Exodus 6:9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

When we find ourselves engrossed in necessary tasks, our ability to appreciate those we care for diminishes, often causing dissatisfaction. In such moments of sorrow, even the brightness of the world may appear dim. This phenomenon is illustrated in the story of the Israelites. When Moses arrived among them, announcing countless blessings, freedom from bondage, and a return to their ancestral land, the Scripture notes that “they did not hearken to Moses because of their cowardice and the heaviness of the labour.” Faced with someone who brought such joyous news, they turned away. After weeping and receiving the same divine command once more, Moses reiterated it to the Israelites, yet they remained unresponsive, their spirits weighed down by grief and despair. The Scripture reflects that “they did not hearken” to Moses due to their fear and the burdens of their toil. This deeply troubled him.

Some authors have attempted to interpret the departure from Egypt as stemming from a spiritual uprising among the people. This verse addresses that perspective. The Lord Himself delivered Israel, who, in their humiliation and despair, could not even fathom the prospect of salvation. The evident decline in the moral strength of the people is striking. The initial fervor that accompanied Moses' first proclamation has faded; rather than finding relief in his actions, they instead experienced increased frustration following Moses' initial efforts. Now they listen with skepticism and display a chilling indifference born from hopelessness.