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Exodus 6:9 - Pain silences faith's voice?

Exodus 6:9 - שמות 6:9

Hebrew Text

וַיְדַבֵּר מֹשֶׁה כֵּן אֶל־בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וְלֹא שָׁמְעוּ אֶל־מֹשֶׁה מִקֹּצֶר רוּחַ וּמֵעֲבֹדָה קָשָׁה׃

English Translation

And Moshe spoke so to the children of Yisra᾽el: but they hearkened not to Moshe for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage.

Transliteration

Vayedaber Moshe ken el-bnei Yisrael velo shame'u el-Moshe mikotzer ruach ume'avoda kasha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר מֹשֶׁ֛ה כֵּ֖ן אֶל־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וְלֹ֤א שָֽׁמְעוּ֙ אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֔ה מִקֹּ֣צֶר ר֔וּחַ וּמֵעֲבֹדָ֖ה קָשָֽׁה׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר מֹשֶׁ֛ה כֵּ֖ן אֶל־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וְלֹ֤א שָֽׁמְעוּ֙ אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֔ה מִקֹּ֣צֶר ר֔וּחַ וּמֵעֲבֹדָ֖ה קָשָֽׁה׃ {פ}

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse

The verse (Shemot 6:9) describes Moshe's attempt to convey Hashem's message of redemption to Bnei Yisrael, but they were unable to internalize his words due to their overwhelming suffering. The phrase "מִקֹּצֶר רוּחַ וּמֵעֲבֹדָה קָשָׁה" ("for anguish of spirit and for cruel bondage") reflects their physical and emotional state.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that "קֹּצֶר רוּחַ" (shortness of spirit) refers to their inability to patiently listen due to the crushing burden of their labor. Their spirits were so oppressed that they could not absorb words of comfort or hope. The "עֲבֹדָה קָשָׁה" (hard labor) further emphasizes the unbearable physical toil that left them without the mental or emotional capacity to respond.

Ibn Ezra's Insight

Ibn Ezra adds that their suffering was so intense that even Moshe's assurances of redemption seemed distant and implausible. Their despair was so deep that they could not lift their hearts to believe in a future deliverance, despite Moshe's credibility as a leader.

Midrashic Perspective

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 6:5) elaborates that their inability to listen was not due to a lack of faith in Moshe, but rather because their spirits were broken ("נִשְׁבְּרָה רוּחָם"). The labor was not only physically grueling but also psychologically devastating, leaving them in a state of hopelessness.

Rambam on Human Nature

Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 7:1) discusses how extreme suffering can cloud a person's ability to perceive truth. Bnei Yisrael's condition was so dire that even divine promises could not penetrate their hearts until their circumstances improved.

Practical Lessons

  • Empathy in Leadership: Moshe’s experience teaches that leaders must recognize the emotional and physical limitations of those they seek to inspire.
  • Human Resilience: The verse highlights how oppression can stifle hope, underscoring the need for patience in spiritual growth.
  • Divine Timing: Hashem’s redemption came only when Bnei Yisrael were ready to receive it, demonstrating that deliverance often follows a process of preparation.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why didn't the Israelites listen to Moshe in Exodus 6:9?
A: The verse explains that the Israelites did not listen to Moshe due to 'shortness of spirit' (קוצר רוח) and 'hard labor' (עבודה קשה). Rashi explains that 'shortness of spirit' means they were so overwhelmed by their suffering that they couldn't patiently listen to words of comfort or hope. The hard physical labor made it difficult for them to focus on anything else.
Q: What does 'shortness of spirit' mean in Exodus 6:9?
A: The term 'shortness of spirit' (קוצר רוח) refers to the psychological and emotional state of the Israelites in Egypt. According to traditional Jewish commentators like Rashi and Ramban, it means they were so crushed by their suffering that they lacked the patience or mental space to absorb Moshe's message of redemption. Their spirits were 'short' - meaning constricted by despair.
Q: How does Exodus 6:9 relate to dealing with suffering today?
A: This verse teaches us an important lesson about human psychology during suffering. The Talmud (Berachot 13b) derives from this that one shouldn't speak words of Torah or comfort to someone in the midst of their anguish. The practical lesson is that when people are overwhelmed by suffering, we must first address their immediate needs and pain before offering deeper spiritual messages.
Q: Why is this verse important in the Exodus story?
A: This verse is crucial because it shows the depth of Israel's oppression in Egypt. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 6:5) explains that their inability to listen demonstrated how thoroughly Pharaoh had broken their spirits. This makes the eventual redemption even more remarkable - showing that even when people lose hope, God can still bring salvation.
Q: What can leaders learn from Moshe's experience in Exodus 6:9?
A: The verse teaches leaders an important lesson about timing and empathy. Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 6:7) derives from this that one must consider people's emotional state when communicating. Moshe's initial failure to reach the Israelites shows that even true messages must be delivered with sensitivity to the audience's capacity to receive them.