mh_parser/vol_split/2 - Exodus/Chapter 14.xml

<div2 id="Ex.xv" n="xv" next="Ex.xvi" prev="Ex.xiv" progress="37.61%" title="Chapter XIV">
<h2 id="Ex.xv-p0.1">E X O D U S</h2>
<h3 id="Ex.xv-p0.2">CHAP. XIV.</h3>
<p class="intro" id="Ex.xv-p1">The departure of the children of Israel out of
Egypt (which was indeed the birth of the Jewish church) is made yet
more memorable by further works of wonder, which were wrought
immediately upon it. Witness the records of this chapter, the
contents whereof, together with a key to it, we have, <scripRef id="Ex.xv-p1.1" osisRef="Bible:Heb.11.29" parsed="|Heb|11|29|0|0" passage="Heb 11:29">Heb. xi. 29</scripRef>. "They passed through
the Red Sea as by dry land, which the Egyptians assaying to do were
drowned;" and this they did by faith, which intimates that there
was something typical and spiritual in it. Here is, I. The extreme
distress and danger that Israel was in at the Red Sea. 1. Notice
was given of it to Moses before, <scripRef id="Ex.xv-p1.2" osisRef="Bible:Exod.14.1-Exod.14.4" parsed="|Exod|14|1|14|4" passage="Ex 14:1-4">ver.
1-4</scripRef>. 2. The cause of it was Pharaoh's violent pursuit of
them, <scripRef id="Ex.xv-p1.3" osisRef="Bible:Exod.14.5-Exod.14.9" parsed="|Exod|14|5|14|9" passage="Ex 14:5-9">ver. 5-9</scripRef>. 3. Israel
was in a great consternation upon it, <scripRef id="Ex.xv-p1.4" osisRef="Bible:Exod.14.10-Exod.14.12" parsed="|Exod|14|10|14|12" passage="Ex 14:10-12">ver. 10-12</scripRef>. 4. Moses endeavours to
encourage them, <scripRef id="Ex.xv-p1.5" osisRef="Bible:Exod.14.13" parsed="|Exod|14|13|0|0" passage="Ex 14:13">ver. 13,
14</scripRef>. II. The wonderful deliverance that God wrought for
them out of this distress. 1. Moses is instructed concerning it,
<scripRef id="Ex.xv-p1.6" osisRef="Bible:Exod.14.15-Exod.14.18" parsed="|Exod|14|15|14|18" passage="Ex 14:15-18">ver. 15-18</scripRef>. 2. Lines
that could not be forced are set between the camp of Israel and
Pharaoh's camp, <scripRef id="Ex.xv-p1.7" osisRef="Bible:Exod.14.19-Exod.14.20" parsed="|Exod|14|19|14|20" passage="Ex 14:19,20">ver. 19,
20</scripRef>. 3. By the divine power the Red Sea is divided
(<scripRef id="Ex.xv-p1.8" osisRef="Bible:Exod.14.31" parsed="|Exod|14|31|0|0" passage="Ex 14:31">ver. 31</scripRef>), and is made,
(1.) A lane to the Israelites, who marched safely through it,
<scripRef id="Ex.xv-p1.9" osisRef="Bible:Exod.14.22 Bible:Exod.14.29" parsed="|Exod|14|22|0|0;|Exod|14|29|0|0" passage="Ex 14:22,29">ver. 22, 29</scripRef>. But, (2.)
To the Egyptians it was made, [1.] An ambush into which they were
drawn, <scripRef id="Ex.xv-p1.10" osisRef="Bible:Exod.14.23-Exod.14.25" parsed="|Exod|14|23|14|25" passage="Ex 14:23-25">ver. 23-25</scripRef>. And,
[2.] A grave in which they were all buried, <scripRef id="Ex.xv-p1.11" osisRef="Bible:Exod.14.26-Exod.14.28" parsed="|Exod|14|26|14|28" passage="Ex 14:26-28">ver. 26-28</scripRef>. III. The impressions this made
upon the Israelites, <scripRef id="Ex.xv-p1.12" osisRef="Bible:Exod.14.30-Exod.14.31" parsed="|Exod|14|30|14|31" passage="Ex 14:30,31">ver. 30,
31</scripRef>.</p>
<scripCom id="Ex.xv-p1.13" osisRef="Bible:Exod.14" parsed="|Exod|14|0|0|0" passage="Ex 14" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="Ex.xv-p1.14" osisRef="Bible:Exod.14.1-Exod.14.9" parsed="|Exod|14|1|14|9" passage="Ex 14:1-9" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Exod.14.1-Exod.14.9">
<h4 id="Ex.xv-p1.15">The Israelites Pursued by
Pharaoh. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xv-p1.16">b. c.</span> 1491.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Ex.xv-p2">1 And the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xv-p2.1">Lord</span>
spake unto Moses, saying,   2 Speak unto the children of
Israel, that they turn and encamp before Pi-hahiroth, between
Migdol and the sea, over against Baal-zephon: before it shall ye
encamp by the sea.   3 For Pharaoh will say of the children of
Israel, They <i>are</i> entangled in the land, the wilderness hath
shut them in.   4 And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, that he
shall follow after them; and I will be honoured upon Pharaoh, and
upon all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I <i>am</i> the
<span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xv-p2.2">Lord</span>. And they did so.   5 And
it was told the king of Egypt that the people fled: and the heart
of Pharaoh and of his servants was turned against the people, and
they said, Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from
serving us?   6 And he made ready his chariot, and took his
people with him:   7 And he took six hundred chosen chariots,
and all the chariots of Egypt, and captains over every one of them.
  8 And the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xv-p2.3">Lord</span> hardened the
heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children
of Israel: and the children of Israel went out with an high hand.
  9 But the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses
<i>and</i> chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, and
overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pi-hahiroth, before
Baal-zephon.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xv-p3">We have here,</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xv-p4">I. Instructions given to Moses concerning
Israel's motions and encampments, which were so very surprising
that if Moses had not express orders about them before they would
scarcely have been persuaded to follow the pillar of cloud and
fire. That therefore there might be no scruple nor dissatisfaction
about it, Moses is told before, 1. Whither they must go, <scripRef id="Ex.xv-p4.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.14.1-Exod.14.2" parsed="|Exod|14|1|14|2" passage="Ex 14:1,2"><i>v.</i> 1, 2</scripRef>. They had got to the
edge of the wilderness (<scripRef id="Ex.xv-p4.2" osisRef="Bible:Exod.13.20" parsed="|Exod|13|20|0|0" passage="Ex 13:20"><i>ch.</i>
xiii. 20</scripRef>), and a stage or two more would have brought
them to Horeb, the place appointed for their serving God; but,
instead of going forward, they are ordered to turn short off, on
the right hand from Canaan, and to march towards the Red Sea. Where
they were, at Etham, there was no sea in their way to obstruct
their passage: but God himself orders them into straits, which
might give them an assurance that when his purposes were served he
would without fail bring them out of those straits. Note, God
sometimes raises difficulties in the way of the salvation of his
people, that he may have the glory of subduing them, and helping
his people over them. 2. What God designed in these strange orders.
Moses would have yielded an implicit obedience, though God had
given him no reason; but shall he hide from Moses the thing that he
does? No, Moses shall know, (1.) That Pharaoh has a design to ruin
Israel, <scripRef id="Ex.xv-p4.3" osisRef="Bible:Exod.14.3" parsed="|Exod|14|3|0|0" passage="Ex 14:3"><i>v.</i> 3</scripRef>. (2.)
That therefore God has a design to ruin Pharaoh, and he takes this
way to effect it, <scripRef id="Ex.xv-p4.4" osisRef="Bible:Exod.14.4" parsed="|Exod|14|4|0|0" passage="Ex 14:4"><i>v.</i>
4</scripRef>. Pharaoh's sagacity would conclude that Israel was
entangled in the wilderness and so would become an easy prey to
him; and, that he might be the more apt to think so, God orders
them into yet greater entanglements; also, by turning them so much
out of their road, he amazes him yet more, and gives him further
occasion to suppose that they were in a state of embarrassment and
danger. And thus (says God) <i>I will be honoured upon Pharaoh.</i>
Note, [1.] All men being made for the honour of their Maker, those
whom he is not honoured by he will be honoured upon. [2.] What
seems to tend to the church's ruin is often overruled to the ruin
of the church's enemies, whose pride and malice are fed by
Providence, that they may be ripened for destruction.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xv-p5">II. Pharaoh's pursuit of Israel, in which,
while he gratifies his own malice and revenge, he is furthering the
accomplishment of God's counsels concerning him. <i>It was told him
that the people fled,</i> <scripRef id="Ex.xv-p5.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.14.5" parsed="|Exod|14|5|0|0" passage="Ex 14:5"><i>v.</i>
5</scripRef>. Such a fright was he in, when he gave them leave to
go, that when the fright was a little over he either forgot, or
would not own, that they departed with his consent, and therefore
was willing that it should be represented to him as a revolt from
their allegiance. Thus what may easily be justified is easily
condemned, by putting false colours upon it. Now, hereupon,</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xv-p6">1. He reflects upon it with regret that he
had connived at their departure. He and his servants, though it was
with the greatest reason in the world that they had let Israel go,
yet were now angry with themselves for it: <i>Why have we done
thus?</i> (1.) It vexed them that Israel had their liberty, that
they had lost the profit of their labours, and the pleasure of
chastising them. It is meat and drink to proud persecutors to
trample upon the saints of the Most High, and say to their souls,
<i>Bow down, that we may go over;</i> and therefore it vexes them
to have their hands tied. Note, The liberty of God's people is a
heavy grievance to their enemies, <scripRef id="Ex.xv-p6.1" osisRef="Bible:Esth.5.12-Esth.5.13 Bible:Acts.5.17 Bible:Acts.5.33" parsed="|Esth|5|12|5|13;|Acts|5|17|0|0;|Acts|5|33|0|0" passage="Es 5:12,13,Ac 5:17,33">Esth. v. 12, 13; Acts v. 17, 33</scripRef>.
(2.) It aggravated the vexation that they themselves had consented
to it, thinking now that they might have hindered it, and that they
needed not to have yielded, though they had stood it out to the
last extremity. Thus God makes men's envy and rage against his
people a torment to themselves, <scripRef id="Ex.xv-p6.2" osisRef="Bible:Ps.112.10" parsed="|Ps|112|10|0|0" passage="Ps 112:10">Ps.
cxii. 10</scripRef>. It was well done to let Israel go, and what
they would have reflected on with comfort if they had done it from
an honest principle; but doing it by constraint, they called
themselves a thousand fools for doing it, and passionately wished
it undone again. Note, It is very common, but very absurd and
criminal, for people to repent of their good deeds; their justice
and charity, and even their repentance, are repented of. See an
instance somewhat like this, <scripRef id="Ex.xv-p6.3" osisRef="Bible:Jer.34.10-Jer.34.11" parsed="|Jer|34|10|34|11" passage="Jer 34:10,11">Jer.
xxxiv. 10, 11</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xv-p7">2. He resolves, if possible, either to
reduce them or to be revenged on them; in order to this, he levies
an army, musters all his force of chariots and horsemen, <scripRef id="Ex.xv-p7.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.14.17-Exod.14.18" parsed="|Exod|14|17|14|18" passage="Ex 14:17,18"><i>v.</i> 17, 18</scripRef> (for, it should
seem, he took no foot with him, because the king's business
required haste), and thus he doubts not but he shall re-enslave
them, <scripRef id="Ex.xv-p7.2" osisRef="Bible:Exod.14.6-Exod.14.7" parsed="|Exod|14|6|14|7" passage="Ex 14:6,7"><i>v.</i> 6, 7</scripRef>. It
is easy to imagine what a rage Pharaoh was now in, roaring like a
lion disappointed of his prey, how his proud heart aggravated the
affront, swelled with indignation, scorned to be baffled, longed to
be revenged: and now all the plagues are as if they had never been.
He has quite forgotten the sorrowful funerals of his firstborn, and
can think of nothing but making Israel feel his resentments; now he
thinks he can be too hard for God himself; for, otherwise, could he
have hoped to conquer a people so dear to him? God gave him up to
these passions of his own heart, and so hardened it. It is said
(<scripRef id="Ex.xv-p7.3" osisRef="Bible:Exod.14.8" parsed="|Exod|14|8|0|0" passage="Ex 14:8"><i>v.</i> 8</scripRef>), The children
of Israel went out with <i>a high hand,</i> that is, with a great
deal of courage and bravery, triumphing in their release, and
resolved to break through the difficulties that lay in their way.
<i>But the Egyptians</i> (<scripRef id="Ex.xv-p7.4" osisRef="Bible:Exod.14.9" parsed="|Exod|14|9|0|0" passage="Ex 14:9">v.
9</scripRef>) <i>pursued after them.</i> Note, Those that in good
earnest set their faces heaven-ward, and will live godly in Christ
Jesus, must expect to be set upon by Satan's temptations and
terrors. He will not tamely part with any out of his service, nor
go out without raging, <scripRef id="Ex.xv-p7.5" osisRef="Bible:Mark.9.26" parsed="|Mark|9|26|0|0" passage="Mk 9:26">Mark ix.
26</scripRef>.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Ex.xv-p7.6" osisRef="Bible:Exod.14" parsed="|Exod|14|0|0|0" passage="Ex 14" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="Ex.xv-p7.7" osisRef="Bible:Exod.14.10-Exod.14.14" parsed="|Exod|14|10|14|14" passage="Ex 14:10-14" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Exod.14.10-Exod.14.14">
<p class="passage" id="Ex.xv-p8">10 And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of
Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched
after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel
cried out unto the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xv-p8.1">Lord</span>.   11
And they said unto Moses, Because <i>there were</i> no graves in
Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore
hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt?
  12 <i>Is</i> not this the word that we did tell thee in
Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For
<i>it had been</i> better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that
we should die in the wilderness.   13 And Moses said unto the
people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the
<span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xv-p8.2">Lord</span>, which he will show to you to
day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them
again no more for ever.   14 The <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xv-p8.3">Lord</span> shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your
peace.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xv-p9">We have here, I. The fright that the
children of Israel were in when they perceived that Pharaoh pursued
them, <scripRef id="Ex.xv-p9.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.14.10" parsed="|Exod|14|10|0|0" passage="Ex 14:10"><i>v.</i> 10</scripRef>. They
knew very well the strength and rage of the enemy, and their own
weakness; numerous indeed they were, but all on foot, unarmed,
undisciplined, disquieted by long servitude, and (which was worst
of all) now penned up by the situation of their camp, so that they
could not make their escape. On the one hand was Pi-hahiroth, a
range of craggy rocks impassable; on the other hand were Migdol and
Baalzephon, which, some think were forts and garrisons upon the
frontiers of Egypt; before them was the sea; behind them were the
Egyptians: so that there was no way open for them but upwards, and
thence their deliverance came. Note, We may be in the way of our
duty, following God and hastening towards heaven, and yet may be in
great straits, <i>troubled on every side,</i> <scripRef id="Ex.xv-p9.2" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.4.8" parsed="|2Cor|4|8|0|0" passage="2Co 4:8">2 Cor. iv. 8</scripRef>. In this distress, no marvel that
the children of Israel were sorely afraid; their father Jacob was
so in a like case (<scripRef id="Ex.xv-p9.3" osisRef="Bible:Gen.32.7" parsed="|Gen|32|7|0|0" passage="Ge 32:7">Gen. xxxii.
7</scripRef>); when without are fightings, it cannot be otherwise
but that within are fears: what therefore was the fruit of this
fear? According as that was, the fear was good or evil. 1. Some of
them cried out unto the Lord; their fear set them a praying, and
that was a good effect of it. God brings us into straits that he
may bring us to our knees. 2. Others of them cried out against
Moses; their fear set them a murmuring, <scripRef id="Ex.xv-p9.4" osisRef="Bible:Exod.14.11-Exod.14.12" parsed="|Exod|14|11|14|12" passage="Ex 14:11,12"><i>v.</i> 11, 12</scripRef>. They give up themselves
for lost; and as if God's arm were shortened all of a sudden, and
he were not as able to work miracles to-day as he was yesterday,
they despair of deliverance, and can count upon nothing but
<i>dying in the wilderness.</i> How inexcusable was their distrust!
Did they not see themselves under the guidance and protection of a
pillar from heaven? And can almighty power fail them, or infinite
goodness be false to them? Yet this was not the worst; they quarrel
with Moses for bringing them out of Egypt, and, in quarrelling with
him, fly in the face of God himself, and provoke him to wrath whose
favour was now the only succour they had to flee to. As the
Egyptians were angry with themselves for the best deed they ever
did, so the Israelites were angry with God for the greatest
kindness that was ever done them; so gross are the absurdities of
unbelief. They here express, (1.) A sordid contempt of liberty,
preferring servitude before it, only because it was attended with
some difficulties. A generous spirit would have said, "If the worst
come to the worst," as we say, "It is better to die in the field of
honour than to live in the chains of slavery;" nay, under God's
conduct, they could not miscarry, and therefore they might say,
"Better live God's freemen in the open air of a wilderness than the
Egyptians' bondmen in the smoke of the brick-kilns." But because,
for the present, they are a little embarrassed, they are angry that
they were not left buried alive in their house of bondage. (2.)
Base ingratitude to Moses, who had been the faithful instrument of
their deliverance. They condemn him, as if he had dealt hardly and
unkindly with them, whereas it was evident, beyond dispute, that
whatever he did, and however it issued, it was by direction from
their God, and with design for their good. What they had said in a
former ferment (when they hearkened not to Moses for anguish of
spirit), they repeat and justify in this: <i>We said in Egypt, Let
us alone;</i> and it was ill-said, yet more excusable, because then
they had not had so much experience as they had now of God's
wonderful appearances in their favour. But they had as soon
forgotten the miracles of mercy as the Egyptians had forgotten the
miracles of wrath; and they, as well as the Egyptians, hardened
their hearts, at last, to their own ruin; as Egypt after ten
plagues, so Israel after ten provocations, of which this was the
first (<scripRef id="Ex.xv-p9.5" osisRef="Bible:Num.14.22" parsed="|Num|14|22|0|0" passage="Nu 14:22">Num. xiv. 22</scripRef>), were
sentenced to die in the wilderness.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xv-p10">II. The seasonable encouragement that Moses
gave them in this distress, <scripRef id="Ex.xv-p10.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.14.13-Exod.14.14" parsed="|Exod|14|13|14|14" passage="Ex 14:13,14"><i>v.</i> 13, 14</scripRef>. He answered not these
fools according to their folly. God bore with the provocation they
gave to him, and did not (as he might justly have done) chose their
delusions, and bring their fears upon them; and therefore Moses
might well afford to pass by the affront they put upon him. Instead
of chiding them, he comforts them, and with an admirable presence
and composure of mind, not disheartened either by the threatenings
of Egypt or the tremblings of Israel, stills their murmuring, with
the assurance of a speedy and complete deliverance: <i>Fear you
not.</i> Note, It is our duty and interest, when we cannot get out
of our troubles, yet to get above our fears, so that they may only
serve to quicken our prayers and endeavours, but may not prevail to
silence our faith and hope. 1. He assures them that God would
deliver them, that he would undertake their deliverance, and that
he would effect it in the utter ruin of their pursuers: <i>The Lord
shall fight for you.</i> This Moses was confident of himself, and
would have them to be so, though as yet he knew not how or which
way it would be brought to pass. God had assured him that Pharaoh
and his host should be ruined, and he comforts them with the same
comforts wherewith he had been comforted. 2. He directs them to
leave it to God, in a silent expectation of the event: "<i>Stand
still,</i> and think not to save yourselves either by fighting or
flying; wait God's orders, and observe them; be not contriving what
course to take, but follow your leader; wait God's appearances, and
take notice of them, that you may see how foolish you are to
distrust them. Compose yourselves, by an entire confidence in God,
into a peaceful prospect of the great salvation God is now about to
work for you. Hold your peace; you need not so much as give a shout
against the enemy, as <scripRef id="Ex.xv-p10.2" osisRef="Bible:Josh.6.16" parsed="|Josh|6|16|0|0" passage="Jos 6:16">Josh. vi.
16</scripRef>. The work shall be done without any concurrence of
yours." Note, (1.) If God himself bring his people into straits, he
will himself discover a way to bring them out again. (2.) In times
of great difficulty and great expectation, it is our wisdom to keep
our spirits calm, quiet, and sedate; for then we are in the best
frame both to do our own work and to <i>consider the work of God.
Your strength is to sit still</i> (<scripRef id="Ex.xv-p10.3" osisRef="Bible:Isa.30.7" parsed="|Isa|30|7|0|0" passage="Isa 30:7">Isa. xxx. 7</scripRef>), <i>for the Egyptians shall help
in vain,</i> and threaten to hurt in vain.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Ex.xv-p10.4" osisRef="Bible:Exod.14" parsed="|Exod|14|0|0|0" passage="Ex 14" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="Ex.xv-p10.5" osisRef="Bible:Exod.14.15-Exod.14.20" parsed="|Exod|14|15|14|20" passage="Ex 14:15-20" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Exod.14.15-Exod.14.20">
<h4 id="Ex.xv-p10.6">The Pillar of Cloud. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xv-p10.7">b. c.</span> 1491.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Ex.xv-p11">15 And the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xv-p11.1">Lord</span>
said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the
children of Israel, that they go forward:   16 But lift thou
up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it:
and the children of Israel shall go on dry <i>ground</i> through
the midst of the sea.   17 And I, behold, I will harden the
hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them: and I will get
me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots,
and upon his horsemen.   18 And the Egyptians shall know that
I <i>am</i> the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xv-p11.2">Lord</span>, when I have
gotten me honour upon Pharaoh, upon his chariots, and upon his
horsemen.   19 And the angel of God, which went before the
camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the
cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them:   20
And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of
Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness <i>to them,</i> but it gave
light by night <i>to these:</i> so that the one came not near the
other all the night.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xv-p12">We have here,</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xv-p13">I. Direction given to Israel's leader.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xv-p14">1. What he must do himself. He must, for
the present, leave off praying, and apply himself to his business
(<scripRef id="Ex.xv-p14.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.14.15" parsed="|Exod|14|15|0|0" passage="Ex 14:15"><i>v.</i> 15</scripRef>):
<i>Wherefore cryest thou unto me?</i> Moses, though he was assured
of a good issue to the present distress, yet did not neglect
prayer. We read not of one word he said in prayer, but he lifted up
to God his heart, the language of which God well understood and
took notice of. Moses's silent prayers of faith prevailed more with
God than Israel's loud outcries of fear, <scripRef id="Ex.xv-p14.2" osisRef="Bible:Exod.14.10" parsed="|Exod|14|10|0|0" passage="Ex 14:10"><i>v.</i> 10</scripRef>. Note, (1.) Praying, if of the
right kind, is <i>crying to God,</i> which denotes it to be the
language both of a natural and of an importunate desire. (2.) To
quicken his diligence. Moses had something else to do besides
praying; he was to command the hosts of Israel, and it was now
requisite that he should be at his post. <i>Every thing is
beautiful in its season.</i></p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xv-p15">2. What he must order Israel to do.
<i>Speak to them, that they go forward.</i> Some think that Moses
had prayed, not so much for their deliverance (he was assured of
that) as for the pardon of their murmurings, and that God's ordering
them to go forward was an intimation of the pardon. There is no
going forward with any comfort but in the sense of our
reconciliation to God. Moses had bidden them stand still, and
expect orders from God; and now orders are given. They thought they
must have been directed either to the right hand or to the left.
"No," says God, "speak to them to go forward, directly to the
sea-side;" as if there had lain a fleet of transport-ships ready
for them to embark in. Note, When we are in the way of our duty,
though we met with difficulties, we must go forward, and not stand
in mute astonishment; we must mind present work and then leave the
even to God, use means and trust him with the issue.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xv-p16">3. What he might expect God to do. Let the
children of Israel go as far as they can upon dry ground, and then
God will divide the sea, and open a passage for them through it,
<scripRef id="Ex.xv-p16.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.14.16-Exod.14.18" parsed="|Exod|14|16|14|18" passage="Ex 14:16-18"><i>v.</i> 16-18</scripRef>. God
designs, not only to deliver the Israelites, but to destroy the
Egyptians; and the plan of his counsels is accordingly. (1.) He
will show favour to Israel; the waters shall be divided for them to
pass through, <scripRef id="Ex.xv-p16.2" osisRef="Bible:Exod.14.16" parsed="|Exod|14|16|0|0" passage="Ex 14:16"><i>v.</i> 16</scripRef>.
The same power could have congealed the waters for them to pass
over; but Infinite Wisdom chose rather to divide the waters for
them to pass through; for that way of salvation is always pitched
upon which is most humbling. Thus it is said, with reference to
this (<scripRef id="Ex.xv-p16.3" osisRef="Bible:Isa.63.13-Isa.63.14" parsed="|Isa|63|13|63|14" passage="Isa 63:13,14">Isa. lxiii. 13,
14</scripRef>), <i>He led them through the deep, as a beast goes
down into the valley,</i> and thus <i>made himself a glorious
name.</i> (2.) He will get him honour upon Pharaoh. If the due rent
of honour be not paid to the great landlord, by and from whom we
have and hold our beings and comforts, he will distrain for it, and
recover it. God will be a loser by no man. In order to this, it is
threatened: <i>I, behold I, will harden Pharaoh's heart,</i>
<scripRef id="Ex.xv-p16.4" osisRef="Bible:Exod.14.17" parsed="|Exod|14|17|0|0" passage="Ex 14:17"><i>v.</i> 17</scripRef>. The manner of
expression is observable: <i>I, behold I, will do it.</i> "I, that
may do it;" so it is the language of his sovereignty. We may not
contribute to the hardening of any man's heart, nor withhold any
thing that we can do towards the softening of it; but God's grace
is his own, <i>he hath mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom
he will be hardeneth.</i> "I, that can do it;" so it is the
language of his power; none but the Almighty can make the heart
soft (<scripRef id="Ex.xv-p16.5" osisRef="Bible:Job.23.16" parsed="|Job|23|16|0|0" passage="Job 23:16">Job xxiii. 16</scripRef>), nor
can any other being make it hard. "I, that will do it;" for it is
the language of his justice; it is a righteous thing with God to
put those under the impressions of his wrath who have long resisted
the influences of his grace. It is spoken in a way of triumph over
this obstinate and presumptuous rebel: "<i>I even I,</i> will take
an effectual course to humble him; he shall break that would not
bend." It is an expression like that (<scripRef id="Ex.xv-p16.6" osisRef="Bible:Isa.1.24" parsed="|Isa|1|24|0|0" passage="Isa 1:24">Isa. i. 24</scripRef>), <i>Ah, I will ease me of my
adversaries.</i></p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xv-p17">II. A guard set upon Israel's camp where it
now lay most exposed, which was <i>in the rear,</i> <scripRef id="Ex.xv-p17.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.14.19-Exod.14.20" parsed="|Exod|14|19|14|20" passage="Ex 14:19,20"><i>v.</i> 19, 20</scripRef>. <i>The angel of
God,</i> whose ministry was made use of in the pillar of cloud and
fire, went from <i>before the camp of Israel,</i> where they did
not now need a guide (there was no danger of missing their way
through the sea, nor needed they any other word of command than to
go forward), and it came behind them, where now they needed a guard
(the Egyptians being just ready to seize the hindmost of them), and
so was a wall of partition between them. There it was of use to the
Israelites, not only to protect them, but to light them through the
sea, and, at the same time, it confounded the Egyptians, so that
they lost sight of their prey just when they were ready to lay
hands on it. The word and providence of God have a black and dark
side towards sin and sinners, but a bright and pleasant side
towards those that are Israelites indeed. That which is a savour of
life unto life to some is a savour of death unto death to others.
This was not the first time that he who in the beginning divided
between light and darkness (<scripRef id="Ex.xv-p17.2" osisRef="Bible:Gen.1.4" parsed="|Gen|1|4|0|0" passage="Ge 1:4">Gen. i.
4</scripRef>), and still forms both (<scripRef id="Ex.xv-p17.3" osisRef="Bible:Isa.45.7" parsed="|Isa|45|7|0|0" passage="Isa 45:7">Isa. xlv. 7</scripRef>), had, at the same time, allotted
darkness to the Egyptians and light to the Israelites, a specimen
of the endless distinction which will be made between the
inheritance of the saints in light and that utter darkness which
for ever will be the portion of hypocrites. God will separate
between the precious and the vile.</p>
<h4 id="Ex.xv-p17.4">The Destruction of the
Egyptians. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xv-p17.5">b. c.</span> 1491.)</h4>
</div><scripCom id="Ex.xv-p17.6" osisRef="Bible:Exod.14.21-Exod.14.31" parsed="|Exod|14|21|14|31" passage="Ex 14:21-31" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Exod.14.21-Exod.14.31">
<p class="passage" id="Ex.xv-p18">21 And Moses stretched out his hand over the
sea; and the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xv-p18.1">Lord</span> caused the sea to
go <i>back</i> by a strong east wind all that night, and made the
sea dry <i>land,</i> and the waters were divided.   22 And the
children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry
<i>ground:</i> and the waters <i>were</i> a wall unto them on their
right hand, and on their left.   23 And the Egyptians pursued,
and went in after them to the midst of the sea, <i>even</i> all
Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.   24 And it
came to pass, that in the morning watch the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xv-p18.2">Lord</span> looked unto the host of the Egyptians
through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host
of the Egyptians,   25 And took off their chariot wheels, that
they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee
from the face of Israel; for the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xv-p18.3">Lord</span> fighteth for them against the Egyptians.
  26 And the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xv-p18.4">Lord</span> said unto
Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may
come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their
horsemen.   27 And Moses stretched forth his hand over the
sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning
appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xv-p18.5">Lord</span> overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the
sea.   28 And the waters returned, and covered the chariots,
and the horsemen, <i>and</i> all the host of Pharaoh that came into
the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them.
  29 But the children of Israel walked upon dry <i>land</i> in
the midst of the sea; and the waters <i>were</i> a wall unto them
on their right hand, and on their left.   30 Thus the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xv-p18.6">Lord</span> saved Israel that day out of the hand
of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea
shore.   31 And Israel saw that great work which the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xv-p18.7">Lord</span> did upon the Egyptians: and the
people feared the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xv-p18.8">Lord</span>, and believed
the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xv-p18.9">Lord</span>, and his servant Moses.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xv-p19">We have here the history of that work of
wonder which is so often mentioned both in the Old and New
Testament, the dividing of the Red Sea before the children of
Israel. It was the terror of the Canaanites (<scripRef id="Ex.xv-p19.1" osisRef="Bible:Josh.2.9-Josh.2.10" parsed="|Josh|2|9|2|10" passage="Jos 2:9,10">Josh. ii. 9, 10</scripRef>), the praise and triumph of
the Israelites, <scripRef id="Ex.xv-p19.2" osisRef="Bible:Ps.114.3 Bible:Ps.106.9 Bible:Ps.136.13-Ps.136.14" parsed="|Ps|114|3|0|0;|Ps|106|9|0|0;|Ps|136|13|136|14" passage="Ps 114:3,Ps 106:9,136:13,14">Ps.
cxiv. 3; cvi. 9; cxxxvi. 13, 14</scripRef>. It was a type of
baptism, <scripRef id="Ex.xv-p19.3" osisRef="Bible:1Cor.10.1-1Cor.10.2" parsed="|1Cor|10|1|10|2" passage="1Co 10:1,2">1 Cor. x. 1, 2</scripRef>.
Israel's passage through it was typical of the conversion of souls
(<scripRef id="Ex.xv-p19.4" osisRef="Bible:Isa.11.15" parsed="|Isa|11|15|0|0" passage="Isa 11:15">Isa. xi. 15</scripRef>), and the
Egyptians' perdition in it was typical of the final ruin of all
impenitent sinners, <scripRef id="Ex.xv-p19.5" osisRef="Bible:Rev.20.14" parsed="|Rev|20|14|0|0" passage="Re 20:14">Rev. xx.
14</scripRef>. Here we have,</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xv-p20">I. An instance of God's almighty power in
the kingdom of nature, in dividing the sea, and opening a passage
through the waters. It was a bay, or gulf, or arm of the sea, two
or three leagues over, which was divided, <scripRef id="Ex.xv-p20.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.14.21" parsed="|Exod|14|21|0|0" passage="Ex 14:21"><i>v.</i> 21</scripRef>. The instituted sign made use of
was Moses's stretching out his hand over it, to signify that it was
done in answer to his prayer, for the confirmation of his mission,
and in favour to the people whom he led. The natural sign was a
strong east wind, signifying that it was done by the power of God,
whom the winds and the seas obey. If there be any passage in the
book of Job which has reference to the miracles wrought for
Israel's deliverance out of Egypt, it is that in <scripRef id="Ex.xv-p20.2" osisRef="Bible:Job.26.12" parsed="|Job|26|12|0|0" passage="Job 26:12">Job xxvi. 12</scripRef>, <i>He divideth the sea with
his power, and by his understanding he smileth through Rahab</i>
(so the word is), that is, Egypt. Note, God can bring his people
through the greatest difficulties, and force a way where he does
not find it. The God of nature has not tied himself to its laws,
but, when he pleases, dispenses with them, and then the fire does
not burn, nor the water flow.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xv-p21">II. An instance of his wonderful favour to
his Israel. They went through the sea to the opposite shore, for I
cannot suppose, with some, that they fetched a compass, and came
out again on the same side, <scripRef id="Ex.xv-p21.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.14.22" parsed="|Exod|14|22|0|0" passage="Ex 14:22"><i>v.</i>
22</scripRef>. They <i>walked upon dry land in the midst of the
sea,</i> <scripRef id="Ex.xv-p21.2" osisRef="Bible:Exod.14.29" parsed="|Exod|14|29|0|0" passage="Ex 14:29"><i>v.</i> 29</scripRef>. And
the pillar of cloud, <i>that glory of the Lord,</i> being their
<i>rearward</i> (<scripRef id="Ex.xv-p21.3" osisRef="Bible:Isa.58.8" parsed="|Isa|58|8|0|0" passage="Isa 58:8">Isa. lviii.
8</scripRef>), that the Egyptians might not charge them in the
flank, the <i>waters were a wall to them</i> (it is twice
mentioned) <i>on their right hand and on their left.</i> Moses and
Aaron, it is probable, ventured first into this untrodden path, and
then all Israel after them; and this march through the paths of the
great waters would make their march afterwards, through the
wilderness, less formidable. Those who had followed God through the
sea needed not to fear following him whithersoever he led them.
This march through the sea was in the night, and not a moon-shiny
night, for it was seven days after the full moon, so that they had
no light but what they had from the pillar of cloud and fire. This
made it the more awful; but where God leads us he will light us;
while we follow his conduct, we shall not want his comforts.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xv-p22">This was done, and recorded, in order to
encourage God's people in all ages to trust in him in the greatest
straits. What cannot he do who did this? What will not he do for
those that fear and love him who did this for these murmuring
unbelieving Israel is, who yet were <i>beloved for their fathers'
sake,</i> and for the sake of a remnant among them? We find the
saints, long afterwards, making themselves sharers in the triumphs
of this march (<scripRef id="Ex.xv-p22.1" osisRef="Bible:Ps.66.6" parsed="|Ps|66|6|0|0" passage="Ps 66:6">Ps. lxvi. 6</scripRef>):
<i>They went through the flood on foot; there did we rejoice in
him:</i> and see how this work of wonder is improved, <scripRef id="Ex.xv-p22.2" osisRef="Bible:Ps.77.11 Bible:Ps.77.16 Bible:Ps.77.19" parsed="|Ps|77|11|0|0;|Ps|77|16|0|0;|Ps|77|19|0|0" passage="Ps 77:11,16,19">Ps. lxxvii. 11, 16, 19</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xv-p23">III. An instance of his just and righteous
wrath upon his and his people's enemies, the Egyptians. Observe
here, 1. How they were infatuated. In the heat of their pursuit,
they went after the Israelites <i>into the midst of the sea,</i>
<scripRef id="Ex.xv-p23.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.14.23" parsed="|Exod|14|23|0|0" passage="Ex 14:23"><i>v.</i> 23</scripRef>. "Why,"
thought they, "may not we venture where Israel did?" Once or twice
the magicians of Egypt had done what Moses did, with their
enchantments; Pharaoh remembered this, but forgot how they were
nonplussed at last. They were more advantageously provided with
chariots and horses, while the Israelites were on foot. Pharaoh had
said, <i>I know not the Lord;</i> and by this it appeared he did
not, else he would not have ventured thus. None so bold as those
that are blind. Rage against Israel made them thus daring and
inconsiderate: they had long hardened their own hearts; and now God
hardened them to their ruin, and hid from their eyes the things
that belonged to their peace and safety. <i>Surely in vain is the
net spread in the sight of any bird</i> (<scripRef id="Ex.xv-p23.2" osisRef="Bible:Prov.1.17" parsed="|Prov|1|17|0|0" passage="Pr 1:17">Prov. i. 17</scripRef>); yet so blind where the Egyptians
that they <i>hastened to the snare,</i> <scripRef id="Ex.xv-p23.3" osisRef="Bible:Prov.7.23" parsed="|Prov|7|23|0|0" passage="Pr 7:23">Prov. vii. 23</scripRef>. Note, The ruin of sinners is
brought on by their own presumption, which hurries them headlong
into the pit. They are self-destroyers. 2. How they were troubled
and perplexed, <scripRef id="Ex.xv-p23.4" osisRef="Bible:Exod.14.24-Exod.14.25" parsed="|Exod|14|24|14|25" passage="Ex 14:24,25"><i>v.</i> 24,
25</scripRef>. For some hours they marched through the divided
waters as safely and triumphantly as Israel did, not doubting but,
that, in a little time, they should gain their point. But, <i>in
the morning watch, the Lord looked upon the host of the Egyptians,
and troubled them.</i> Something or other they saw or heard from
the pillar of cloud and fire which put them into great
consternation, and gave them an apprehension of their ruin before
it was brought upon them. Now it appeared that the <i>triumphing of
the wicked is short,</i> and that God has ways to frighten sinners
into despair, before he plunges them into destruction. <i>He cuts
off the spirit of princes, and is terrible to the kings of the
earth.</i> (1.) They had hectored and boasted as if the day were
their own; but now they were troubled and dismayed, struck with a
panic-fear. (2.) They had driven furiously; but now they drove
heavily, and found themselves plugged and embarrassed at every
step; the way grew deep, their hearts grew sad, their wheels
dropped off, and the axle-trees failed. Thus can God check the
violence of those that are in pursuit of his people. (3.) They had
been flying upon the back of Israel, as the hawk upon the trembling
dove; but now they cried, <i>Let us flee from the face of
Israel,</i> which had become to them <i>like a torch of fire in a
sheaf,</i> <scripRef id="Ex.xv-p23.5" osisRef="Bible:Zech.12.6" parsed="|Zech|12|6|0|0" passage="Zec 12:6">Zech. xii. 6</scripRef>.
Israel has now, all of a sudden, become as much a terror to them as
they had been to Israel. They might have let Israel alone and would
not; now they would flee from the face of Israel and cannot. Men
will not be convinced, till it is too late, that those who meddle
with God's people meddle to their own hurt; when the Lord shall
come with ten thousands of his saints, to execute judgment, the
mighty men will in vain seek to shelter themselves under rocks and
mountains <i>from the face of Israel</i> and Israel's King,
<scripRef id="Ex.xv-p23.6" osisRef="Bible:Rev.6.15" parsed="|Rev|6|15|0|0" passage="Re 6:15">Rev. vi. 15</scripRef>. Compare with
this story, <scripRef id="Ex.xv-p23.7" osisRef="Bible:Job.27.20" parsed="|Job|27|20|0|0" passage="Job 27:20">Job xxvii. 20</scripRef>,
&amp;c. 3. How they were all drowned. As soon as ever the children
of Israel had got safely to the shore, Moses was ordered to
<i>stretch out his hand over the sea,</i> and thereby give a signal
to the waters to close again, as before, upon he word of command,
they had <i>opened to the right and the left,</i> <scripRef id="Ex.xv-p23.8" osisRef="Bible:Exod.14.29" parsed="|Exod|14|29|0|0" passage="Ex 14:29"><i>v.</i> 29</scripRef>. He did so, and
immediately the waters returned to their place, and overwhelmed all
the host of the Egyptians, <scripRef id="Ex.xv-p23.9" osisRef="Bible:Exod.14.27-Exod.14.28" parsed="|Exod|14|27|14|28" passage="Ex 14:27,28"><i>v.</i> 27, 28</scripRef>. Pharaoh and his
servants, who had hardened one another in sin, now fell together,
and not one escaped. An ancient tradition says that Pharaoh's
magicians, Jannes and Jambres, perished with the rest, as Balaam
with the Midianites whom he had seduced, <scripRef id="Ex.xv-p23.10" osisRef="Bible:Num.31.8" parsed="|Num|31|8|0|0" passage="Nu 31:8">Num. xxxi. 8</scripRef>. And now, (1.) God avenged upon
the Egyptians the blood of the firstborn whom they had drowned: and
the principal is repaid with interest, it is recompensed double,
full-grown Egyptians for newborn Israelites; thus the Lord is
righteous, and precious is his people's blood in his sight,
<scripRef id="Ex.xv-p23.11" osisRef="Bible:Ps.72.14" parsed="|Ps|72|14|0|0" passage="Ps 72:14">Ps. lxxii. 14</scripRef>. (2.) God
reckoned with Pharaoh for all his proud and insolent conduct
towards Moses his ambassador. Mocking the messengers of the Lord,
and playing the fool with them, bring ruin without remedy. Now God
<i>got him honour upon Pharaoh,</i> looking upon that proud man,
and abasing him, <scripRef id="Ex.xv-p23.12" osisRef="Bible:Job.40.12" parsed="|Job|40|12|0|0" passage="Job 40:12">Job. xl.
12</scripRef>. Come and see the desolations he made, and write it,
not in water, but with an iron pen in the rock for ever. Here lies
that bloody tyrant who bade defiance to his Maker, to his demands,
threatenings, and judgments; a rebel to God, and a slave to his own
barbarous passions; perfectly lost to humanity, virtue, and all
true honour; here he lies, buried in the deep, a perpetual monument
of divine justice. Here he went down to the pit, though he was the
terror of the mighty in the land of the living. This is Pharaoh and
all his multitude, <scripRef id="Ex.xv-p23.13" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.31.18" parsed="|Ezek|31|18|0|0" passage="Eze 31:18">Ezek. xxxi.
18</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xv-p24">IV. Here is the notice which the Israelites
took of this wonderful work which God wrought for them, and the
good impressions which it made upon them for the present.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xv-p25">1. They saw the Egyptians dead upon the
sands, <scripRef id="Ex.xv-p25.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.14.30" parsed="|Exod|14|30|0|0" passage="Ex 14:30"><i>v.</i> 30</scripRef>.
Providence so ordered it that the next tide threw up the dead
bodies, (1.) For the greater disgrace of the Egyptians. Now the
beasts and birds of prey were called to <i>eat the flesh of the
captains and mighty men,</i> <scripRef id="Ex.xv-p25.2" osisRef="Bible:Rev.19.17-Rev.19.18" parsed="|Rev|19|17|19|18" passage="Re 19:17,18">Rev.
xix. 17, 18</scripRef>. The Egyptians were very nice and curious in
embalming and preserving the bodies of their great men, but here
the utmost contempt is poured upon all the grandees of Egypt; see
how they lie, heaps upon heaps, as dung upon the face of the earth.
(2.) For the greater triumph of the Israelites, and to affect them
the more with their deliverance; for the eye affects the heart. See
<scripRef id="Ex.xv-p25.3" osisRef="Bible:Isa.66.24" parsed="|Isa|66|24|0|0" passage="Isa 66:24">Isa. lxvi. 24</scripRef>, <i>They
shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have
transgressed against me.</i> Probably they stripped the slain and,
having borrowed jewels of their neighbours before, which (the
Egyptians having by this hostile pursuit of them broken their faith
with them) henceforward they were not under any obligation to
restore, they now got arms from them, which, some think, they were
not before provided with. Thus, when God broke the heads of
Leviathan in pieces, <i>he gave him to be meat to the people
inhabiting the wilderness,</i> <scripRef id="Ex.xv-p25.4" osisRef="Bible:Ps.74.14" parsed="|Ps|74|14|0|0" passage="Ps 74:14">Ps.
lxxiv. 14</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xv-p26">2. The sight of this great work greatly
affected them, and now they <i>feared the Lord, and believed the
Lord, and his servant Moses,</i> <scripRef id="Ex.xv-p26.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.14.31" parsed="|Exod|14|31|0|0" passage="Ex 14:31"><i>v.</i> 31</scripRef>. Now they were ashamed of their
distrusts and murmurings, and, in the good mind they were in, they
would never again despair of help from Heaven, no, not in the
greatest straits; they would never again quarrel with Moses, nor
talk of returning to Egypt. They were now baptized unto Moses in
the sea, <scripRef id="Ex.xv-p26.2" osisRef="Bible:1Cor.10.2" parsed="|1Cor|10|2|0|0" passage="1Co 10:2">1 Cor. x. 2</scripRef>. This
great work which God wrought for them by the ministry of Moses
bound them effectually to follow his directions, under God. This
confirmed their faith in the promises that were yet to be
fulfilled; and, being brought thus triumphantly out of Egypt, they
did not doubt that they should be in Canaan shortly, having such a
God to trust to, and such a mediator between them and him. O that
there had been such a heart in them as now there seemed to be!
Sensible mercies, when they are fresh, make sensible impressions;
but with many these impressions soon wear off: while they see God's
works, and feel the benefit of them, they fear him and trust in
him; but they soon forget his works, and then they slight him. How
well were it for us if we were always in as good a frame as we are
in sometimes!</p>
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