For the LORD saw the affliction of Israel, that it was very bitter: for there was not any shut up, nor any left, nor any helper for Israel.
The LORD saw how terribly Israel was suffering—their pain was overwhelming. There was no one left who could help them, whether those who were free or those who were trapped.
God saw that Israel was in desperate trouble with no human help available to rescue them from their bitter suffering.
📚 Historical Context
This verse describes Israel's condition during the reign of Jeroboam II, around 780 BC. The northern kingdom of Israel had faced years of oppression from Syria and internal strife, leaving the nation weakened and without allies. The phrase about those 'shut up' and 'left' likely refers to people of all social conditions—from prisoners to free citizens—emphasizing that no one in society could provide help.
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