The Montgomery advertiser., 1901-12-07
MOSES AND PHARAOH.
Gxod. xxi, 1-10.) Introduction,

Moses sought release from the duty taic upon him, but finally yielded to Je- hcvah's commands. Having obtained the approval of his father-in-law, he set oIt Tor Egypt and met his brother. Aaron. in the way. The two returned to- gether. assembled the elders of Israel and explained their mission. They then laid the matter in respectful manner fael leave the country and inflicted still severer hardships upon them. By se- ries or plaques, ten in number God sought to bring the king to more favor able state of mind. The water of the Nile turned into blood, the visitation of frogs. of lice, of flies, of murrain upon the breasts, of boils upon men, of locusts, of darkness, failed of their purpose On the contrary. the people found their con diton much worse. and they cried out in bitterness. Today we study the circum- stances of the last interview between Moses and Pharaoh.
 Preparatton.-As on each previous oc- casion. God told Moses in advance what would be done to the Egyptians. It was intended in this way to cultivate the spirit of patience and hope.
 Jehovah expressly declared that this tenth affltctton should be the last. It you'd be severer than any preceding and ment Is this time laid on the land there will be no longer any resistance. Phar- aoh would gladly dismiss the people-he would even compel them to depart. And he would not require them to return, but would insist on their permanent removal. But Israel had been long oppressed and impoverished. God did not intend to make a nation out of paupers. He had promised centuries before that they should come out with great substance tGen- NV, 1O. To make this promise good, ahe people were directed to borrow silver and gold of the Egyptians This would seem to us to be dishonorable. The orig tnal word might be more properly trans lated ask or request. This act has been
 
 been properly compensated for their ser vices. Others have urged that the earth end the fulness thereof are the Lords lPsalm xxiv, D. and that, accordingly, He has right to give it to whom He will (Matt XIX, I5). A few have added that precious metals are not to be re- garded as personal property (Hag. ii, 8, and that the wicked are appointed to serve the godly (Prov. xiii, 22). It is bet ter by far to say that the Israelites made a request.
 ment that the people had found favor with the Egyptians. ana that Moses was held in high esteem. This was undoubt- edly due in large part to Gods blessing upon them, recognized by all, the method by which Abram (Gen. xii, ? and Nor decai were made great Esth. K, D. But 1t is also probable that popular senti- ment had turned toward the oppressed race. as the righteousness of their cause was recognized. Without doubt many blamed Pharaoh and on that account be- luosS dSdluSl WIOH HIS NlCkeQ policy was applied, and hence, on learn ing of the exodus, they gave to them out of disinterested good will,
 IntervieW-These preriminaries having been ordered, Moses appears for the last time in the presence of Pharoah to speak for Israel Werses 4 to 8.
 Boldly he declared to the king that the first born of Egypt should die by decree of the Almighty who would personally pass through the land at midnight. There should be no escape from this awful vis-
  biest home death should claim it's vic tim. Even the maid whose service was to grind corn, should be bereaved The cattle also should perish. In one night