od gives Moses power to work miracles. (1-9) Moses is loth to
be sent, Aaron is to assist him. (10-17) Moses leaves Midian,
God's message to Pharaoh. (18-23) God's displeasure against
Moses, Aaron meets him, The people believe them. (24-31)
Verses 1-9: Moses objects, that the people would not take his word,
unless he showed them some sign. God gives him power to work
miracles. But those who are now employed to deliver God's
messages to men, need not the power to work miracles: their
character and their doctrines are to be tried by that word of
God to which they appeal. These miracles especially referred to
the miracles of the Lord Jesus Christ. It belonged to Him only,
to cast the power of the devil out of the soul, and to heal the
soul of the leprosy of sin; and so it was for Him first to cast
the devil out of the body, and to heal the leprosy of the body.
Verses 10-17: Moses continued backward to the work God designed him
for; there was much of cowardice, slothfulness, and unbelief in
him. We must not judge of men by the readiness of their
discourse. A great deal of wisdom and true worth may be with a
slow tongue. God sometimes makes choice of those as his
messengers, who have the least of the advantages of art or
nature, that his grace in them may appear the more glorious.
Christ's disciples were no orators, till the Holy Spirit made
them such. God condescends to answer the excuse of Moses. Even
self-diffidence, when it hinders us from duty, or clogs us in
duty, is very displeasing to the Lord. But while we blame Moses
for shrinking from this dangerous service, let us ask our own
hearts if we are not neglecting duties more easy, and less
perilous. The tongue of Aaron, with the head and heart of Moses,
would make one completely fit for this errand. God promises, I
will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth. Even Aaron, who
could speak well, yet could not speak to purpose, unless God
gave constant teaching and help; for without the constant aid of
Divine grace, the best gifts will fail.
Verses 18-23: After God had appeared in the bush, he often spake to
Moses. Pharaoh had hardened his own heart against the groans and
cries of the oppressed Israelites; and now God, in the way of
righteous judgment, hardens his heart against the teaching of
the miracles, and the terror of the plagues. But whether Pharaoh
will hear, or whether he will forbear, Moses must tell him, Thus
saith the Lord. He must demand a discharge for Israel, Let my
son go; not only my servant, whom thou hast no right to detain,
but my son. It is my son that serves me, and therefore must be
spared, must be pleaded for. In case of refusal I will slay thy
son, even thy first-born. As men deal with God's people, let
them expect so to be dealt with.
Verses 24-31: God met Moses in anger. The Lord threatened him with
death or sent sickness upon him, as the punishment of his having
neglected to circumcise his son. When God discovers to us what
is amiss in our lives, we must give all diligence to amend it
speedily. This is the voice of every rod; it calls us to return
to Him that smites us. God sent Aaron to meet Moses. The more
they saw of God's bringing them together, the more pleasant
their interview was. The elders of Israel met them in faith, and
were ready to obey them. It often happens, that less difficulty
is found than was expected, in such undertakings as are
according to the will of God, and for his glory. Let us but
arise and try at our proper work, the Lord will be with us and
prosper us. If Israel welcomed the tidings of their deliverance,
and worshipped the Lord, how should we welcome the glad tidings
of redemption, embrace it in faith, and adore the Redeemer!
od gives Moses power to work miracles. (1-9) Moses is loth to
be sent, Aaron is to assist him. (10-17) Moses leaves Midian,
God's message to Pharaoh. (18-23) God's displeasure against
Moses, Aaron meets him, The people believe them. (24-31)