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<TITLE>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on the Whole Bible [Exodus, Chapter XV].</TITLE>
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<center><h1>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary
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on the Whole Bible</h1></center>
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[<A HREF="MHC00000.HTM">Table of Contents</A>]<BR>
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Matthew Henry<BR><I>Commentary on the Whole Bible</I> (1706)
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<!-- (Begin Body) -->
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<CENTER>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+3><B>E X O D U S</B></FONT>
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<BR>
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<BR><FONT SIZE=+2>CHAP. XV.</FONT>
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<HR SIZE=1 WIDTH=50>
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<FONT SIZE=-1>
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<P>
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In this chapter,
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I. Israel looks back upon Egypt with a song of praise for their
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deliverance. Here is,
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1. The song itself,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+15:1-19">ver. 1-19</A>.
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2. The solemn singing of it,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+15:20,21">ver. 20, 21</A>.
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II. Israel marches forward in the wilderness
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+15:22">ver. 22</A>),
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and there,
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1. Their discontent at the waters of Marah
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+15:23,24">ver. 23, 24</A>),
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and the relief granted them,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+15:25,26">ver. 25, 26</A>.
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2. Their satisfaction in the waters of Elim,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+15:27">ver. 27</A>.</P>
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<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
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<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Triumphant Song of the Israelites.</I></FONT></TD>
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<TD ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>B. C.</FONT> 1491.</TD></TR>
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<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
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<P>
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<FONT SIZE=+1>1 Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the
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L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>, for he hath
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triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into
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the sea.
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2 The L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> <I>is</I> my strength and song, and he is become my
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salvation: he <I>is</I> my God, and I will prepare him an habitation;
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my father's God, and I will exalt him.
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3 The L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> <I>is</I> a man of war: the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> <I>is</I> his name.
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4 Pharaoh's chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea:
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his chosen captains also are drowned in the Red sea.
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5 The depths have covered them: they sank into the bottom as a
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stone.
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6 Thy right hand, O L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>, is become glorious in power: thy
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right hand, O L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>, hath dashed in pieces the enemy.
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7 And in the greatness of thine excellency thou hast overthrown
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them that rose up against thee: thou sentest forth thy wrath,
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<I>which</I> consumed them as stubble.
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8 And with the blast of thy nostrils the waters were gathered
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together, the floods stood upright as an heap, <I>and</I> the depths
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were congealed in the heart of the sea.
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9 The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide
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the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my
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sword, my hand shall destroy them.
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10 Thou didst blow with thy wind, the sea covered them: they
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sank as lead in the mighty waters.
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11 Who <I>is</I> like unto thee, O L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>, among the gods? who <I>is</I>
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like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful <I>in</I> praises, doing
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wonders?
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12 Thou stretchedst out thy right hand, the earth swallowed
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them.
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13 Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people <I>which</I> thou
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hast redeemed: thou hast guided <I>them</I> in thy strength unto thy
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holy habitation.
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14 The people shall hear, <I>and</I> be afraid: sorrow shall take
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hold on the inhabitants of Palestina.
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15 Then the dukes of Edom shall be amazed; the mighty men of
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Moab, trembling shall take hold upon them; all the inhabitants of
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Canaan shall melt away.
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16 Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of
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thine arm they shall be <I>as</I> still as a stone; till thy people
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pass over, O L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>, till the people pass over, <I>which</I> thou hast
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purchased.
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17 Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of
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thine inheritance, <I>in</I> the place, O L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>, <I>which</I> thou hast made
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for thee to dwell in, <I>in</I> the Sanctuary, O Lord, <I>which</I> thy
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hands have established.
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18 The L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> shall reign for ever and ever.
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19 For the horse of Pharaoh went in with his chariots and with
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his horsemen into the sea, and the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> brought again the waters
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of the sea upon them; but the children of Israel went on dry
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<I>land</I> in the midst of the sea.
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20 And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a
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timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with
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timbrels and with dances.
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21 And Miriam answered them, Sing ye to the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>, for he hath
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triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into
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the sea.
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</FONT></P>
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<P>
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Having read how that complete victory of Israel over the Egyptians was
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obtained, here we are told how it was celebrated; those that were to
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hold their peace while the deliverance was in working
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+14:14"><I>ch.</I> xiv. 14</A>)
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must not hold their peace now that it was wrought; the less they had to
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do then the more they had to do now. If God accomplishes deliverance by
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his own immediate power, it redounds so much the more to his glory.
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Moses, no doubt by divine inspiration, indited this song, and delivered
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it to the children of Israel, to be sung before they stirred from the
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place where they saw the Egyptians dead upon the shore. Observe,
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1. They expressed their joy in God, and thankfulness to him, by
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singing; it is almost natural to us thus to give vent to our joy and
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the exultations of our spirit. By this instance it appears that the
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singing of psalms, as an act of religious worship, was used in the
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church of Christ before the giving of the ceremonial law, and therefore
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was no part of it, nor abolished with it. Singing is as much the
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language of holy joy as praying is of holy desire.
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2. Moses, who had gone before them through the sea, goes before them in
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the song, and composes it for them. Note, Those that are active in
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public services should not be neuters in public praises.
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3. When the mercy was fresh, and they were much affected with it, then
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they sang this song. Note, When we have received special mercy from
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God, we ought to be quick and speedy in our returns of praise to him,
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before time and the deceitfulness of our own hearts efface the good
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impressions that have been made. David sang his triumphant song in the
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day that the Lord delivered him,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Sa+22:1">2 Sam. xxii. 1</A>.
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<I>Bis dat qui cito dat--He gives twice who gives quickly.</I>
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4. When they <I>believed the Lord</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+14:31"><I>ch.</I> xiv. 31</A>)
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then they sang this song: it was a song of faith; this connection is
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observed
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+106:12">Ps. cvi. 12</A>):
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<I>Then believed they his words, they sang his praise.</I> If with the
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heart man believes, thus confession must be made. Here is,</P>
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<P>
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I. The song itself; and,</P>
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<P>
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1. We may observe respecting this song, that it is,
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(1.) An ancient song, the most ancient that we know of.
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(2.) A most admirable composition, the style lofty and magnificent, the
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images lively and proper, and the whole very moving.
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(3.) It is a holy song, consecrated to the honour of God, and intended
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to exalt his name and celebrate his praise, and his only, not in the
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least to magnify any man: holiness to the Lord is engraven in it, and
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to him they made melody in the singing of it.
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(4.) It is a typical song. The triumphs of the gospel church, in the
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downfall of its enemies, are expressed in the song of Moses and the
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song of the Lamb put together, which are said to be sung upon a sea of
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glass, as this was upon the Red Sea,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Re+15:2,3">Rev. xv. 2, 3</A>.</P>
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<P>
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2. Let us observe what Moses chiefly aims at in this song.</P>
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<P>
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(1.) He gives glory to God, and triumphs in him; this is first in his
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intention
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+15:1"><I>v.</I> 1</A>):
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<I>I will sing unto the Lord.</I> Note, All our joy must terminate in
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God, and all our praises be offered up to him, the Father of lights and
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Father of mercies, <I>for he hath triumphed.</I> Note, All that love
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God triumph in his triumphs; what is his honour should be our joy.
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Israel rejoiced in God,
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[1.] As their own God, and therefore their <I>strength, song,</I> and
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<I>salvation,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+15:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>.
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Happy therefore the people whose God is the Lord; they need no more to
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make them happy. They have work to do, temptations to grapple with,
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and afflictions to bear, and are weak in themselves; but he strengthens
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them: his grace is their strength. They are often in sorrow, upon many
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accounts, but in him they have comfort, he is <I>their song;</I> sin,
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and death, and hell, threaten them, but he is, and will be, <I>their
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salvation:</I> See
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+12:2">Isa. xii. 2</A>.
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[2.] <I>As their fathers' God.</I> This they take notice of, because,
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being conscious to themselves of their own unworthiness and
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provocations, they had reason to think that what God had now done for
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them was for their <I>fathers' sake,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+4:37">Deut. iv. 37</A>.
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Note, The children of the covenant ought to improve their fathers'
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relation to God as their God for comfort, for caution, and for
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quickening.
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[3.] As a God of infinite power
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+15:3"><I>v.</I> 3</A>):
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<I>The Lord is a man of war,</I> that is, well able to deal with all
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those that strive with their Maker, and will certainly be too hard for
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them.
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[4.] As a God of matchless and incomparable perfection,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+15:11"><I>v.</I> 11</A>.
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This is expressed, <I>First,</I> More generally: <I>Who is like unto
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thee, O Lord, among the gods!</I> This is pure praise, and a high
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expression of humble adoration.--It is a challenge to all other gods to
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compare with him: "Let them stand forth, and pretend their utmost; none
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of them dare make the comparison." Egypt was notorious for the
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multitude of its gods, but the <I>God of the Hebrews</I> was too hard
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for them and baffled them all,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Nu+38:4,De+32:23-39">Num. xxxviii. 4; Deut. xxxii. 23-39</A>.
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The princes and potentates of the world are called <I>gods,</I> but
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they are feeble and mortal, none of them all comparable to Jehovah, the
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almighty and eternal God.--It is confession of his infinite perfection,
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as transcendent and unparalleled. Note, God is to be worshipped and
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adored as a being of such infinite perfection that there is none like
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him, nor any to be compared with him, as one that in all things has and
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must have the pre-eminence,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+89:6">Ps. lxxxix. 6</A>.
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<I>Secondly,</I> More particularly,
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1. <I>He is glorious in holiness;</I> his holiness is his glory. It is
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that attribute which angels adore,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+6:3">Isa. vi. 3</A>.
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His holiness appeared in the destruction of Pharaoh, his hatred of sin,
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and his wrath against obstinate sinners. It appeared in the deliverance
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of Israel, his delight in the holy seed, and his faithfulness to his
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own promise. God is <I>rich in mercy</I>--this is his treasure,
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<I>glorious in holiness</I>--this is his honour. Let us always give
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thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
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2. <I>He is fearful in praises.</I> That which is the matter of our
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praise, though it is joyful to the servants of God, is dreadful and
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very terrible to his enemies,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+66:1-3">Ps. lxvi. 1-3</A>.
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Or it directs us in the manner of our praising God; we should praise
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him with a humble holy awe, and <I>serve the Lord with fear.</I> Even
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our spiritual joy and triumph must be balanced with a religious fear.
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3. He is <I>doing wonders,</I> wondrous to all, being above the power
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and out of the common course of nature; especially wondrous to us, in
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whose favour they are wrought, who are so unworthy that we had little
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reason to expect them. They were wonders of power and wonders of grace;
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in both God was to be humbly adored.</P>
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<P>
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(2.) He describes the deliverance they were now triumphing in, because
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the song was intended, not only to express and excite their
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thankfulness for the present, but to preserve and perpetuate the
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remembrance of this work of wonder to after-ages. Two things were to be
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taken notice of:--</P>
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<P>
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[1.] The destruction of the enemy; the waters were divided,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+15:8"><I>v.</I> 8</A>.
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<I>The floods stood upright as a heap.</I> Pharaoh and all his hosts
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were buried in the waters. <I>The horse and his rider</I> could not
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escape
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+15:1"><I>v.</I> 1</A>),
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the <I>chariots,</I> and the <I>chosen captains</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+15:4"><I>v.</I> 4</A>);
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they themselves went into the sea, and they were overwhelmed,
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+15:19"><I>v.</I> 19</A>.
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<I>The depths, the sea, covered them,</I> and the proud waters went
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over the proud sinners; they <I>sank like a stone, like lead</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+15:5,10"><I>v.</I> 5, 10</A>),
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under the weight of their own guilt and God's wrath. Their sin had made
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them hard like a stone, and now they justly sink like a stone. Nay,
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<I>the earth itself swallowed them</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+15:12"><I>v.</I> 12</A>);
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their dead bodies sank into the sands upon which they were thrown up,
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which sucked them in. Those whom the Creator fights against the whole
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creation is at war with. All this was the Lord's doing, and his only.
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It was an act of his power: <I>Thy right hand, O Lord,</I> not ours,
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<I>has dashed in pieces the enemy,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+15:6"><I>v.</I> 6</A>.
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It was with <I>the blast of thy nostrils</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+15:8"><I>v.</I> 8</A>),
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and <I>thy wind</I>
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(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+15:10"><I>v.</I> 10</A>),
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and the <I>stretching out of thy right hand,</I>
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<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+15:12"><I>v.</I> 12</A>.
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|
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>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+15:7"><I>v.</I> 7</A>.
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+15:9"><I>v.</I> 9</A>.
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+37:24,25">Isa. xxxvii. 24, 25</A>.
|
|
|
|
<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>
|
|
|
|
[2.] The protection and guidance of Israel
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+15:13"><I>v.</I> 13</A>):
|
|
|
|
<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,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+15:19"><I>v.</I> 19</A>.
|
|
|
|
<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,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Isa+45:13-15">Isa. xlv. 13-15</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
(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>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+15:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>.
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+15:13"><I>v.</I> 13</A>.
|
|
|
|
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,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+15:14-16"><I>v.</I> 14-16</A>.
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+2:4">Deut. ii. 4</A>),
|
|
|
|
so were the Moabites
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Nu+22:3">Num. xxii. 3</A>),
|
|
|
|
and the Canaanites,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jos+2:9,10,5:1">Josh. ii. 9, 10; v. 1</A>.
|
|
|
|
Thus God sent his fear before them
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+23:27"><I>ch.</I> xxiii. 27</A>),
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+15:17"><I>v.</I> 17</A>.
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+27:4">Ps. xxvii. 4</A>),
|
|
|
|
in his church in heaven,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+17:24">John xvii. 24</A>.
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+15:18"><I>v.</I> 18</A>.
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
II. The solemn singing of this song,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+15:20,21"><I>v.</I> 20, 21</A>.
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Sa+18:6,7">1 Sam. xviii. 6, 7</A>);
|
|
|
|
so was this. When God brought Israel out of Egypt, it is said
|
|
|
|
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mic+6:4">Micah vi. 4</A>),
|
|
|
|
<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>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Ex15_22"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ex15_23"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ex15_24"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ex15_25"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ex15_26"> </A>
|
|
<A NAME="Ex15_27"> </A>
|
|
|
|
<A NAME="Sec2"> </A>
|
|
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
|
|
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>The Waters of Marah.</I></FONT></TD>
|
|
<TD ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT SIZE=-1>B. C.</FONT> 1491.</TD></TR>
|
|
<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
|
|
</TABLE>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
<FONT SIZE=+1>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 L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT>; and the L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> 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 L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> 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 L<FONT SIZE=-1><B>ORD</B></FONT> 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.
|
|
</FONT></P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
I. That in the wilderness of Shur they had no water,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+15:22"><I>v.</I> 22</A>.
|
|
|
|
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,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+63:1">Ps. lxiii. 1</A>.</P>
|
|
|
|
<P>
|
|
|
|
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,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+15:23"><I>v.</I> 23</A>.
|
|
|
|
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,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+15:24"><I>v.</I> 24</A>.
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+15:25"><I>v.</I> 25</A>.
|
|
|
|
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,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+15:26"><I>v.</I> 26</A>,
|
|
|
|
(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>
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+116:16,Lu+1:74,75">Ps. cxvi. 16; Luke i. 74, 75</A>.
|
|
|
|
(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,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=De+28:60">Deut. xxviii. 60</A>.
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
III. That at Elim they had good water, and enough of it,
|
|
|
|
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ex+15:27"><I>v.</I> 27</A>.
|
|
|
|
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>
|
|
|
|
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