They merited this because they, starting with Avraham, chose G-d. Next comes the name of the people persecuting the Jewish people, the Egyptians. Then comes the name of the leader, Moshe. And finally, as shown throughout our history, the last One is G-d. Only when we turn ourselves towards G-d does the cycle close.
Jewish history is filled with such cycles.
We must learn from our history and enable that knowledge to strengthen our relationship with G-d. And to remember that even as we suffer in exile, it is for a greater purpose.