Exodus 6:9

KJV

And Moses spake so unto the children of Israel: but they hearkened not unto Moses for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} spake {H1696} so unto the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}: but they hearkened {H8085} not unto Moses {H4872} for anguish {H7115} of spirit {H7307}, and for cruel {H7186} bondage {H5656}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe said this to the people of Isra'el. But they wouldn't listen to him, because they were so discouraged, and their slavery was so cruel.

Berean Standard Bible

Moses relayed this message to the Israelites, but on account of their broken spirit and cruel bondage, they did not listen to him.

American Standard Version

And Moses spake so unto the children of Israel: but they hearkened not unto Moses for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 6:9 powerfully depicts the immediate and disheartening response of the Israelites to Moses' message of divine deliverance. Despite God's profound promises to liberate them from slavery, their present suffering was so overwhelming and their spirits so crushed by prolonged, cruel bondage that they were unable to receive or believe the message of hope, illustrating the paralyzing psychological and spiritual effects of severe oppression.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment following God's renewed and emphatic declaration of His covenant promises to Moses in [Exodus 6:2-8](/exodus/6-2-8 "God's Reaffirmation of His Covenant and Promise of Deliverance"). God explicitly states His intention to deliver Israel from Egyptian bondage, redeem them, take them as His people, and bring them into the promised land. Moses, having received this powerful divine commission, faithfully relays these words to the "children of Israel." The immediate preceding chapter, [Exodus 5](/exodus/5 "Pharaoh's Oppression Increases"), details Moses' initial, unsuccessful confrontation with Pharaoh, which resulted not in liberation but in a significant increase in the Israelites' workload and suffering, as Pharaoh commanded them to gather their own straw while still meeting the same brick quotas. This intensified oppression had a devastating impact on the people, setting the stage for their despairing reaction in [Exodus 6:9](/exodus/6-9 "Israel's Despair and Unbelief").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites were enslaved in Egypt for centuries, performing forced labor, particularly in brick-making and construction for Pharaoh's store cities ([Exodus 1:11-14](/exodus/1-11-14 "Israel's Hard Bondage in Egypt")). This was not merely physical labor but a system designed to break their spirit and diminish their numbers, including the horrific decree to kill male infants ([Exodus 1:15-22](/exodus/1-15-22 "Pharaoh's Decree to Kill Male Infants")). Their daily lives were marked by relentless toil, brutal overseers, and a complete lack of hope for a better future. The term "bondage" (Hebrew *ʻăbôdâh*) describes a state of servitude, labor, and oppressive work. The "cruel" (Hebrew *qâsheh*) nature of this bondage implies harshness, severity, and a lack of compassion, resulting in both physical exhaustion and deep psychological trauma that would naturally make them skeptical of any sudden promise of freedom.
* **Key Themes:** [Exodus 6:9](/exodus/6-9 "Israel's Despair") contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Exodus. It highlights the theme of **divine sovereignty versus human unbelief**, demonstrating that God's plan of deliverance will proceed regardless of human receptivity. It underscores the **reality of human frailty and the psychological toll of oppression**, showing how suffering can extinguish hope and make faith incredibly difficult. This verse also introduces the theme of **Moses' challenges as a leader**, as he immediately faces rejection from his own people despite being God's chosen messenger. Furthermore, it sets the stage for God to demonstrate His power not only to Pharaoh but also to His own people, proving His faithfulness and ability to overcome even the deepest despair, a theme that culminates in the miraculous events of [the plagues](/exodus/7-12 "The Ten Plagues of Egypt") and the [crossing of the Red Sea](/exodus/14 "The Crossing of the Red Sea").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **spake (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** From a primitive root, meaning perhaps properly "to arrange," but used figuratively "to speak." It implies a declarative, authoritative communication. Moses "spake" God's words, indicating a direct transmission of the divine message, not merely a casual conversation. This highlights Moses' role as a prophet, delivering a precisely articulated divine promise.
* **anguish (Hebrew, _qôtser'_):** Derived from the root "to be short," this word literally means "shortness." When combined with "spirit" (rûwach), it forms the idiom "shortness of spirit" or "shortness of breath." This vividly describes a state of being utterly stifled, crushed, or exasperated, where one is so overwhelmed by affliction that they have no capacity, no "breath," left to grasp hope or receive good news. It signifies a profound state of impatience, weariness, and despair.
* **bondage (Hebrew, _ʻăbôdâh'_):** This term refers to "work of any kind," but in this context, it specifically denotes "service," "labor," or "servitude." The addition of "cruel" (qâsheh) emphasizes the harsh, severe, and grievous nature of this forced labor, which had physically exhausted and psychologically broken the Israelites, making any promise of relief seem utterly unbelievable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses spake so unto the children of Israel":** This clause establishes Moses' obedience to God's command. Having just received God's powerful reaffirmation of His covenant and detailed promises of deliverance in [Exodus 6:2-8](/exodus/6-2-8 "God's Covenant Reaffirmed"), Moses faithfully conveys these divine words to his people, the descendants of Jacob, now known as "Israel."
* **"but they hearkened not unto Moses":** This marks a stark and immediate rejection of Moses' message. The verb "hearkened" (Hebrew *shâmaʻ*) implies not just hearing, but listening intelligently, paying attention, and often, obeying. Their failure to "hearken" indicates a refusal to believe or even properly process the good news, a profound lack of receptivity to God's promise delivered through His chosen messenger.
* **"for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage":** This final clause provides the reason for their unbelief and inability to listen. Their "anguish of spirit" (Hebrew *qôtser rûwach*, literally "shortness of spirit" or "shortness of breath") signifies a deep, overwhelming despair and exhaustion. Coupled with the relentless and "cruel bondage" (Hebrew *ʻăbôdâh qâsheh*) they endured daily, their present suffering had so thoroughly crushed their hope and vitality that they were emotionally and spiritually incapable of receiving or believing in a future deliverance, no matter how divinely promised.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Pathos** to evoke a strong sense of pity and empathy for the Israelites' plight. Their "anguish of spirit" and "cruel bondage" paint a vivid picture of extreme suffering that has rendered them incapable of hope, making their unbelief understandable, if not justifiable. The phrase "anguish of spirit" is a powerful **Idiom** (Hebrew *qôtser rûwach*), literally "shortness of breath," which metaphorically conveys a state of being utterly stifled, exasperated, and devoid of the capacity for hope or endurance. This **Metaphor** of being "out of breath" from suffering effectively communicates their profound despair and the crushing weight of their oppression. The contrast between God's grand promises (implied from the preceding verses) and the Israelites' immediate, despairing rejection creates a dramatic **Irony**, highlighting the chasm between divine intention and human capacity for belief under duress.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 6:9 underscores a profound theological truth: God's faithfulness to His covenant is not contingent upon human receptivity or belief. Despite the Israelites' despair and inability to "hearken" to His promises, God did not abandon His plan of deliverance. This demonstrates God's unwavering commitment to His word and His sovereign power to fulfill His purposes, even when faced with human doubt and frailty. The narrative emphasizes that the deliverance would come not because Israel believed, but because God had sworn an oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and He is faithful to His covenant promises, regardless of immediate human response. This divine steadfastness provides a powerful foundation for understanding God's character throughout salvation history.

* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "God is not a man, that He should lie")
* [Romans 3:3-4](/romans/3-3-4 "God's Faithfulness Despite Human Unbelief")
* [2 Timothy 2:13](/2_timothy/2-13 "God Remains Faithful")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 6:9 offers a poignant and deeply empathetic insight into the human condition under extreme duress. It teaches us that prolonged suffering, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, can so profoundly impact an individual or community that it extinguishes the capacity for hope and belief, even in the face of clear divine promises. For those in ministry or leadership, this verse serves as a vital reminder to approach people with immense compassion and patience, understanding that deep-seated weariness, trauma, and skepticism are powerful barriers to receiving good news. We are called to persist in sharing the message of hope, not expecting immediate acceptance, but trusting in the sovereign power of God to break through despair. For individuals facing their own "cruel bondage" – be it chronic illness, financial hardship, relational brokenness, or spiritual oppression – this passage encourages us to acknowledge the reality of our own limitations and the paralyzing effects of suffering. Ultimately, it directs us to place our hope not in our own fleeting capacity to believe, but in the unfailing character and unwavering power of God, who remains faithful even when our spirits are too anguished to grasp His promises.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does prolonged suffering or difficult circumstances affect your own capacity to receive and believe promises of hope, whether divine or human?**
* **In what ways can we, as individuals or communities, offer compassionate support to those whose "spirit" is "anguished" and who struggle to hear or believe good news?**
* **What does God's continued plan of deliverance despite Israel's unbelief teach us about His character and the nature of His faithfulness?**

### FAQ
**Why didn't the Israelites immediately believe Moses' message of deliverance?**

Answer: The Israelites did not believe Moses immediately primarily because they were utterly overwhelmed by "anguish of spirit" and "cruel bondage." Their recent experience of increased suffering, directly following Moses' initial appeal to Pharaoh as described in [Exodus 5](/exodus/5 "Pharaoh's Increased Oppression"), had crushed any previous glimmer of hope. This left them in a state of profound despair and exhaustion where they could not conceive of or receive good news. Their present reality was simply too harsh and debilitating for them to grasp a future promise, no matter how divinely assured.

**Does "anguish of spirit" imply a lack of faith on the part of the Israelites?**

Answer: While their inability to "hearken" to Moses certainly indicates a lack of immediate faith in that moment, "anguish of spirit" (Hebrew *qôtser rûwach*) describes a state of being utterly stifled, exhausted, and "out of breath" from suffering. It suggests a spirit so crushed by affliction that it lacked the capacity or room to receive hope, rather than an intentional, defiant rejection of God. It highlights human frailty under extreme duress, which God, in His patience and understanding, would address through His powerful acts of deliverance, rather than condemning them for their immediate inability to believe.

**Did God's plan of deliverance depend on the Israelites' belief?**

Answer: No, God's plan of deliverance did not depend on the Israelites' belief or receptivity. The narrative clearly demonstrates that God's commitment to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob ([Exodus 6:3-5](/exodus/6-3-5 "God Remembers His Covenant")) and His inherent power to deliver were the driving forces. Despite their unbelief, God proceeded with His plan, proving that His purposes are sovereign and will prevail regardless of human response. Their initial inability to believe did not deter God from fulfilling His promises; rather, it set the stage for Him to reveal His mighty arm and demonstrate His faithfulness in an undeniable way.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Israelites' "anguish of spirit" and their inability to receive the promise of deliverance from physical bondage serve as a profound foreshadowing of humanity's deeper spiritual bondage and our inherent inability to save ourselves or even fully grasp God's ultimate salvation. Just as Israel needed a deliverer beyond their own capacity to break free from Egypt, humanity requires Christ. He is the ultimate Moses, sent by God not only to break the chains of physical oppression but to free us from the far more devastating bondage of sin and spiritual death, which causes the deepest "anguish of spirit" and separates us from God ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "The Wages of Sin is Death")). Christ's work on the cross, a perfect act of deliverance, is not contingent on our initial receptivity or perfect faith, but on God's sovereign love and Christ's finished work ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Salvation by Grace Through Faith")). He offers true rest and hope to all who are weary and heavy-laden, fulfilling the promise of a deliverance that transcends human despair and opens the spirit to receive eternal life and reconciliation with God ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). Through Him, our "shortness of spirit" is replaced by the indwelling Spirit of God, empowering us to live in the freedom of His grace ([Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Christ Has Set Us Free")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Job 21:4

As for me, [is] my complaint to man? and if [it were so], why should not my spirit be troubled?

Exodus 5:21

And they said unto them, The LORD look upon you, and judge; because ye have made our savour to be abhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to slay us.

Numbers 21:4

¶ And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way.

Proverbs 14:19

¶ The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

Exodus 14:12

[Is] not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For [it had been] better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.