Charles Ellicott Commentary Exodus 6:9

"And Moses spake so unto the children of Israel: but they hearkened not unto Moses for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage." — Exodus 6:9 (ASV)

They did not listen. —The second message was received in quite a different spirit from the first. Then the people believed, and bowed their knees and worshipped (Exodus 4:31). Now they could not even be induced to listen. But there is nothing strange in this. The reason is obvious. The first announcement of coming deliverance elated them with a hope to which they had been long strangers. Their spirits sprang to the message, and readily accepted it. But now they had been chilled by disappointment. The only result of their leader’s interference until now had been to increase their misery (Exodus 4:7–23). They had therefore lost heart, and could trust him no longer.

Anguish of spirit. —Hebrew: shortness of breath. (Compare Job 21:4.) The expression points to extreme lassitude and depression.