Exodus 6:9

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

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}.

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.

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

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

Commentary

Exodus 6:9 reveals the immediate, disheartening response of the Israelites to Moses' message of divine deliverance. Despite God's powerful promises, their present suffering was so overwhelming that they could not receive hope.

Context

This verse follows a critical moment where God reaffirms His covenant with Moses, promising to deliver the children of Israel from Egyptian bondage with an outstretched arm and great judgments (Exodus 6:2-8). Moses, empowered by this divine commission, dutifully relays the Lord's words to his people. However, the Israelites had recently experienced an increased burden of labor and cruelty from Pharaoh, a direct consequence of Moses' initial appeal (Exodus 5:19-23). Their previous hope had been dashed, leaving them in a deeper state of despair.

Key Themes

  • Profound Despair: The primary theme is the Israelites' overwhelming sense of hopelessness. Their suffering was so intense that they were deaf to the good news of impending salvation.
  • The Weight of Oppression: "Cruel bondage" emphasizes the physical and psychological toll of slavery. Their daily reality was one of relentless pain and hardship, which overshadowed any future promise.
  • Difficulty of Faith in Adversity: This verse highlights the human struggle to believe God's promises when current circumstances are dire. It illustrates how severe affliction can numb one's spirit to hope.
  • Moses' Initial Setback: Moses, having just received a powerful assurance from God, immediately faces rejection from his own people, marking an early challenge in his leadership and the divine plan.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "anguish of spirit" translates the Hebrew qotzer ruach (ืงึนืฆึถืจ ืจื•ึผื—ึท). Qotzer means "shortness" or "impatience," and ruach refers to "spirit," "breath," or "wind." Thus, "shortness of spirit" or "shortness of breath" vividly conveys a state of being utterly stifled, crushed, or exasperated. It suggests a spirit so weighed down by affliction that it has no room, no capacity, and no breath left to grasp hope or receive good news. They were literally "out of breath" from their trials.

Significance and Application

Exodus 6:9 is a poignant reminder of human frailty and the paralyzing effect of prolonged suffering. Even with a direct word from God delivered by His chosen messenger, the Israelites were too burdened to respond with faith. This resonates with experiences today where individuals facing immense personal trials, economic hardship, or emotional distress find it difficult to embrace hope or trust in divine intervention. The verse teaches us:

  • God's Patience: Despite the Israelites' unbelief, God did not abandon His plan of deliverance. He understood their human limitation and continued to work on their behalf, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness and patience.
  • The Power of Despair: Despair can be a powerful oppressor, even more so than physical chains, as it robs individuals of the will to hope or resist.
  • Empathy in Ministry: Leaders like Moses must often contend with the deep-seated weariness and skepticism of those they seek to help. It calls for compassion and persistence, even when initial efforts are met with resistance.
  • Hope Beyond Circumstances: Ultimately, the narrative of Exodus shows that God's promises are not dependent on human receptiveness but on His divine power and unwavering commitment to His covenant. He would deliver them regardless of their current inability to believe, proving that His purposes will prevail.
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Cross-References

  • Job 21:4 (3 votes)

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

  • Exodus 5:21 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    ยถ 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 (2 votes)

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

  • Exodus 14:12 (2 votes)

    [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.