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The words Opened; Six Doctrines raised.
HAVING finished Moses his Choyce, namely what he did choose, the ex∣cellency of his spirit in making such a choice, and the principle of faith that enabled him thereunto, from this Chapter vers. 25.26. I now proceed to speak of another excellent fruit of the
faith of this Worthy of the Lord, as it is set forth in vers. 27. and here we are to observe two things.
First, In the act we are to observe, two things.
Secondly, The argument by which his faith was strengthened, was that sight he had of the In∣visible God.
The opening of the words with the several Doc∣trines in the Text.
By faith he forsook Egypt] By this forsaking of Egypt the faith of Moses was much set out: for him to undertake such a work as that was, to carry so many thousands out of Egypt into a wilderness, not knowing what might become of them, they being unable to resist their enemies, and not knowing what provision they should have, this was very much.
Not fearing the wrath of the King] He could not but think he was in danger of Pharaoh, and his company to bee pursued by them: for howsoever Pharaoh seemed willing at last to give them leave to be gone▪ yet such was the disposition of Pharaoh (which Moses was not ignorant of) that he might quickly change his mind, and follow them with all his power to cut them off, as it appeares he did. Yet Moses feared no such matter, but he went on his way for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
Object. But it seems Moses did forsake Egypt for fear of the wrath of the King.
Answ. It is true, Time was that in forsaking E∣gypt he did fear the wrath of the King. in Exod. 2.14. it is said, Moses seeing two Hebrews smiting one another, he said to him that did the wrong, Why smitest thou thy fellow? And he said, Who made thee a Prince and a Judge over us, Intendest thou to kil me as thou didst the Egyptian? And then Moses fea∣red, and upon that he fled.
And if we understand the Text of this his first forsaking Egypt, we may thus reconcile the Apostle with that place. First he fled not fearing so much the King as that he should offend God; if he offered himself to the danger, and did not make an escape, he should have tempted God by presu∣ming: Thus Osiander.
Or thus, He fled not for fear in respect of him∣self, but least his calling should be hindred if he staied: So Simler.
But these words are rather to be understood of his second forsaking of Egypt. The first time he for∣sook Egypt out of fear; but the second time he for∣sook Egypt out of Faith, and he did not fear: after he had slain the Egyptian he was afaid, but when he came to take al the People of Israel with him, then he forsook Egypt and did not fear the wrath of the King.
From whence we have these Observations.
Doct. 1. First, That wicked men (especial∣ly when they have power) are very fierce and outragious in their wrath when any thing crosseth them.
Certainly, Moses apprehended this wrath of Pha∣raoh great, in that the Holy Ghost makes it a notable fruit of his Faith not to fear the wrath of the King. It appeared his wrath was great, in regard of the power he raised against them, had it not been for Moses. Faith he would have feared.
Doct. 2. Secondly, Faith wil keep a gra∣cious heart from immoderate fear of all the men in the world, let them be never so great, and have never so much power.
Doct. 3. Thirdly, There is a great deal of difference between the spirits of Gods People at somtimes and other times.
There was a time when Moses was afraid, now he goes on and is not afraid
Doct. 4. Fourthly, Faith wil carry a man through very hard services, and difficult works that God cals him unto.
Doct 5. Fifthly, That it is the honor of the People of God to endure in the waies of God, notwithstanding all the hardships they meet withall.
Doct. 6. Sixthly, The sight of an invisible God is a strong means to carry one on in the waies of God, notwithstanding al oppositions and difficulties they meet withall.
These are the Doctrinal Conclusions we have in verse 27.