“Moses spoke so to the children of Israel, but they did not heed Moses because of lack of spirit, and because of hard labor” (Exodus 6:9). “Moses spoke so to the children of Israel, but they did not heed Moses…” It was difficult for them to forsake idol worship. So explains Ezekiel and says: “Each man, cast away the detestable objects of his eyes, and do not defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt” (Ezekiel 20:7).
See what is written: “Each man did not cast away his detestable objects and they did not forsake the idols of Egypt” (Ezekiel 20:8). “Come speak to Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he will let the children of Israel go out of his land” (Exodus 6:11). “Come speak to Pharaoh king of Egypt.” The parable says: “From the acacia tree there is pleasure only when it is cut.”
“Moses spoke [vayedaber] before the Lord [saying: Behold, the children of Israel did not heed me. How will Pharaoh heed me, as I have obstructed lips?”] (Exodus 6:12). 15Perhaps Moses is saying to God that only if he approaches Pharaoh forcefully [dabar] will it work, in accordance with the parable. Or perhaps the parable is a response to Moses’s statement that Pharaoh will not listen to his speech. In any case, speech is irrelevant since Pharaoh will permit the people to go only after he is broken with plagues.