mh_parser/vol_split/2 - Exodus/Chapter 15.xml

<div2 id="Ex.xvi" n="xvi" next="Ex.xvii" prev="Ex.xv" progress="38.33%" title="Chapter XV">
<h2 id="Ex.xvi-p0.1">E X O D U S</h2>
<h3 id="Ex.xvi-p0.2">CHAP. XV.</h3>
<p class="intro" id="Ex.xvi-p1">In this chapter, I. Israel looks back upon Egypt
with a song of praise for their deliverance. Here is, 1. The song
itself, <scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p1.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.15.1-Exod.15.19" parsed="|Exod|15|1|15|19" passage="Ex 15:1-19">ver. 1-19</scripRef>. 2. The
solemn singing of it, <scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p1.2" osisRef="Bible:Exod.15.20-Exod.15.21" parsed="|Exod|15|20|15|21" passage="Ex 15:20,21">ver. 20,
21</scripRef>. II. Israel marches forward in the wilderness
(<scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p1.3" osisRef="Bible:Exod.15.22" parsed="|Exod|15|22|0|0" passage="Ex 15:22">ver. 22</scripRef>), and there, 1.
Their discontent at the waters of Marah (<scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p1.4" osisRef="Bible:Exod.15.23-Exod.15.24" parsed="|Exod|15|23|15|24" passage="Ex 15:23,24">ver. 23, 24</scripRef>), and the relief granted them,
<scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p1.5" osisRef="Bible:Exod.15.25-Exod.15.26" parsed="|Exod|15|25|15|26" passage="Ex 15:25,26">ver. 25, 26</scripRef>. 2. Their
satisfaction in the waters of Elim, <scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p1.6" osisRef="Bible:Exod.15.27" parsed="|Exod|15|27|0|0" passage="Ex 15:27">ver. 27</scripRef>.</p>
<scripCom id="Ex.xvi-p1.7" osisRef="Bible:Exod.15" parsed="|Exod|15|0|0|0" passage="Ex 15" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="Ex.xvi-p1.8" osisRef="Bible:Exod.15.1-Exod.15.21" parsed="|Exod|15|1|15|21" passage="Ex 15:1-21" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Exod.15.1-Exod.15.21">
<h4 id="Ex.xvi-p1.9">Triumphant Song of the
Israelites. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xvi-p1.10">b. c.</span> 1491.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Ex.xvi-p2">1 Then sang Moses and the children of Israel
this song unto the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xvi-p2.1">Lord</span>, and spake,
saying, I will sing unto the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xvi-p2.2">Lord</span>,
for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he
thrown into the sea.   2 The <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xvi-p2.3">Lord</span> <i>is</i> my strength and song, and he is
become my salvation: he <i>is</i> my God, and I will prepare him an
habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.   3 The
<span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xvi-p2.4">Lord</span> <i>is</i> a man of war: the
<span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xvi-p2.5">Lord</span> <i>is</i> his name.   4
Pharaoh's chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea: his
chosen captains also are drowned in the Red sea.   5 The
depths have covered them: they sank into the bottom as a stone.
  6 Thy right hand, <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xvi-p2.6">O Lord</span>, is
become glorious in power: thy right hand, <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xvi-p2.7">O
Lord</span>, hath dashed in pieces the enemy.   7 And in the
greatness of thine excellency thou hast overthrown them that rose
up against thee: thou sentest forth thy wrath, <i>which</i>
consumed them as stubble.   8 And with the blast of thy
nostrils the waters were gathered together, the floods stood
upright as an heap, <i>and</i> the depths were congealed in the
heart of the sea.   9 The enemy said, I will pursue, I will
overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon
them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them.   10
Thou didst blow with thy wind, the sea covered them: they sank as
lead in the mighty waters.   11 Who <i>is</i> like unto thee,
<span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xvi-p2.8">O Lord</span>, among the gods? who
<i>is</i> like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful <i>in</i>
praises, doing wonders?   12 Thou stretchedst out thy right
hand, the earth swallowed them.   13 Thou in thy mercy hast
led forth the people <i>which</i> thou hast redeemed: thou hast
guided <i>them</i> in thy strength unto thy holy habitation.  
14 The people shall hear, <i>and</i> be afraid: sorrow shall take
hold on the inhabitants of Palestina.   15 Then the dukes of
Edom shall be amazed; the mighty men of Moab, trembling shall take
hold upon them; all the inhabitants of Canaan shall melt away.
  16 Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of
thine arm they shall be <i>as</i> still as a stone; till thy people
pass over, <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xvi-p2.9">O Lord</span>, till the people
pass over, <i>which</i> thou hast purchased.   17 Thou shalt
bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance,
<i>in</i> the place, <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xvi-p2.10">O Lord</span>,
<i>which</i> thou hast made for thee to dwell in, <i>in</i> the
Sanctuary, O Lord, <i>which</i> thy hands have established.  
18 The <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xvi-p2.11">Lord</span> shall reign for ever and
ever.   19 For the horse of Pharaoh went in with his chariots
and with his horsemen into the sea, and the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xvi-p2.12">Lord</span> brought again the waters of the sea upon
them; but the children of Israel went on dry <i>land</i> in the
midst of the sea.   20 And Miriam the prophetess, the sister
of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out
after her with timbrels and with dances.   21 And Miriam
answered them, Sing ye to the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xvi-p2.13">Lord</span>,
for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he
thrown into the sea.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xvi-p3">Having read how that complete victory of
Israel over the Egyptians was obtained, here we are told how it was
celebrated; those that were to hold their peace while the
deliverance was in working (<scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p3.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.14.14" parsed="|Exod|14|14|0|0" passage="Ex 14:14"><i>ch.</i>
xiv. 14</scripRef>) must not hold their peace now that it was
wrought; the less they had to do then the more they had to do now.
If God accomplishes deliverance by his own immediate power, it
redounds so much the more to his glory. Moses, no doubt by divine
inspiration, indited this song, and delivered it to the children of
Israel, to be sung before they stirred from the place where they
saw the Egyptians dead upon the shore. Observe, 1. They expressed
their joy in God, and thankfulness to him, by singing; it is almost
natural to us thus to give vent to our joy and the exultations of
our spirit. By this instance it appears that the singing of psalms,
as an act of religious worship, was used in the church of Christ
before the giving of the ceremonial law, and therefore was no part
of it, nor abolished with it. Singing is as much the language of
holy joy as praying is of holy desire. 2. Moses, who had gone
before them through the sea, goes before them in the song, and
composes it for them. Note, Those that are active in public
services should not be neuters in public praises. 3. When the mercy
was fresh, and they were much affected with it, then they sang this
song. Note, When we have received special mercy from God, we ought
to be quick and speedy in our returns of praise to him, before time
and the deceitfulness of our own hearts efface the good impressions
that have been made. David sang his triumphant song in the day that
the Lord delivered him, <scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p3.2" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.22.1" parsed="|2Sam|22|1|0|0" passage="2Sa 22:1">2 Sam. xxii.
1</scripRef>. <i>Bis dat qui cito dat—He gives twice who gives
quickly.</i> 4. When they <i>believed the Lord</i> (<scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p3.3" osisRef="Bible:Exod.14.31" parsed="|Exod|14|31|0|0" passage="Ex 14:31"><i>ch.</i> xiv. 31</scripRef>) then they sang
this song: it was a song of faith; this connection is observed
(<scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p3.4" osisRef="Bible:Ps.106.12" parsed="|Ps|106|12|0|0" passage="Ps 106:12">Ps. cvi. 12</scripRef>): <i>Then
believed they his words, they sang his praise.</i> If with the
heart man believes, thus confession must be made. Here is,</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xvi-p4">I. The song itself; and,</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xvi-p5">1. We may observe respecting this song,
that it is, (1.) An ancient song, the most ancient that we know of.
(2.) A most admirable composition, the style lofty and magnificent,
the images lively and proper, and the whole very moving. (3.) It is
a holy song, consecrated to the honour of God, and intended to
exalt his name and celebrate his praise, and his only, not in the
least to magnify any man: holiness to the Lord is engraven in it,
and to him they made melody in the singing of it. (4.) It is a
typical song. The triumphs of the gospel church, in the downfall of
its enemies, are expressed in the song of Moses and the song of the
Lamb put together, which are said to be sung upon a sea of glass,
as this was upon the Red Sea, <scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p5.1" osisRef="Bible:Rev.15.2-Rev.15.3" parsed="|Rev|15|2|15|3" passage="Re 15:2,3">Rev.
xv. 2, 3</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xvi-p6">2. Let us observe what Moses chiefly aims
at in this song.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xvi-p7">(1.) He gives glory to God, and triumphs in
him; this is first in his intention (<scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p7.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.15.1" parsed="|Exod|15|1|0|0" passage="Ex 15:1"><i>v.</i> 1</scripRef>): <i>I will sing unto the
Lord.</i> Note, All our joy must terminate in God, and all our
praises be offered up to him, the Father of lights and Father of
mercies, <i>for he hath triumphed.</i> Note, All that love God
triumph in his triumphs; what is his honour should be our joy.
Israel rejoiced in God, [1.] As their own God, and therefore their
<i>strength, song,</i> and <i>salvation,</i> <scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p7.2" osisRef="Bible:Exod.15.2" parsed="|Exod|15|2|0|0" passage="Ex 15:2"><i>v.</i> 2</scripRef>. Happy therefore the people whose
God is the Lord; they need no more to make them happy. They have
work to do, temptations to grapple with, and afflictions to bear,
and are weak in themselves; but he strengthens them: his grace is
their strength. They are often in sorrow, upon many accounts, but
in him they have comfort, he is <i>their song;</i> sin, and death,
and hell, threaten them, but he is, and will be, <i>their
salvation:</i> See <scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p7.3" osisRef="Bible:Isa.12.2" parsed="|Isa|12|2|0|0" passage="Isa 12:2">Isa. xii.
2</scripRef>. [2.] <i>As their fathers' God.</i> This they take
notice of, because, being conscious to themselves of their own
unworthiness and provocations, they had reason to think that what
God had now done for them was for their <i>fathers' sake,</i>
<scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p7.4" osisRef="Bible:Deut.4.37" parsed="|Deut|4|37|0|0" passage="De 4:37">Deut. iv. 37</scripRef>. Note, The
children of the covenant ought to improve their fathers' relation
to God as their God for comfort, for caution, and for quickening.
[3.] As a God of infinite power (<scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p7.5" osisRef="Bible:Exod.15.3" parsed="|Exod|15|3|0|0" passage="Ex 15:3"><i>v.</i> 3</scripRef>): <i>The Lord is a man of war,</i>
that is, well able to deal with all those that strive with their
Maker, and will certainly be too hard for them. [4.] As a God of
matchless and incomparable perfection, <scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p7.6" osisRef="Bible:Exod.15.11" parsed="|Exod|15|11|0|0" passage="Ex 15:11"><i>v.</i> 11</scripRef>. This is expressed,
<i>First,</i> More generally: <i>Who is like unto thee, O Lord,
among the gods!</i> This is pure praise, and a high expression of
humble adoration.—It is a challenge to all other gods to compare
with him: "Let them stand forth, and pretend their utmost; none of
them dare make the comparison." Egypt was notorious for the
multitude of its gods, but the <i>God of the Hebrews</i> was too
hard for them and baffled them all, <scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p7.7" osisRef="Bible:Num.38.4 Bible:Deut.32.23-Deut.32.39" parsed="|Num|38|4|0|0;|Deut|32|23|32|39" passage="Nu 38:4,De 32:23-39">Num. xxxviii. 4; Deut. xxxii.
23-39</scripRef>. The princes and potentates of the world are
called <i>gods,</i> but they are feeble and mortal, none of them
all comparable to Jehovah, the almighty and eternal God.—It is
confession of his infinite perfection, as transcendent and
unparalleled. Note, God is to be worshipped and adored as a being
of such infinite perfection that there is none like him, nor any to
be compared with him, as one that in all things has and must have
the pre-eminence, <scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p7.8" osisRef="Bible:Ps.89.6" parsed="|Ps|89|6|0|0" passage="Ps 89:6">Ps. lxxxix.
6</scripRef>. <i>Secondly,</i> More particularly, 1. <i>He is
glorious in holiness;</i> his holiness is his glory. It is that
attribute which angels adore, <scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p7.9" osisRef="Bible:Isa.6.3" parsed="|Isa|6|3|0|0" passage="Isa 6:3">Isa. vi.
3</scripRef>. His holiness appeared in the destruction of Pharaoh,
his hatred of sin, and his wrath against obstinate sinners. It
appeared in the deliverance of Israel, his delight in the holy
seed, and his faithfulness to his own promise. God is <i>rich in
mercy</i>—this is his treasure, <i>glorious in holiness</i>—this
is his honour. Let us always give thanks at the remembrance of his
holiness. 2. <i>He is fearful in praises.</i> That which is the
matter of our praise, though it is joyful to the servants of God,
is dreadful and very terrible to his enemies, <scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p7.10" osisRef="Bible:Ps.66.1-Ps.66.3" parsed="|Ps|66|1|66|3" passage="Ps 66:1-3">Ps. lxvi. 1-3</scripRef>. Or it directs us in the
manner of our praising God; we should praise him with a humble holy
awe, and <i>serve the Lord with fear.</i> Even our spiritual joy
and triumph must be balanced with a religious fear. 3. He is
<i>doing wonders,</i> wondrous to all, being above the power and
out of the common course of nature; especially wondrous to us, in
whose favour they are wrought, who are so unworthy that we had
little reason to expect them. They were wonders of power and
wonders of grace; in both God was to be humbly adored.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xvi-p8">(2.) He describes the deliverance they were
now triumphing in, because the song was intended, not only to
express and excite their thankfulness for the present, but to
preserve and perpetuate the remembrance of this work of wonder to
after-ages. Two things were to be taken notice of:—</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xvi-p9">[1.] The destruction of the enemy; the
waters were divided, <scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p9.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.15.8" parsed="|Exod|15|8|0|0" passage="Ex 15:8"><i>v.</i>
8</scripRef>. <i>The floods stood upright as a heap.</i> Pharaoh
and all his hosts were buried in the waters. <i>The horse and his
rider</i> could not escape (<scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p9.2" osisRef="Bible:Exod.15.1" parsed="|Exod|15|1|0|0" passage="Ex 15:1"><i>v.</i>
1</scripRef>), the <i>chariots,</i> and the <i>chosen captains</i>
(<scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p9.3" osisRef="Bible:Exod.15.4" parsed="|Exod|15|4|0|0" passage="Ex 15:4"><i>v.</i> 4</scripRef>); they
themselves went into the sea, and they were overwhelmed, <scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p9.4" osisRef="Bible:Exod.15.19" parsed="|Exod|15|19|0|0" passage="Ex 15:19"><i>v.</i> 19</scripRef>. <i>The depths, the sea,
covered them,</i> and the proud waters went over the proud sinners;
they <i>sank like a stone, like lead</i> (<scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p9.5" osisRef="Bible:Exod.15.5 Bible:Exod.15.10" parsed="|Exod|15|5|0|0;|Exod|15|10|0|0" passage="Ex 15:5,10"><i>v.</i> 5, 10</scripRef>), under the weight of their
own guilt and God's wrath. Their sin had made them hard like a
stone, and now they justly sink like a stone. Nay, <i>the earth
itself swallowed them</i> (<scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p9.6" osisRef="Bible:Exod.15.12" parsed="|Exod|15|12|0|0" passage="Ex 15:12"><i>v.</i>
12</scripRef>); their dead bodies sank into the sands upon which
they were thrown up, which sucked them in. Those whom the Creator
fights against the whole creation is at war with. All this was the
Lord's doing, and his only. It was an act of his power: <i>Thy
right hand, O Lord,</i> not ours, <i>has dashed in pieces the
enemy,</i> <scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p9.7" osisRef="Bible:Exod.15.6" parsed="|Exod|15|6|0|0" passage="Ex 15:6"><i>v.</i> 6</scripRef>. It
was with <i>the blast of thy nostrils</i> (<scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p9.8" osisRef="Bible:Exod.15.8" parsed="|Exod|15|8|0|0" passage="Ex 15:8"><i>v.</i> 8</scripRef>), and <i>thy wind</i> (<scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p9.9" osisRef="Bible:Exod.15.10" parsed="|Exod|15|10|0|0" passage="Ex 15:10"><i>v.</i> 10</scripRef>), and the <i>stretching
out of thy right hand,</i> <scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p9.10" osisRef="Bible:Exod.15.12" parsed="|Exod|15|12|0|0" passage="Ex 15:12"><i>v.</i>
12</scripRef>. It was an instance of his transcendent power—in
<i>the greatness of thy excellency;</i> and it was the execution of
his justice: <i>Thou sentest forth thy wrath,</i> <scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p9.11" osisRef="Bible:Exod.15.7" parsed="|Exod|15|7|0|0" passage="Ex 15:7"><i>v.</i> 7</scripRef>. This destruction of the
Egyptians was made the more remarkable by their pride and
insolence, and their strange assurance of success: <i>The enemy
said, I will pursue,</i> <scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p9.12" osisRef="Bible:Exod.15.9" parsed="|Exod|15|9|0|0" passage="Ex 15:9"><i>v.</i>
9</scripRef>. Here is, <i>First,</i> Great confidence. When they
pursue, they do not question but they shall overtake; and, when
they overtake, they do not question but they shall overcome, and
obtain so decisive a victory as to <i>divide the spoil.</i> Note,
It is common for men to be most elevated with the hope of success
when they are upon the brink of ruin, which makes their ruin so
much the sorer. See <scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p9.13" osisRef="Bible:Isa.37.24-Isa.37.25" parsed="|Isa|37|24|37|25" passage="Isa 37:24,25">Isa. xxxvii.
24, 25</scripRef>. <i>Secondly,</i> Great cruelty—nothing but
killing, and slaying, and destroying, and this will satisfy his
lust; and a barbarous lust that is which so much blood must be the
satisfaction of. Note, It is a cruel hatred with which the church
is hated; its enemies are bloody men. This is taken notice of here
to show, 1. That God resists the proud, and delights to humble
those who lift up themselves; he that says, "I will, and I will,
whether God will or no," shall be made to know that wherein he
deals proudly God is above him. 2. That those who thirst for blood
shall have enough of it. Those who love to be destroying shall be
destroyed; for we know who has said, <i>Vengeance is mine, I will
repay.</i></p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xvi-p10">[2.] The protection and guidance of Israel
(<scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p10.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.15.13" parsed="|Exod|15|13|0|0" passage="Ex 15:13"><i>v.</i> 13</scripRef>): <i>Thou in
thy mercy hast led forth the people,</i> led them forth out of the
bondage Egypt, led them forth out of the perils of the Red Sea,
<scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p10.2" osisRef="Bible:Exod.15.19" parsed="|Exod|15|19|0|0" passage="Ex 15:19"><i>v.</i> 19</scripRef>. <i>But the
children of Israel went on dry land.</i> Note, The destruction of
the wicked serves for a foil to set off the salvation of Israel,
and to make it the more illustrious, <scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p10.3" osisRef="Bible:Isa.45.13-Isa.45.15" parsed="|Isa|45|13|45|15" passage="Isa 45:13-15">Isa. xlv. 13-15</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xvi-p11">(3.) He sets himself to improve this
wonderful appearance of God for them. [1.] In order to quicken them
to serve God: in consideration of this, <i>I will prepare him
habitation,</i> <scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p11.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.15.2" parsed="|Exod|15|2|0|0" passage="Ex 15:2"><i>v.</i> 2</scripRef>.
God having preserved them, and prepared a covert for them under
which they had been safe and easy, they resolve to spare no cost
nor pains for the erecting of a tabernacle to his honour, and there
they will exalt him, and mention, to his praise, the honour he had
got upon Pharaoh. God had now exalted them, making them great and
high, and therefore they will exalt him, by speaking of his
infinite height and grandeur. Note, Our constant endeavour should
be, by praising his name and serving his interests, to exalt God;
and it is an advancement to us to be so employed. [2.] In order to
encourage them to trust in God. So confident is this Psalmist of
the happy issue of the salvation which was so gloriously begun that
he looks upon it as in effect finished already: "<i>Thou hast
guided them to thy holy habitation,</i> <scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p11.2" osisRef="Bible:Exod.15.13" parsed="|Exod|15|13|0|0" passage="Ex 15:13"><i>v.</i> 13</scripRef>. Thou hast thus put them into
the way to it, and wilt in due time bring them to the end of that
way," for God's work is perfect; or, "<i>Thou hast guided them</i>
to attend thy holy habitation in heaven with their praises." Note,
Those whom God takes under his direction he will guide to his holy
habitation in faith now, and in fruition shortly. Two ways this
great deliverance was encouraging:—<i>First,</i> It was such an
instance of God's power as would terrify their enemies, and quite
dishearten them, <scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p11.3" osisRef="Bible:Exod.15.14-Exod.15.16" parsed="|Exod|15|14|15|16" passage="Ex 15:14-16"><i>v.</i>
14-16</scripRef>. The very report of the overthrow of the Egyptians
would be more than half the over throw of all their other enemies;
it would sink their spirits, which would go far towards the sinking
of their powers and interests; he Philistines, Moabites, Edomites,
and Canaanites (with each of which nations Israel was to grapple),
would be alarmed by it, would be quite dispirited, and would
conclude it was in vain to fight against Israel, when a God of such
power fought for them. It had this effect; the Edomites were afraid
of them (<scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p11.4" osisRef="Bible:Deut.2.4" parsed="|Deut|2|4|0|0" passage="De 2:4">Deut. ii. 4</scripRef>), so
were the Moabites (<scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p11.5" osisRef="Bible:Num.22.3" parsed="|Num|22|3|0|0" passage="Nu 22:3">Num. xxii.
3</scripRef>), and the Canaanites, <scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p11.6" osisRef="Bible:Josh.2.9-Josh.2.10 Bible:Josh.5.1" parsed="|Josh|2|9|2|10;|Josh|5|1|0|0" passage="Jos 2:9,10,5:1">Josh. ii. 9, 10; v. 1</scripRef>. Thus God sent
his fear before them (<scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p11.7" osisRef="Bible:Exod.23.27" parsed="|Exod|23|27|0|0" passage="Ex 23:27"><i>ch.</i>
xxiii. 27</scripRef>), and cut off the spirit of princes.
<i>Secondly,</i> It was such a beginning of God's favour to them as
gave them an earnest of he perfection of his kindness. This was but
in order to something further: <i>Thou shalt bring them in,</i>
<scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p11.8" osisRef="Bible:Exod.15.17" parsed="|Exod|15|17|0|0" passage="Ex 15:17"><i>v.</i> 17</scripRef>. If he thus
<i>bring them out of Egypt,</i> notwithstanding their unworthiness,
and the difficulties that lay in the way of their escape, doubtless
he will bring them into Canaan; for has he begun (<i>so</i> begun),
and will he not make an end? Note, Our experiences of God's power
and favour should be improved for the support of our expectations.
"Thou <i>hast,</i> therefore, not only thou <i>canst,</i> but we
trust thou <i>wilt,</i>" is good arguing. <i>Thou wilt plant them
in the place which thou has made for thee to dwell in.</i> Note, It
is good dwelling where God dwells, in his church on earth
(<scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p11.9" osisRef="Bible:Ps.27.4" parsed="|Ps|27|4|0|0" passage="Ps 27:4">Ps. xxvii. 4</scripRef>), in his
church in heaven, <scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p11.10" osisRef="Bible:John.17.24" parsed="|John|17|24|0|0" passage="Joh 17:24">John xvii.
24</scripRef>. Where he says, "This is my rest for ever," we should
say, "Let it be ours." <i>Lastly,</i> The great ground of the
encouragement which they draw from this work of wonder is, <i>The
Lord shall reign for ever and ever,</i> <scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p11.11" osisRef="Bible:Exod.15.18" parsed="|Exod|15|18|0|0" passage="Ex 15:18"><i>v.</i> 18</scripRef>. They had now seen an end of
Pharaoh's reign; but time itself shall not put a period to
Jehovah's reign, which, like himself, is eternal, and not subject
to change. Note, It is the unspeakable comfort of all God's
faithful subjects, not only that he does reign universally and with
an incontestable sovereignty, but that he will reign eternally, and
there shall be no end of his dominion.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xvi-p12">II. The solemn singing of this song,
<scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p12.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.15.20-Exod.15.21" parsed="|Exod|15|20|15|21" passage="Ex 15:20,21"><i>v.</i> 20, 21</scripRef>. Miriam
(or Mary, it is the same name) presided in an assembly of the
women, who (according to the softness of their sex, and the common
usage of those times for expressing joy, with timbrels and dances)
sang this song. Moses led the psalm, and gave it out for the men,
and then Miriam for the women. Famous victories were wont to be
applauded by the daughters of Israel (<scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p12.2" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.18.6-1Sam.18.7" parsed="|1Sam|18|6|18|7" passage="1Sa 18:6,7">1 Sam. xviii. 6, 7</scripRef>); so was this. When God
brought Israel out of Egypt, it is said (<scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p12.3" osisRef="Bible:Mic.6.4" parsed="|Mic|6|4|0|0" passage="Mic 6:4">Micah vi. 4</scripRef>), <i>He sent before them Moses,
Aaron, and Miriam,</i> though we read not of any thing memorable
that Miriam did but this. But those are to be reckoned great
blessings to a people who assist them, and go before them, in
praising God.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Ex.xvi-p12.4" osisRef="Bible:Exod.15.22-Exod.15.27" parsed="|Exod|15|22|15|27" passage="Ex 15:22-27" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Exod.15.22-Exod.15.27">
<h4 id="Ex.xvi-p12.5">The Waters of Marah. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xvi-p12.6">b. c.</span> 1491.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Ex.xvi-p13">22 So Moses brought Israel from the Red sea, and
they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days
in the wilderness, and found no water.   23 And when they came
to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they
<i>were</i> bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah.
  24 And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall
we drink?   25 And he cried unto the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xvi-p13.1">Lord</span>; and the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xvi-p13.2">Lord</span> showed him a tree, <i>which</i> when he had
cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for
them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them,  
26 And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the
<span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xvi-p13.3">Lord</span> thy God, and wilt do that which
is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and
keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee,
which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I <i>am</i> the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xvi-p13.4">Lord</span> that healeth thee.   27 And they
came to Elim, where <i>were</i> twelve wells of water, and
threescore and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the
waters.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xvi-p14">It should seem, it was with some difficulty
that Moses prevailed with Israel to leave that triumphant shore on
which they sang the foregoing song. They were so taken up with the
sight, or with the song, or with the spoiling of the dead bodies,
that they cared not to go forward, but Moses with much ado brought
them from the Red Sea into a wilderness. The pleasures of our way
to Canaan must not retard our progress, but quicken it, though we
have a wilderness before us. Now here we are told,</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xvi-p15">I. That in the wilderness of Shur they had
no water, <scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p15.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.15.22" parsed="|Exod|15|22|0|0" passage="Ex 15:22"><i>v.</i> 22</scripRef>.
This was a sore trial to the young travellers, and a diminution to
their joy; thus God would train them up to difficulties. David, in
a dry and thirsty land where no water is, reaches forth towards
God, <scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p15.2" osisRef="Bible:Ps.63.1" parsed="|Ps|63|1|0|0" passage="Ps 63:1">Ps. lxiii. 1</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xvi-p16">II. That at Marah they had water, but it
was bitter, so that though they had been three days without water
they could not drink it, because it was extremely unpleasant to the
taste or was likely to be prejudicial to their health, or was so
brackish that it rather increased their thirst than quenched it,
<scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p16.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.15.23" parsed="|Exod|15|23|0|0" passage="Ex 15:23"><i>v.</i> 23</scripRef>. Note, God can
embitter that to us from which we promise ourselves most
satisfaction, and often does so in the wilderness of this world,
that our wants and disappointments in the creature may drive us to
the Creator, in whose favour alone true comfort is to be had. Now
in this distress, 1. The people fretted and quarrelled with Moses,
as if he had done ill by them. <i>What shall we drink?</i> is all
their clamour, <scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p16.2" osisRef="Bible:Exod.15.24" parsed="|Exod|15|24|0|0" passage="Ex 15:24"><i>v.</i>
24</scripRef>. Note, The greatest joys and hopes are soon turned
into the greatest griefs and fears with those that live by sense
only, and not by faith. 2. Moses prayed: <i>He cried unto the
Lord,</i> <scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p16.3" osisRef="Bible:Exod.15.25" parsed="|Exod|15|25|0|0" passage="Ex 15:25"><i>v.</i> 25</scripRef>. The
complaints which they brought to him he brought to God, on whom,
notwithstanding his elevation, Moses owned a constant dependence.
Note, It is the greatest relief of the cares of magistrates and
ministers, when those under their charge make them uneasy, that
they may have recourse to God by prayer: he is the guide of the
church's guides and to him, as the Chief Shepherd, the
under-shepherds must upon all occasions apply. 3. God provided
graciously for them. He directed Moses to a tree, which he cast
into the waters, in consequence of which, all of a sudden, they
were made sweet. Some think this wood had a peculiar virtue in it
for this purpose, because it is said, <i>God showed him the
tree.</i> God is to be acknowledged, not only in the creating of
things useful for man, but in discovering their usefulness. Or
perhaps this was only a sign, and not at all a means, of the cure,
any more than the brazen serpent, or Elisha's casting one cruse
full of salt into the waters of Jericho. Some make this tree
typical of the cross of Christ, which sweetens the bitter waters of
affliction to all the faithful, and enables them to rejoice in
tribulation. The Jews' tradition is that the wood of this tree was
itself bitter, yet it sweetened the waters of Marah; the bitterness
of Christ's sufferings and death alters the property of ours. 4.
Upon this occasion, God came upon terms with them, and plainly told
them, now that they had got clear of the Egyptians, and had entered
into the wilderness, that they were upon their good behaviour, and
that according as they carried themselves so it would be well or
ill with them: <i>There he made a statute and an ordinance,</i> and
settled matters with them. <i>There he proved them,</i> that is,
there he put them upon the trial, admitted them as probationers for
his favour. In short, he tells them, <scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p16.4" osisRef="Bible:Exod.15.26" parsed="|Exod|15|26|0|0" passage="Ex 15:26"><i>v.</i> 26</scripRef>, (1.) What he expected from
them, and that was, in one word, obedience. They must diligently
<i>hearken to his voice, and give ear to his commandments,</i> that
they might know their duty, and not transgress through ignorance;
and they must take care in every thing to do that which was right
in God's sight, and to <i>keep all his statutes.</i> They must not
think, now that they were delivered from their bondage in Egypt,
that they had no lord over them, but were their own masters; no,
therefore they must look upon themselves as God's servants, because
he had <i>loosed their bonds,</i> <scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p16.5" osisRef="Bible:Ps.116.16 Bible:Luke.1.74-Luke.1.75" parsed="|Ps|116|16|0|0;|Luke|1|74|1|75" passage="Ps 116:16,Lu 1:74,75">Ps. cxvi. 16; Luke i. 74, 75</scripRef>.
(2.) What they might then expect from him: <i>I will put none of
these diseases upon thee,</i> that is, "I will not bring upon thee
any of the plagues of Egypt." This intimates that, if they were
rebellious and disobedient, the very plagues which they had seen
inflicted upon their enemies should be brought upon them; so it is
threatened, <scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p16.6" osisRef="Bible:Deut.28.60" parsed="|Deut|28|60|0|0" passage="De 28:60">Deut. xxviii.
60</scripRef>. God's judgments upon Egypt, as they were mercies to
Israel, opening the way to their deliverance, so they were warnings
to Israel, and designed to awe them into obedience. Let not the
Israelites think, because God had thus highly honoured them in the
great things he had done for them, and had proclaimed them to all
the world his favourites, that therefore he would connive at their
sins and let them do as they would. No, God is no respecter of
persons; a rebellious Israelite shall fare no better than a
rebellious Egyptian; and so they found, to their cost, before the
got to Canaan. "But, if thou wilt be obedient, thou shalt be safe
and happy;" the threatening is implied only, but the promise is
expressed: "<i>I am the Lord that healeth thee,</i> and will take
care of thy comfort wherever thou goest." Note, God is the great
physician. If we be kept well, it is he that keeps us; if we be
made well, it is he that restores us; he is our life, and the
length of our days.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xvi-p17">III. That at Elim they had good water, and
enough of it, <scripRef id="Ex.xvi-p17.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.15.27" parsed="|Exod|15|27|0|0" passage="Ex 15:27"><i>v.</i> 27</scripRef>.
Though God may, for a time, order his people to encamp by the
waters of Marah, yet that shall not always be their lot. See how
changeable our condition is in this world, from better to worse,
from worse to better. Let us therefore learn both how to be abased
and how to abound, to rejoice as though we rejoiced not when we are
full, and to weep as though we wept not when we are emptied. Here
were twelve wells for their supply, one for every tribe, that they
might not strive for water, as their fathers had sometimes done;
and, for their pleasure, there were seventy palm-trees, under the
shadow of which their great men might repose themselves. Note, God
can find places of refreshment for his people even in the
wilderness of this world, wells in the valley of Baca, lest they
should faint in their mind with perpetual fatigue: yet, whatever
our delights may be in the land of our pilgrimage, we must remember
that we do but encamp by them for a time, that here we have no
continuing city.</p>
</div></div2>