Exodus 6:9 tells us, "Moses spoke so to the children of Israel, but they did not heed Moses because of lack of spirit, and because of hard labor." Can you blame them? They’d been slaves for generations! Their backs were breaking, their spirits were crushed. Who could believe things were about to change?
The Shemot Rabbah (a compilation of rabbinic commentary on the Book of Exodus) dives into this verse, asking: Why didn't they listen?
One explanation is that they couldn't bring themselves to let go of their old beliefs. The Shemot Rabbah brings in Ezekiel 20:7 to make this point: "Each man, cast away the detestable objects of his eyes, and do not defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt.” The problem, as Ezekiel continues in the next verse, is that “Each man did not cast away his detestable objects and they did not forsake the idols of Egypt.” It’s hard to embrace a new future when you’re still clinging to the past, isn’t it?
Then we get to Exodus 6:11: "Come speak to Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he will let the children of Israel go out of his land.” GOD is instructing MOSES to go speak to PHARAOH. But the Shemot Rabbah offers a fascinating parable here: "From the acacia tree there is pleasure only when it is cut.” Think about it. An acacia tree, in its natural state, might be beautiful, but it’s only when it's cut and shaped that it can truly fulfill its purpose. Is this hinting that PHARAOH, too, needs to be "cut" – broken down – before any good can come of this?
The next verse is pivotal: “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). MOSES is pushing back! He's saying, "God, if my own people aren't listening, why would PHARAOH?" He even brings up his speech impediment again.
The Shemot Rabbah sees a possible double meaning in MOSES’ words. The Hebrew word for "spoke" here is vayedaber, which is related to the word dabar, meaning "force" or "power." Maybe MOSES is suggesting that only a forceful approach, a dabar, will work with PHARAOH.
Or, perhaps, the parable of the acacia tree is the answer. Maybe GOD is implying that speech alone won't be enough. PHARAOH will only let the people go after he's been "cut" – after he’s been broken by the ten plagues. Words might be important, but sometimes, as history shows us, actions speak louder. GOD knew that PHARAOH's heart was hardened, and it would take something far more dramatic than a polite request to change his mind.
So, what does this all mean for us? It reminds us that sometimes, people are so burdened or stuck in their ways that they can't immediately grasp hope or change. It can be frustrating when you’re trying to help someone who can’t see the light. But it also suggests that sometimes, real change requires more than just words. Sometimes, it requires a shaking, a breaking down of old structures to make way for something new. And sometimes, that shaking is precisely what's needed to finally open our ears, and our hearts, to the possibility of redemption.