Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-05-18

1NTRODUCT1ON.--Th book OF Exc
dus, from which we shall study for several
weeks, opens up q new chapter in sacred
history. For twenty-five centuries God
had administered grace under the patri-
archal dispensation as recorded in the
books of Genesis and of Job. The father
had been the priest OF the family. and his
blessing under the covenant had been be-
slowed upon his son. Now a more impos-
ing dispensaton, the Levitical, is to be es-
tablished. and along with that the chosen
people were to be formeddnto a nation and
settled In country. This change would
give new influence to the cause of God by
raising UP secular power for its support
and advancement, and 1t would hasten the
fulfiilment of all promises made to Abra
ham. Gen. xvii:4). In recent lessons we
have seen how the Israelites went into
Egypt Now We shall learn how they went
out. Their stay was for their schooling.
Their removal was for their development.
TRIBES Verses 1-5).-The book be-
gins with summary account Of those
who entered the land in the time of
famine B. c. 17o6, an aggregate of seventy
souls These were all the descendants OF
Jacob, the grandson Of Abraham, the heir
OF OF, the covenant they were enumera ns
dren OF Jacobs sons and the names of
these sons are here given: Reuben, Simeon,
Levi. Judah, Issachar, Zebulon, Joseph.
Benjamin, Dan, Naphtall, Cad, Asher. 1t
viii be seen by comparison Gen. xxx and
XXX that these are the children Of two
wives and two concubines, not arranged
according to the order Of their birth. but
In an interesting manner-the six sons OF
Leah, two of Rachel, two of Bilha and
two Of Zilpah. What Is especially note
worthy Is the fact that these were heads
of tribes. 80 that the nation founded upon
them was to be confederation in which
these tribes should be perpetually recog-
nized (Acts xxvi:D, each with a mission
predicted by Jacob Gen. xix sgd, form
ing people Of one blood. but in twelve
parts.
CHANGES Oversees e-s).-The histor-
ian passes over In silence the period follow
ing the close of Genesis, and here notes the
changed conditions Of the time about which
he Is to write. First, Joseph, who has been
prime minister of the country for eighty
years (Gen. xli:46 and l:22), was dead. He
who had been father and protector to
Israel for so long time was removed, so
that his counsel and care could no longer
be had. Second, the seventy souls that
came into the land had greatly multiplied
and prospered during their sojourn. They
had increased in worldly goods and spread
forth in every direction until their presence
and influence were Everywhere felt Third,
the king who had elevated Joseph had died,
and one had come in his place who knew
nothing Of the wisdom, the virtue and the
executive ability Of this Hebrew statesman
to whom the land had been so greatly in
debted. This had come largely through the
fact that oriental monarchs cared little
for their predecessors.
JEALOUSY Verse OFT IL not posi-
BILE for q native population to contemplate
with approval the increasing numbers and
influence OF foreigners. Whatever may be
the relative worth of the two classes, the
latter will certainly be regarded as inferior.
At any rate the former will consider them
selves as possessed of superior natural
rights which must be protected. Illustra-
tons OF this were seen in the movements
Of the American or ''know-nothing'' party
in the United States some forty or fifty
years ago, the spirit of which still survives
in some hearts. The King of Egypt beheld
with jealous eyes this vast Hebrew people
scattered up and down through his do
minions. They are more and mightier than
we," he said to his courtiers. psalm cv:24
Fear blended with his jealousy drew him
out toward the interests of the kingdom
for whose safety he had serious concern
He would unite Egypt In self defense.
INTRIGUE Verse 10).-Feelings Of
that sort, when once they have entered into
the heart, soon produce results in conduct.
1t could not be expected that king could
long be Indifferent to what he regarded as
a menace to himself and his subjects. He
saw q contingency in which the whole
Hebrew race might bring disaster upon
them. In case of a foreign war they might
unite with the enemy to fight the Egyp-
tians, who, in that event, would certainly
be defeated, and then on the heels of vic
tory they might depart. carrying the spoils
of war with them. Thus the proud and
wealthy nation would be brought down to
poverty and ruin. This was by no means
an improbable occurrence, provided there
were no ties of friendship, as there should
have been between the two peoples. A wiser
man might have given better counsel, urg-
ingNthe closest Intimacy, that the Hebrews
and Egyptians might become one people in
heart and purpose. But Jealousy and fear
led him to intrigue He would assert the
right and authority Of the natives.
OPPRESSION Verse 1D.-With these
motives and purposes the royal decree was
published to lay grievous burdens upon the
They constituted the laboring
class, and upon their toll depended the COM
fort If not the very existence of the Egyp-
tians. Indeed. It was feared that they might