and "oppression" further emphasize the challenges and struggles they faced. Through this verse, we are reminded of God's faithfulness and His willingness to intervene on behalf of His people when they call upon His name.
Deuteronomy 26:7 in other translations
American Standard Version
and we cried unto Jehovah, the God of our fathers, and Jehovah heard our voice, and saw our affliction, and our toil, and our oppression;
World English Bible
Then we cried to Yahweh, the God of our fathers. Yahweh heard our voice, and saw our affliction, our toil, and our oppression.
Douay-Rheims
And we cried to the Lord God of our fathers: who heard us, and looked down upon our affliction, and labour, and distress:
Geneva Bible (1599)
But when we cried vnto the Lord God of our fathers, the Lord heard our voyce, and looked on our aduersitie, and on our labour, and on our oppression.