THE SECOND BOOK OF MOSES, CALLED EXODUS. THE title 'EXODUS,' signifying 'going out,' was given to this book by the Greek translators, because the departure of the Israelites from Egypt is here related. By the call of Abraham, and the covenant of circumcision, the people from whom the promised Saviour was to come, and who were to be made the depository of revealed truth, had been in some measure distinguished from the rest of the world. But, whilst they remained mixed with other nations who had degenerated into idolatry, and especially when settled in Egypt, they were in danger of losing their knowledge of the true religion. God therefore now proceeds to separate them entirely from all other people. To this end, he allows them to be subjected to cruel servitude and oppression, consequent upon the altered policy of the Egyptians-changing their home of plenty into a house of bondage, and causing them to desire deliverance (ch. i.) He prepares for them a deliverer, Moses, who undertook the mission, not by choice and self-will, but in obedience to an immediate call from Jehovah, who revealed himself by his covenant name (ch. ii.-iv.) He shows forth his glory in Israel, by releasing them from their bondage; and in Pharaoh, by punishing his opposition to himself and his people (ch. vi.-xv.) Then taking the Israelites under his special guidance, he manifests himself to them with that material splendour most suited to their low spiritual state; and, amidst thunder, lightning, and earthquake, promulgates his law, renews his promises, and solemnly avouches them to be his people; while they avouch him to be their God (ch. xvi.-xx.) And, as their Divine King, he further developes the regulations of his government and forms of his worship, appoints his ministers, and directs the construction of his dwelling-place among them (ch. xxi.-xl.) 1 In the moral laws, so clearly enjoined, God shows that his claims are not affected by man's fall; and convinces the sinner of his guilt and misery, and consequent need of a Saviour; whilst he supplies his people with a rule of life, showing them the path in which they must walk on their way to heaven. The ceremonial institutions were expressive of great truths and principles, presented in a simple and palpable form, adapted to the comparative childhood of the church, and they were, at the same time, types and figures of Christian blessings and gospel privileges. In particular, the Passover was a striking emblem of the sacrifice of Christ, the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world.' This book embraces a period of 145 years; and may be divided into two principal parts: I. THE DELIVERANCE OF THE ISRAELITES FROM EGYPT: including their oppressed state after the death birth, preservation, and history of Moses; and his prepaof Joseph, and their wonderful increase (ch. i.): the ration for his great office (ii.-vi.): the deliverance of the Israelites, and the destruction of their enemies (vii.— xv. 1-21). II. THE MANIFESTATION OF GOD IN THE MIDST OF ISRAEL, AND THE GIVING OF THE LAW: comprising the entrance of the Israelites into the wilderness, and the miraculous provision made for their guidance and support (xv. 22-27-xviii.): their national covenant with God, made, broken, and renewed; together with judicial laws, and directions respecting the sanctuary, priesthood, and ritual (xix. xxxiv.): the tabernacle built, and solemnly occupied by God (xxxv.—xl.) Increase and oppression of the Israelites. NOW these are the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt; 2 every man and his household came with Jacob. Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and 3 Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin, Dan, and Naphtali, Gad, and Asher. 5 And all the souls that came out of the loins of Jacob were seventy souls: for 6 Joseph was in Egypt already. And Joseph died, and all his brethren, and all 7 that generation. And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them. 8 1 Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph. And 9 he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and 10 mightier than we:28 come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our 11 enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land. Therefore they did set over them taskmasters 'to afflict them with their burdens. And they 12 built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom 'and Raamses. But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved 13 because of the children of Israel. And the Egyptians made the children of Israel 14 to serve with rigour and they "made their lives bitter with hard bondage, ⚫ in mortar, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein they made them serve, was with rigour. 15 ye And the king of Egypt spake to the Hebrew midwives, of which the name of 16 the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah: and he said, When do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the stools; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it be a daughter, then she shall live. 17 But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded Pro. 16 6 18 them, but saved the men children alive. And the king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said unto them, Why have ye done this thing, and have saved 19 the men children alive? And the midwives said unto Pharaoh, Because the 1 Probably of a new dynasty; perhaps from Thebes. 2 The dominant party of the new king. 9 Dan. 3 16, 18:6 13; Ac. 5. 29. see Jos. 2. 4, etc.; 2 Sam. 17. 19, 20. 3 Josephus says they also constructed pyramids and dykes, and dug canals. Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are lively, and are 20 delivered ere the midwives come in unto them. Therefore God dealt well with 21 the midwives. And the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty. And it came 22 to pass, because the midwives feared God, 'that he made them houses. And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive. 3 Birth and preservation of Moses, and his flight to Midian. 2 AND there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of 11 15 b d C ich. 4. 19. * Ac. 7. 29; Heb. 11.27. Ge. 24. 11; 29. 2. eh. 3. 1. "Ge. 41. 45. Ge. 24. 11; 29. 10; 1 Sam. 9. 11. P Ge. 29. 10. Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But * Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian:8 and he sat down 16 by 'a well. Now the priest [or, prince"] of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father's flock. 17 And the shepherds came and drove them away: but Moses stood up and helped 18 them, and watered their flock. And when they came to Reuel9 their father, 10 29: called 19 he said, How is it that ye are come so soon to-day? And they said, An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds, and also drew water enough for us, 20 and watered the flock. And he said unto his daughters, And where is he? why 21 is it that ye have left the man? call him, that he may eat bread. And Moses was content to dwell with the man: and he gave Moses Zipporah his daughter. 22 And she bare him a son, and he called his name 'Gershom [i. e. a stranger here]: for he said, I have been "a stranger in a strange land.. T Divine manifestation and commission to Moses. 23 AND it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their 24 cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage. And God "heard 10 their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with 25 Jacob. And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them. 1 Or, 'increased and prospered their families.' 2 Amram, the son of Kohath, and grandson of Levi. His wife's name was Jochebed. See eh. vi. 18, 20. 3 Having had two children, Miriam and Aaron, probably before the last edict of Pharaoh. + The papyrus (cyperus papyrus) of which boats were often made. The flags were another kind of cyperus, from which the Red Sea took its Hebrew name. 5 Probably Miriam. 6 Moses was now full forty years old (see Acts vii. 23). See general remarks on the Five Books of Moses, p. 1. 7 It is plain, from Heb. xi. 24-27, that Moses now also Jethro, or Jether, ch. 3. 1; 4. 18. 18. 1, 5, etc. Ge. 31. 54: 43. 25. Ac. 7. 29; Heb. 11. eb. 7. 7: Ae. 7. 30. 9 Num. 20, 16; Deu. 26. 7; Ps. 12. 5. eh. 3. 9; 22:3, 27; Ge. 4. 10; 18. 20; Deu. 24. 15; Jam. 5. 4. 4 ch. 6 5; Ps. 102. 20. beh. t 5; Ps. 105. 8, 42: 16. 45. Ge. 15, 14-18; 26. 3; 46. 4. dch. 4. 31; 1 Sam. 1. 11; 2 Sam. 16. 12; J.k. 1. 25. ch. 3. 7. boldly espoused the cause of God's people; renouncing the advantages of his rank among the Egyptians. 8 The Midianites, like some other Oriental nations, were partly settled and partly nomade; and associated with the Ishmeelites (Gen. xxxvii. 25, 28), the Amalekites (Numb. xii. 1; xxiv. 20, 21), and the Moabites (Numb. xxii. 7). They frequented the deserts south-east of Palestine. The tribe with which Moses was allied were called Kenites. 9 Perhaps the same as Jethro (ch. iii. 1); or, more likely, Jethro's father. 10 This is spoken after the manner of men; and means that God interposed to deliver them. See note on Gen. vi. 6. 3 e Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of 2 God, even to Horeb. And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned 3 with fire, and the bush was not consumed. And Moses said, I will now turn 4 aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, 5 and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I. And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes3 from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest 6 is holy ground. Moreover he said, 'I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for m he was afraid to look upon God. 7 0 * ch. 19. 12; Jr. 5. ver. 15; eh. 4. 5; #en. 2 23-25: Ne. 9. P And the LORD said, "I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know 8 their sorrows; and I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, Ge. 18 21 ch.2 25. unto a land 'flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of "the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the 9 Jebusites. Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress 10 them. Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt. 11 And Moses said unto God, a Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and 12 that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt? And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain. 13 14 15 And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM:7 and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, "I AM hath sent me unto you. 50. 24 ch. 6 6. 8: 12 51; Ge. 15. 11; 50. 24. Den. 1. 25; 8. 7-9. I ver. 17; ch. 13 5; 3 3; Nam. 13 275 Den. 26. 9, 15; Ne. 9.25 Jer. 11. 6, 32 22; Fze. 20. 6 "Ge. 15 18-21. ch. 2. 21 ch. 1. 11, 13. 14, 22: Pro 22. 22, 23, Ece. 58 #Ps. 103, 6, 7; 106 26; Mic. 64; Ac 7.35 a see ch. & 12: 1 Sam. beh. 4. 12. 15; Ge. 31. deh. & 3; Pr. 68. 4; John 8 58; 2 Cor. 1. 20; Heb. 13 8; Rev. 1. 4, 8, 17. Ps. 135 13; Hos. 12. 5. ch. 2. 25; 4. 31; Ge. 50. 24; Lk. 1. 18 A ver. 8; Ge. 15. 1321; 48. 4. i ch. 4. 31. And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob,8 hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and 16 this is my memorial unto all generations. Go, and gather the elders of Israel ch. 4. 29. together, and say unto them, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, appeared unto me, saying, I have surely visited you, and 17 seen that which is done to you in Egypt: and I have said, "I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt unto the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, unto a 18 land flowing with milk and honey. And they shall hearken to thy voice: and *thou shalt come, thou and the elders of Israel, unto the king of Egypt, and ye shall say unto him, The LORD God of the Hebrews hath 'met with 10 us: and now let us go, we beseech thee, three days' journey into the wilderness, that we may 19 sacrifice to the LORD our God. And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not 20 let you go, no, not by a mighty hand [or, but by strong hand]. And I will " stretch out 'my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do 21 in the midst thereof: and after that he will let you go. And I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians: and it shall come to pass, that, when 22 ye go, ye shall not go empty: but every woman shall borrow of her neighbour, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and 1 So called by anticipation. Sec ch. xix. 'Horeb' (meaning dried, or waste) was probably the name of the group; 'Sinai' of a single mountain. See ch. xvii. 6; xix. 11. 2 The Divine Mediator. The fire which did not injure. the bush is an expressive symbol of God's omnipotence; which, even when put forth to destroy, can preserve those whom he designs to deliver. But the bush has been commonly supposed to represent the Church unhurt by the fire of persecution. 3 As is still done in the east, in entering a sacred place, where God is supposed to be especially present. 4 Few countries have so great a diversity of climate and productions as Palestine, within a similar space. 5 A token, not that it was God who spoke to him, but that he should have Divine help, so as to accomplish successfully his great mission. * eh. 5. 1, 3 1 Num. 23 3, 4, 15, 16. ch. 5. 2; 7. 4. "ch. 6 6; 7.5; 9. 15 eh. 7.3; 11.9; Deu. 6. 22; N. 9. 10; Ps 105. 27: 135 8, 9; Jer. 32. 20; Ac.7.36; see ch. 7. to ch. 13 Peh. 1. 31. 9 eh. 11. 3; 14 35; Pr 106 46; Prn, 16 7. ch. 11. 2; 12. 33. 36: Ge. 15. 14. 6 This seems to imply that the Israelites had fallen into idolatry, and forgotten the God of their fathers. 7 These words were (ch. vi. 3) modified into the name JEHOVAH. This name expresses God's faithfulness and unchangeableness. 8 Reminding the Israelites of the covenant into which he had entered with their forefathers, and with them. 9 The Hebrews, like other nations of western Asia, were divided into tribes, and subdivided into families, the heads of which held some authority over the rest. 10 The Chaldee and Samaritan, changing a letter, read, 'is named upon us;' i. c., is our God. The Septuagint and Vulgate, by a slightly different change, read, hath called us.' 2 raiment and ye shall put them upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and 'ye shall spoil the Egyptians. Job 27. 16, 17; Pro, 13. 22; Eze. 39. 10. 4 And Moses answered and said, But, behold, they will not believe me, nor ch. 19. 9. 5 and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand: that they may "believe that the LORD God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the ch. 3. 15. 18. God of Jacob, hath appeared unto thee. 6 And the LORD said furthermore unto him, Put now thine hand into thy bosom. And he put his hand into his bosom: and when he took it out, behold, his hand 7 was leprous as snow. And he said, Put thine hand into thy bosom again. And he put his hand into his bosom again; and plucked it out of his bosom, 8 and, behold, it was turned again as his other flesh. And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe thee, neither hearken to the voice of the first sign, 9 that they will believe the voice of the latter sign. And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe also these two signs, neither hearken unto thy voice, that thou shalt take of the water of the river, and pour it upon the dry land: and "the water which thou takest out of the river shall become blood upon the dry land. And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. 10 11 C And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh 12 the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD? Now therefore and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say. go, And he said, O my LORD, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send. 13 14 e y Num. 12. 10; 2 Ki. 5. 27. Num. 12. 13, 14; Den. 32. 39: 2 KL 5. 14; Mt. 83 a ch. 7. 19. b ch. 6. 12; Jer. 1. 6. PB. 51. 15; 94 9; d Is. 50 4: Jer. 1. 9: Eze. 33. 22: Mt. 10. 19, 20; Mk. 13. 11: Lk. 12. 11, 12; 21. 14, 15. see Jon. 1.3. 2.3, A Num. 22. 38: 23. 5, And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad ver; 27; 1 Sam. 10. 15 in his heart. And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye 16 shall do. And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people: and he shall be, even he shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and thou shalt be to him instead of ch. 7. 1; 18. 19. 17 God. And thou shalt take 'this rod in thine hand, wherewith thou shalt do signs. And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father-in-law, and said unto him, Let me go, I pray thee, and return unto my brethren which are in Egypt, and see whether they be yet alive. And Jethro said to Moses, Go in peace. ! ver. 2 2. 20. "ch. 17. 9; Num. 20. 8,9. 19 AND the LORD said unto Moses in Midian, Go, return into Egypt: for "all mch. 2. 15, 23; Mt. 20 the men are dead which sought thy life. And Moses took his wife and his sons, and set them upon an ass, and he returned to the land of Egypt: and Moses took 21 the rod of God in his hand. And the LORD said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall 22 not let the people go. And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, 23 Israel is my son, even my firstborn:5 and I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, even thy firstborn. 24 T 4 And it came to pass by the way in the inn, that the LORD met him, and 25 sought to kill him. Then Zipporah took a sharp stone, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast it at his feet, and said, Surely a bloody husband art 26 thou to me. So he let him go: then she said, A bloody husband thou art, because of the circumcision. 1 The following signs were designed to satisfy, not Moses, but the people. The sudden appearance and disappearance of this incurable disease would be a palpable miracle. 3 The Chaldee reads, Master.' It may mean, 'thou shalt direct him what he shall say, as God directs thee.' 4 In the whole of the transactions which follow, we see the controlling agency of God: not interfering with the liberty of Pharaoh, or obliging him to sin; but, in judgment for his previous cruelty and impiety, placing him in circumstances which would have influenced a well • ch. 3. 20. # Num. 22. 22; 1 Chr. #Ge. 17. 14. constituted mind aright; while they led a disposition such as his to the extraordinary course of wickedness which he pursued. 5 These terms are often used afterwards to show the love which God cherishes towards his people. The threat which follows was literally fulfilled (ch. xii. 29). 6 He who neglects a known command is not fit for the service of God. 7 Sharpened stones were anciently used instead of knives. The word rendered husband' is often applied by the Jews to a child when circumcised. 27 And the LORD said to Aaron, Go into the wilderness to meet Moses. And he 28 went, and met him in the mount of God, and kissed him. And Moses told Aaron all the words of the LORD who had sent him, and all the 'signs which he had commanded him. 29 And Moses and Aaron went and gathered together all the elders of the 30 children of Israel: and Aaron spake all the words which the LORD had spoken 31 unto Moses, and did the signs in the sight of the people. And the people believed: and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped. Message to Pharaoh; his reply, and increased cruelty. 5 AND afterward Moses and Aaron went in, and told Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in 2 the wilderness. And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, 'neither will I let Israel go. 3 And they said, "The God of the Hebrews hath met with us: let us go, we pray thee, three days' journey into the desert, and sacrifice unto the LORD our God; 4 lest he fall upon us with pestilence, or with the sword. And the king of Egypt said unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their 5 works? get you unto your burdens. And Pharaoh said, Behold, the people of the land now are many, and ye make them rest from their burdens. 6 And Pharaoh commanded the same day the P taskmasters of the people, and 7 their officers, saying, Ye shall no more give the people straw to make brick, as 8 heretofore let them go and gather straw for themselves. And the tale of the bricks, which they did make heretofore, ye shall lay upon them; ye shall not diminish aught thereof; for they be idle; therefore they cry, saying, Let us go 9 and sacrifice to our God. Let there more work be laid upon the men, that they may labour therein; and let them not regard vain words. 10 And the taskmasters of the people went out, and their officers, and they spake get you straw where ye can find it: yet not aught of your work shall be 12 diminished. So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of 13 Egypt to gather stubble instead of straw. And the taskmasters hasted them, 14 saying, Fulfil your works, your daily tasks, as when there was straw. And the officers of the children of Israel, which Pharaoh's taskmasters had set over them, were beaten, and demanded, Wherefore have ye not fulfilled your task in making brick both yesterday and to-day, as heretofore? 15 Then the officers of the children of Israel came and cried unto Pharaoh, saying, 16 Wherefore dealest thou thus with thy servants? There is no straw given unto thy servants, and they say to us, Make brick: and, behold, thy servants are 17 beaten; but the fault is in thine own people. But he said, Ye are idle, ye are 18 idle therefore ye say, Let us go and do sacrifice to the LORD. Go therefore now, and work; for there shall no straw be given you, yet shall ye deliver the 19 tale of bricks. And the officers of the children of Israel did see that they were in evil case, after it was said, Ye shall not minish aught from your bricks of your daily task. 20 And they met Moses and Aaron, who stood in the way, as they came forth 21 from Pharaoh: and they said unto them, The LORD look upon you, and judge; | ↑ ch. 6. 2. because ye have made our savour to be abhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to slay us. 22 And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Lord, wherefore hast thou so 23 evil entreated this people? why is it that thou hast sent me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath done evil to this people; neither hast 6 thou delivered thy people at all. Then the LORD said unto Moses, Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh : for with a strong hand shall he let them go, and with a strong hand shall he drive them out of his land. God's commands and promises renewed to Moses. 2 AND God spake unto Moses, and said unto him, 'I am the LORD [or, 3 JEHOVAH': and I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to 1 That is, 'I-acknowledge him not' as my God. 2 An old English word, meaning 'hinder.' 3 The officers being held responsible for their subordinates, as they are in China. 4 The names of God are expressive of his revealed perfections. The name Jehovah had probably been used in ch. 3. 19. e. 11. 1: 12. 31, 33, 39. 1 42 8: 43 15: Mal. 36 Ge. 17. 1: 3; 35. 11:48. 3 eh, 314: P. 68 4; 81 18; John 8 38: Rev. 1. 4. |