Exodus:14

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* Verse 1-9 - Pharaoh would think that all Israel was entangled in the wilderness , and so would become an easy prey . But God says , I will be honoured upon Pharaoh . All men being made for the honour of their Maker , those whom he is not honoured by , he will be honoured upon . What seems to tend to the church 's ruin , is often overruled to the ruin of the church 's enemies . While Pharaoh gratified his malice and revenge , he furthered the bringing to pass God 's counsels concerning him . Though with the greatest reason he had let Israel go , yet now he was angry with himself for it . God makes the envy and rage of men against his people , a torment to themselves . Those who set their faces heavenward , 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 . * Verse 10-14 - There was no way open to Israel but upward , and thence their deliverance came . We may be in the way of duty , following God , and hastening toward heaven , yet may be troubled on every side . Some cried out unto the Lord ; their fear led them to pray , and that was well . God brings us into straits , that he may bring us to our knees . Others cried out against Moses ; fear set them murmuring as if God were not still able to work miracles . They quarrel with Moses for bringing them out of Egypt ; and so were angry with God for the greatest kindness ever done them ; thus gross are the absurdities of unbelief . Moses says , Fear ye not . It is always our duty and interest , when we cannot get out of troubles , yet to get above our fears ; let them quicken our prayers and endeavours , but not silence our faith and hope . "Stand still ," think not to save yourselves either by fighting or flying ; wait God 's orders , and observe them . Compose yourselves , by confidence in God , into peaceful thoughts of the great salvation God is about to work for you . If God brings his people into straits , he will find a way to bring them out . * Verse 15-20 - Moses ' silent prayers of faith prevailed more with God than Israel 's loud outcries of fear . The pillar of cloud and fire came behind them , where they needed a guard , and it was a wall between them and their enemies . The word and providence of God have a black and dark side toward sin and sinners , but a bright and pleasant side toward the people of the Lord . He , who divided between light and darkness , Genesis strkjv @1:4 ,. allotted darkness to the Egyptians , and light to the Israelites . Such a difference there will be between the inheritance of the saints in light , and that utter darkness which will be the portion of hypocrites for ever . * Verse 21-31 - The dividing the Red sea was the terror of the Canaanites , Joshua strkjv @2:9 . the praise and triumph of the Israelites , * Verse Psalms - strkjv @114:3 . strkjv @106:9 . strkjv @136:13 . It was a type of baptism , 1st Corinthians strkjv @10:1 ,2 . Israel 's passage through it was typical of the conversion of souls , Isaiah strkjv @11:15 . and the Egyptians being drowned in it was typical of the final ruin of all unrepenting sinners . God showed his almighty power , by opening a passage through the waters , some miles over . God can bring his people through the greatest difficulties , and force a way where he does not find it . It was an instance of his wonderful favour to his Israel . They went through the sea , they walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea . This was done , in order to encourage God 's people in all ages to trust 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 Israelites ? Then followed the just and righteous wrath of God upon his and his people 's enemies . The ruin of sinners is brought on by their own rage and presumption . 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 . Moses was ordered to stretch out his hand over the sea ; the waters returned , and overwhelmed all the host of the Egyptians . Pharaoh and his servants , who had hardened one another in sin , now fell together , not one escaped . The Israelites saw the Egyptians dead upon the sands . The sight very much affected them . While men see God 's works , and feel the benefit , they fear him and trust in him . How well were it for us , if we were always in as good a frame as sometimes ! Behold the end to which a Christian may look forward . His enemies rage , and are mighty ; but while he holds fast by God , he shall pass the waves in safety guarded by that very power of his Saviour , which shall come down on every spiritual foe . The enemies of his soul whom he hath seen to-day , he shall see no more for ever . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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