John Calvin 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)

And Moses spake so. From this verse, it appears that Moses is referring to the second message which he was commanded to deliver. For they had previously heard with great joy and approval, and had expressed their thankfulness to God, that the time of their deliverance had come. Now Moses relates that their hearts were shut against the announcement of this grace that he made to them.

Thus the afflicted often, by closing their ears, shut the gate against the promises of God, which is indeed a surprising thing.

It is not surprising if those who are full and intoxicated with prosperity reject the mercy of God. However, it is contrary to nature that the sorrow, which should awaken the longings of those who are overwhelmed with trouble, should be an obstacle to their receiving the comfort freely offered them by God.

But it is too common for people, the more deeply they are afflicted, to harden themselves against receiving God’s help. Moses relates that the children of Israel were affected by this disease, when such a kind invitation from God was repulsed from their deaf ears, because anguish had taken possession of their hearts.

But since it is natural for us to be thus constrained by pain and grief, let us learn from this example to struggle so that our minds might escape from their sorrows, at least enough to be able to receive the grace of God. For there is no greater curse than to be made heavy and dull, so as to be deaf to God’s promises.