Definition: But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 1:12 together. It’s a really important passage about God’s relationship with his people – the Israelites – and how things started to change. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says that as God started to test and trouble them (afflict), their situation became worse and they grew stronger. Let’s unpack that a bit: “But the more they afflicted them…” – This refers to periods of hardship, challenges, or difficulties that God placed before the Israelites. Think about things like being in exile, facing famine, or experiencing oppression. It wasn't just random bad luck; it was deliberately set up by God as a way to test their faith and loyalty. “…the more they multiplied and grew.” – This means as these hardships continued, the Israelites became even more determined, resilient, and perhaps even more confident. They were growing in their faith and community. “And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.” – This is the key part. God was sad that his people were suffering so much. He felt a deep sadness for them because they were facing hardship and being treated unfairly. It’s like when you see someone struggling, and you feel empathy for them. So, what's the overall message? It shows us that God doesn't just do things bad; he also uses those challenges to demonstrate his love and faithfulness. His suffering is a way of showing how much he cares about his people and wants to help them through difficult times. It’s a reminder that even when things seem hopeless, there’s hope and strength to be found within God. Does that make sense? Do you want me to explain any part of it in more detail, or would you like me to give you an example of how this verse might have been used in the Bible?