Exodus 6:9
Moses relayed this message to the Israelites, but on account of their broken spirit and cruel bondage, they did not listen to him.
So Moses relayed this message
The phrase indicates Moses' role as a prophet and mediator between God and the Israelites. The Hebrew root for "relayed" is "dabar," which means to speak or declare. This highlights the importance of Moses' duty to communicate God's will. Historically, Moses' leadership was pivotal in guiding the Israelites out of Egypt, and his faithfulness in delivering God's message underscores the trust placed in him by God.

to the Israelites
The term "Israelites" refers to the descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel. This group is central to the narrative of the Old Testament, representing God's chosen people. The historical context here is significant, as the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt, longing for deliverance. Their identity as a covenant people is crucial, as it ties back to the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

but on account of their broken spirit
The phrase "broken spirit" is derived from the Hebrew "qotzer ruach," which conveys a sense of anguish and discouragement. This reflects the deep emotional and psychological toll of slavery on the Israelites. Theologically, it illustrates how suffering can hinder one's ability to hope and trust in God's promises. It serves as a reminder of the need for spiritual resilience and faith even in dire circumstances.

and cruel bondage
"Cruel bondage" refers to the harsh and oppressive conditions the Israelites faced under Egyptian rule. The Hebrew word "avodah" for "bondage" implies forced labor and servitude. Historically, this period of enslavement is a critical backdrop for the Exodus narrative, emphasizing the need for divine intervention. It also symbolizes the broader theme of liberation from sin and oppression found throughout Scripture.

they did not listen to him
The phrase highlights the Israelites' inability to heed Moses' message due to their suffering. The Hebrew root "shama" for "listen" implies not just hearing but understanding and obeying. This reflects a spiritual deafness caused by despair. In a broader scriptural context, it serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of allowing external circumstances to drown out God's voice and promises. It calls believers to maintain faith and attentiveness to God's word, even when hope seems lost.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The chosen leader of the Israelites, tasked by God to deliver His message and lead His people out of Egypt.

2. The Israelites
God's chosen people, who are suffering under the harsh bondage of Egyptian slavery.

3. Egypt
The land where the Israelites are enslaved, representing a place of oppression and hardship.

4. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt, whose heart is hardened against letting the Israelites go.

5. God's Promise
The assurance given by God to Moses that He will deliver the Israelites from slavery and bring them to the Promised Land.
Teaching Points
Understanding Brokenness
Recognize that a broken spirit can hinder our ability to hear and trust God's promises. We must seek healing and restoration through faith.

The Impact of Oppression
Acknowledge how external circumstances, like the Israelites' cruel bondage, can affect our spiritual receptivity. We should support one another in times of hardship.

God's Faithfulness
Despite the Israelites' inability to listen, God's promise remains steadfast. Trust in God's unwavering commitment to His word.

The Role of a Mediator
Moses serves as a mediator between God and the Israelites, prefiguring Christ as our ultimate mediator who intercedes on our behalf.

Responding to God's Message
Evaluate our own responsiveness to God's word. Are we allowing life's burdens to deafen us to His voice?
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the Israelites' broken spirit in Exodus 6:9 reflect our own struggles in hearing God's promises today?

2. In what ways can we support those around us who are experiencing "cruel bondage" in their lives?

3. How does understanding God's faithfulness in Exodus 6:9 encourage us in our personal walk with Him?

4. What can we learn from Moses' role as a mediator that applies to our relationship with Christ?

5. How can we ensure that we remain receptive to God's message, even when facing difficult circumstances?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 3:7-10
God hears the cries of the Israelites and commissions Moses to lead them out of Egypt, showing His compassion and plan for deliverance.

Psalm 34:18
This verse speaks of God being close to the brokenhearted, which connects to the Israelites' broken spirit in Exodus 6:9.

Hebrews 3:7-19
The New Testament warns against hardening our hearts, as the Israelites did, which prevented them from entering God's rest.

Isaiah 61:1
This prophecy speaks of binding up the brokenhearted, which aligns with God's desire to heal and deliver His people.
Men Content to Remain in BondageD. Marsh, D. D.Exodus 6:9
Physical Destitution Stifling Spiritual LifeW. Arnot, D. D.Exodus 6:9
Ready for DeliveranceD. Marsh, D. D.Exodus 6:9
The Pains of the Lower Life Shutting Out the Blessings of the Higher OneD. Young Exodus 6:9
To the Saddest of the SadSpurgeon, Charles HaddonExodus 6:9
To the Saddest of the SadCharles Haddon Spurgeon Exodus 6:9
A Divine Commentary on a Divine NameJ. Orr Exodus 6:1-9
The Contagion of DespairJ. Urquhart Exodus 6:9-12
Shaken Faith, and an Unshaken PurposeJ. Orr Exodus 6:9-14, 28-30
People
Aaron, Abiasaph, Abihu, Amminadab, Amram, Assir, Canaanitish, Carmi, Egyptians, Eleazar, Elisheba, Elkanah, Elzaphan, Enoch, Gershon, Hanoch, Hezron, Isaac, Israelites, Ithamar, Izhar, Jachin, Jacob, Jamin, Jemuel, Jochebed, Kohath, Korah, Korahites, Korhites, Levi, Levites, Libni, Mahali, Mahli, Merari, Mishael, Moses, Mushi, Naashon, Nadab, Nahshon, Nepheg, Ohad, Pallu, Phallu, Pharaoh, Phinehas, Putiel, Reuben, Saul, Shaul, Shimei, Shimi, Simeon, Uzziel, Zichri, Zithri, Zohar
Places
Canaan, Egypt
Topics
Account, Anguish, Attention, Bondage, Broken, Cruel, Despondency, Didn't, Discouragement, Grief, Harsh, Hearkened, Impatience, Israelites, Listen, Reason, Service, Sons, Spake, Speaketh, Spirit, Spoke, Thus, Weight
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 6:9

     5246   captivity
     8713   discouragement

Exodus 6:5-9

     8728   enemies, of Israel and Judah

Library
To the Saddest of the Sad
I often wonder what those preachers do who feel called to make up their message as they go on; for if they fail, their failure must be attributed in great measure to their want of ability to make up a moving tale. They have to spread their sails to the breeze of the age, and to pick up a gospel that comes floating down to them on the stream of time, altering every week in the year; and they must have an endless task to catch this new idea, or, as they put it, to keep abreast of the age. Unless, indeed,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 34: 1888

From Egypt to Sinai.
Ex. Chs. 1-19 Israel in Egypt. The length of time the Hebrews remained In Egypt is a perplexing question. Exodus 6:16-20 makes Moses the fourth generation from Levi (See Gen. 15:16; Num. 26:57-59). This would make it about 150 years. Gen. 15:13 predicts 400 years. Ex. 12:40 says they were there 430 years and Paul (Gal. 3:17) says 430 years from Abraham to Sinai. These apparently conflicting dates may be explained because of different methods of counting generations, probably based on long lives of
Josiah Blake Tidwell—The Bible Period by Period

Fourth Day. Holiness and Revelation.
And when the Lord saw that Moses turned aside to see, He called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I. And He said, Draw not nigh hither; put off thy shoes from thy feet, for the place where thou standest is holy ground. And Moses hid his face, for He was afraid to look upon God.'--Ex. iii. 4-6. And why was it holy ground? Because God had come there and occupied it. Where God is, there is holiness; it is the presence of God makes holy. This is the
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

Appendix viii. Rabbinic Traditions About Elijah, the Forerunner of the Messiah
To complete the evidence, presented in the text, as to the essential difference between the teaching of the ancient Synagogue about the Forerunner of the Messiah' and the history and mission of John the Baptist, as described in the New Testaments, we subjoin a full, though condensed, account of the earlier Rabbinic traditions about Elijah. Opinions differ as to the descent and birthplace of Elijah. According to some, he was from the land of Gilead (Bemid. R. 14), and of the tribe of Gad (Tanch. on
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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