and sufferings. Centuries earlier, the LORD had delivered His people from Egyptian bondage. Now He was promising to deliver them from their captivity in Babylon. But the LORD wanted His people to know a second fact: He knew every one of them personally and called each by name. They were His people, and He was very concerned about them. They were bound to Him in a unique way, for He had a very special purpose for them. Remember that when Israel or the Jews are being discussed, their relationship to