As he thus labored in secrecy and silence, he sadly meditated upon the condition of Israel. He thought of her glorious triumphs in the past, of her present abject condition, and of the still darker prospect for the future, and his spirit was stirred within him. With deep earnestness he considered how the oppressor's yoke might be broken from off his people. To all appearance this was impossible. The Israelites were disheartened and discouraged. They had dishonored God by their idolatry, and they felt little confidence that he would work for them.

Idet han arbejdede i hemmelighed og tavshed, tænkte han med sorg på Israels tilstand. Han tænkte på Israels herlige sejre i fortiden, dets nuværende usle tilstand og om den endnu dystre udsigt for fremtiden, og hans ånd blev vakt inde i ham. Med dyb alvor betragtede han, hvordan undertrykkerens åg kunne brydes af hans folk. Efter alt at dømme var dette umuligt. Israelitterne var modløse og nedtrykte. De havde vanæret Gud ved deres afgudsdyrkelse, og de nærede kun lidt tillid til, at han ville virke for dem.