What does Exodus 3:16 mean?

'Go and gather the elders of Israel and tell them, "The LORD, the God of your ancestors, appeared to me—the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—and said: I have watched over you and seen what’s been done to you in Egypt."' Exodus 3:16 - Modern Text Bible

(God instructs Moses to first approach the leaders of Israel, sharing the message that God has been attentive to their suffering.)