The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1902-08-16

gion. His pastoral life had taken him
over vast sections of it. He knew the
people. He could therefore furnish need
cd information; in fact, his services were
essential to the expedition. In all this
pleading Moses exhibited his wisdom. His
faith in God did not lead him to pre-
sumption; he took all possible precau-
tion against defeat, and sought every
available help to insure success QIuke
Nvi:O. Moreover, the argument was Il
fOrccful one for every true man. He
would have HObab feel that he might be
useful: he would thereby appeal to the
higher nature, and secure his relative by
conservation to the interests of great
cause, so overcoming any feeling of per-
sonal preference Il Chron. NNX:O.
PROMISlI.-And yet the case was not
left wholly on that elevated plan. Moses
knew enough of the general features Of
humanity to offer reward for the SER
vice he sought (Heb. Xii2). Even Jesus.
the Saviour. had regard to the outcome
of his life-work, and was thereby
strengthened to endure the cross, and
Moses denied present for future good
Nieb xi25). And so on this occasion
the promise was made to the Midianites
What goodness the Lord shall do unto
us, the same will we do unto thee (verse
the first invitation. only 1t was supported
by the goodness of the Lord. 1t did not
rest in the faithfuness of Moses, but on
the ability and mercy of jehovah Hobab
has now all the elements for an intelligent
choice Gosh. XXiv:l5l. Behind him were
the broad pasture lands of his native
country and all the associates of the
years gone by; before him the new world
the new hopes, to be secured by alliance
with Israel under the blessing of God
Our lesson does not record his decision.
There are passages in every history
Judges i16, iv:1D, to indicate that he
went, for the Kenites were Midianltes
But some have thought that Hobab still
refused, and that relatives accompanied
Moses
REMOVAL.-At last the tents were
struck and Israel moved away. The
order OF. the march. Judah in the lead.
is fully described Numb. x:14-2S). The
ark of the covenant went before. borne
by the Levites. The destination, the next
camping place Numb. Nii:10), was north
of Sinai where four hundred years before
the son of Hagar was saved from death
Gen. XM;2D, what had since become the
home of the Ishmaelites. After travelling
three days, however, a halt was made,
probably to secure refreshments for con-
tinuing the journey. We might easily
picture that vast multitude of people,
spread out over the plain. We might i'm
agine the emotions that filled their
hearts; the hopes of the young. the men,
ories of the aged. the fears of the un-
believing. the faith of those who trusted
in God. No such exodus ever occurred in
the history of the race, And while we
might indulge in criticism of the He
brew Egyptian congregation, they de-
served honor For they were separating
themselves from the land of their birth,
marching to Canaan because of revela-
tions made to their leader. to become
the people of God CIX. iii:7-S)
PRESENCE.-One feature of the jour-
ney deserves attention more than any
other 1.-The cloud of the Lord was upon
Them" or over them. when they went
out" BY this they We're protected from
the intense heat of the torrid sun psalm
cXxi:,0 and what was more important,
they We're assured of Gods presence. a
guarantee of safety and success Qsa.
iv:5). That cloud had already become to
them symbol and a blessing. 1t first
appeared while they We're In Egypt (tlX.
Xiii:2D. 1t followed them over the Red
sea and hung between them and their en-
emies (,X. xiy:19-20), and 1t directed them
to Sinai and settled down upon the tab
ernacle after II was set up eek. xi:3S).
How ought they now to rejoice as that
cloud led them forth from Sinai toward
Paran! If the soldier is inspired TO heroic
mandant. by the strains Of martial music.