The Brinkley argus., 1913-08-15

on their journey than the Esyptldh repented and pursued (vv. 5-9). Thei N 1t was that Moses encountered th' X first of that complaining (v. 10i \ against which he struggled until Coo took him from this earth. Thel S "cried" (v. 10) but they did not rest It did look like dangerous situation Y and there were but three possible z methods of procedure. (a) To return & to slavery, (b) to die in the wilder ness, or f3) to go forward in faithful obedience, trusting God for deliver ance. Their salvation (v. 13) was from God. see Acts 4:12; Heb. 5:S, g k Gods leading, 13:31, 22, had brought ! them to this place: now He will mani 4 fest His glory, will get unto Himself R honor (v. ID.
 Testing the lsraelites.
 |. Protection, w. 1922. AS the an gel of God (ChristJ came between ISrael and the Egyptians we are re minded of Ps 34:7, the angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him and delivereth them. The same cloud that brought darkness to the Egyptians brought light to the Israelites Even so have the Light" Luke 2:32; John SIP, 9:5, and are admonished to walk in the light, Eph. 5:S. While God brought confusion to the Egyptians and was testing the Israelites by causing them to ''fear not stand still and see" (y l3), He was at the same time giy- ing Moses an opportunity to work out His plan of deliverance (v. 16}. As |i the strong east wind blew 1t heaped up the waters, dried out the muddy bottom and opened a passage for the deliyerance of all the chosen ones. Then 1t was time for prayer to cease (v. 14, 15) and for action to begin, tho seemingly impossible is now quite possible, Matt 1926. Notice, how over, that God had used a man (Moses) in His work of deliverance. It was a very simple shepherds staff that God directed Moses to use. Surely the power was not in the stan nor in the arm back of the staff The same waters that had seemed to be such a barrier are now used as wall of protection (v. 22) on the right hand and on the left leaving no opportunity for . flank attack. Their only way of escape was forward and each step they took was one of faith.
 q. pursuIt, w. g 5. Pharaoh had judged that the Israelites were en- tangled. "perplexed" (v. 8 in the will derness and that Moses had inadvert- antly led them if.to a natural trap which was to the advantage of the Egyptians. Further, we judge that with the darkness of the cloud before them. the Egyptians were not fully aware of the fact that they were fol lowing Israel into the midst of the waters. Blind fury will lead man into atrange surroundings and to per form insane acts. This new way was not prepared for Pharaoh nor is the straight and narrow path which leads to glory for the unrepentant sinner Jehovah was near at hand that morn ing watch (v. 2s). even as today He blesses those who keep that hour. One look" from Jehovah brought confusion and discomfort upon the pursuers.
 The Safe Path.
 LII. Punishment, w. 26-31. The path that ls safe for faith is no place for the disobedient. God looking through that cloud paralyzed the proud forces of Pharaoh in the place of all places most dangerous. God not alone looked hut took off their chariot wheels and fear overcame them. Then they real ixed that Jehovah was fighting and sought to flee. Again God uses a man in the working out of His plan and Noses Is instructed to stretch forth his hand over the sea. V. 26. AS the morning breaks the waters re turn to their level, and again God uses natural forces in q supernatural manner. Like as one would shake on some useless, offensive. appendage 70 God was rid of the army of Pha. ra0h (y. 27 marg). A careful read tng of this story, especially verse 2S B. ", clearly indicates the probability that Pharaoh himself did not perish
 Thus 1t was that Israel saw the hand 0 work of the Lord upor the Egyptians while they themselves remained a saved people, saved by the power oi Jehovah. Great fear came upon them (v. 31) and they Believed the Lord and His servant Moses" How sad that their faith proved so short lived and that they so soon murmured agAinst God and His servant Moses.
 Thus We see the nation delivered
 enumerated and placed under the di
 rect government and guidance of God
 Egypt did not keep faith with Israel
 to let them 'go and worship" and God wrought complete deliverance
 Gods judgment of the sin of Egypt was carried out to the last degree
 but in strict justice. On one hand is {. Gods guidance and over against that tho lengths men will go whose hearts are hardened in rebellion. The bias iemous daring of the Egyptians wal robuked as they attempted to marct along Gods highway of deliverance 2 16eael followed Moses, the prophet.