Exodus 6:10 So the LORD said to Moses, “Go in, tell Pharaoh king of Egypt to let the people of Israel go out of his land.” But Moses said to the LORD, “Behold, the people of Israel have not listened to me. How then shall Pharaoh listen to me, for I am of uncircumcised lips?” But the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron and gave them a charge about the people of Israel and about Pharaoh king of Egypt: to bring the people of Israel out of the land of Egypt.
Note the ground for Moses’ discouragement: For I am of uncircumcised lips. Previously, he objected because he believed he was not eloquent (Exodus 4:10). Now he objected because he believed he was not worthy for the task. “That inability was now born of a sense, not as before of his lack of eloquence, but of his uncleanness.” (Morgan)
God wanted Moses to be persistent in their obedience; not to look at Pharaoh, not to look at the children of Israel, not to look at even himself – but to look at God and God alone. Moses wanted to quit after the first setback. God had much to do in his heart before Moses would be ready to deal with all the discouragement ahead as he led Israel to the Promised Land.God was building endurance in Moses, the ability to stick with God’s plan and will even when it didn’t seem to work. This is faith; this is patient endurance in the LORD. Moses had to understand that this was God’s will, not merely a few suggestions for Israel and Pharaoh. (Guzik)
The faith of Moses was so feeble that he could scarcely be kept to his work. Ready obedience is always according to the strength of our faith. Though our weaknesses ought to humble us, yet they ought not to discourage us from doing our best in any service we have to do for God. When Moses repeats his baffled arguments, he is argued with no longer, but God gives him and Aaron a charge, both to the children of Israel, and to Pharaoh. God’s authority is sufficient to answer all objections, and binds all to obey, without murmuring or disputing. (Henry)
Moses spake so unto the children of Israel—The increased severities inflicted on the Israelites seem to have so entirely crushed their spirits, as well as irritated them, that they refused to listen to any more communications (Ex 14:12). Even the faith of Moses himself was faltering; and he would have abandoned the enterprise in despair had he not received a positive command from God to revisit the people without delay, and at the same time renew their demand on the king in a more decisive. (Brown)
When Moses communicated this solemn assurance of God to the people, they did not listen to him out of anguish and inward defeat, which prevents man from trusting God, if they let it reside long in their minds. Thus the early belief of the Israelites was changed into the despondency of unbelief through the increase of their oppression. This result also produced despondency in Moses’ mind, so that he once more declined the commission of God on his life. (Keil)
When Moses first came to the Israelites they were eager to listen to him. It would seem they were accustomed to their lot in life, sufficiently afflicted to long for deliverance, and sufficiently free enough to hope for better. Now their lot in life has changed. They were double tasked, severely treated, and all hope diminished.
I think the worst that can happen to a person is to lose hope, give up, and progress further and further into despair. What is it that causes people to react this way? Could it be that in the ease of life, the casualness of their commitment to God, neglect of His Word, and their self-reliance are no foundation for prolonged trials and hard times? What would our reactions be if we were committed to studying of God’s Word, desired to honor and glorify Jesus Christ in all we think, say, and do, and kept our eyes on the Author and Finisher of all Creation?
I can’t imagine what it would have been like to live in slavery for over 300 plus years. No thought can bring a sufficient understanding of living an entire lifetime under slavery, generation after generation. We just have no comprehension of it. We might even think we would have acted differently. Would we? Do we? Are we? Will we? I will grant that it would appear easier for us given that we have God’s Word and live in a time post-deliverance by Jesus Christ. Maybe yes, maybe no. Time will tell when hard times come upon us. Let our faith, trust, and reliance be firm, and let our purpose be to only honor and glorify Jesus Christ in all we think, say, and do.