Exodus 6:9 — Did the Children of Israel Listen to Moses or Disregard His Words?

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Exodus 6:9 (UASV) states: “So Moses spoke thus to the sons of Israel, but they did not listen to Moses because of their discouragement and because of the harshness of their slavery.” This statement raises the question: Did the children of Israel consistently disregard Moses’ words, or did they also listen and respond at other times? The answer lies in examining the immediate and broader context of Moses’ interactions with the Israelites and the nature of Hebrew narrative description.

The Context of Exodus 6:9

Exodus 6:9 occurs after Moses had delivered Jehovah’s promise of deliverance from Egyptian bondage (Exodus 6:1-8). The reaction recorded in verse 9 was shaped by two overwhelming realities: the severe oppression the Israelites were experiencing under Pharaoh’s harsh demands (Exodus 5:6-23), and their deep discouragement (qōṣer rūaḥ — shortness of spirit or crushed spirit). The combination of psychological defeat and physical suffering rendered them unable, at that moment, to respond with faith and hope.

Image illustrating Exodus 6:9, with Moses speaking to the disheartened Hebrew slaves.

The Hebrew verb shāmaʿ translated “did not listen” can denote not only the failure to hear but also the refusal or inability to heed due to circumstances. Their hearts were too burdened to grasp the magnitude of Moses’ message of deliverance.

Earlier Willingness to Listen

It is critical to recognize that this was not the Israelites’ permanent disposition toward Moses. Earlier, in Exodus 4:29-31, after Moses and Aaron first conveyed Jehovah’s message, the Israelites responded positively: “Then the people believed; and when they heard that Jehovah had visited the sons of Israel and that he had seen their affliction, they bowed down and worshiped.” Thus, at the outset, they were receptive.

The refusal in Exodus 6:9 was a temporary lapse directly attributable to intensified oppression by Pharaoh (Exodus 5:22-23). The worsening of their conditions crushed their spirits, temporarily dampening their ability to exercise faith in Moses’ assurances.

Subsequent Obedience and Faith

Despite their initial inability to listen at this moment of extreme suffering, the Israelites eventually did obey Moses and followed him out of Egypt. The narrative shows that after the plagues, the people acted in faith by applying the Passover blood as instructed (Exodus 12:28). They also followed Moses in the Exodus (Exodus 12:37) and crossed the Red Sea (Exodus 14:22).

Therefore, Exodus 6:9 captures a singular moment of emotional and spiritual exhaustion, not a definitive characterization of Israel’s overall response to Moses. It illustrates the understandable human reaction of despair in the face of intensified suffering, not outright rebellion or disbelief of Moses’ divine commission.

Additional Rational Consideration

Ancient Hebrew narrative often focuses on key representative moments rather than providing exhaustive details of every occurrence. The text uses Exodus 6:9 to highlight the deep affliction and brokenness of the Israelites at that particular juncture, providing a backdrop for the subsequent dramatic demonstration of Jehovah’s power in the plagues and ultimate deliverance.

Moreover, this episode underscores a theological point: Jehovah’s deliverance does not depend on the strength or optimism of the people. Despite their crushed spirits, He proceeded with His covenant purpose. This reinforces the doctrine of Jehovah’s faithfulness to His promises (Exodus 6:5-8; Numbers 23:19).

Conclusion

Exodus 6:9 records a moment of emotional paralysis, not permanent unbelief. The Israelites initially listened to Moses (Exodus 4:31), temporarily faltered under the strain of unbearable oppression (Exodus 6:9), but ultimately obeyed Jehovah’s instructions through Moses. The account presents a realistic portrayal of human frailty under distress, which in no way contradicts the overall narrative of Israel’s acceptance of Moses as Jehovah’s appointed leader.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).