A learned and very useful commentary on the whole epistle to the Hebrews wherein every word and particle in the original is explained ... : being the substance of thirty years Wednesdayes lectures at Black-fryers, London / by that holy and learned divine Wiliam Gouge ... : before which is prefixed a narrative of his life and death : whereunto is added two alphabeticall tables ...

§. 147. Of Moses forsaking Egypt.

Hebr. 11. 27.

By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the King: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.

ONe evidence of Moses Faith was his contempt of the world; manifested by refusing honour, v. 24. Pleasures, v. 25. and Treasures, v. 26.

Another evidence is here set down in this verse, which was an undaunted spirit, in not fearing the wrath of a King.

A proof of this evidence is premised in this phrase, He forsook Egypt. This is here made a fruit of faith. By faith he did it. As he refused honour, pleasure, and wealth by faith: so, by the same faith, he shewed himself to be of an invincible courage.

The word translated forsook, is the same that is used Chap. 4. v. 1. §. 7. and translated left. Thereof see more in that place.

Concerning his forsaking Egypt, the Scripture mentioneth two times, betwixt* 1.1 which fourty years passed (Act. 7. 30,)

One, when he fled into Midian, Exod. 2. 15.

The other, when he led the People of Israel out of Egypt into the wilderness, Exod. 12. 31, &c.

Interpreters differ about the time which should be here meant.

Both antient and modern Expositors apply it, to the former, namely his flying* 1.2 out of Egypt to Midian. Their reasons are these.

• 1. The order of setting down this point by the Apostle. For the other leaving of Egypt, was after the Passeover, v. 28, 29.
• 2. The emphasis of the word, forsook, which implieth, a flying from Egypt, as a banished man.
• 3. The other departure out of Egypt is set down by the Apostle in another place, v. 29. therefore it cannot be here intended.

Many of our later Expositors apply this to the latter forsaking of Egypt. Their reasons are these,

• 1. Moses then so forsook Egypt, as he never returned to it again.
• •…•…. Then was the Kings wrath most incensed against him.
• •…•…. Then he shewed greatest courage against the Kings wrath.

To take up this difference, I see no necessity to oppose one against the other.

• •…•…. At both times, great faith was manifested, yea and an undaunted spirit.
• •…•…. At both times he did forsake Egypt.
• •…•…. The wrath of the King was at both times incensed against him. For at first, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to slay Moses, Exod. 2. 15.

At the second time, he charged Moses to see his face no more; threatning 〈◊〉〈◊〉, if he saw him again, Exod. 10. 29.

〈◊〉〈◊〉 At the first, it is said, that Moses sled from Pharaoh, Exod. 2. 15. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 cannot be accounted a matter of courage•…•…, but rather of prudence, that he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 used a means to avoid danger.

Answ. That prudence may stand with courage, Where Christ again and* 1.3 an sh•…•…reth up his disciples not to fear man, he adviseth them to sly from Ci∣•…•… City, when they are persecuted, Matth. 10. 23, 26. So as a wise avoi∣•…•… of danger, may stand with good courage. Christ himself did oft keep him∣•…•… danger, Luk. 4. 30. Iohn 8. 59.

〈◊〉〈◊〉 his courage appeared, that he maintained the cause of his Countrey∣•…•…, and slew an Egyptian in the quarrel, which he well knew could not but 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the King.

This evidence of faith, that Moses forsook Egypt, wherein he had such ho∣•…•…, and wealth, and freedom, as he enjoyed in Egypt, giveth proof, that faith 〈◊〉〈◊〉 put on a man to forsake any place. This made Abraham leave his native* 1.4 〈◊〉〈◊〉, v. 8. So did Ruth, Ruth. 1. 16. Faith assures a Christian of a better 〈◊〉〈◊〉 than that which is left in Gods cause. v. 16, 35.

Hereby we may discern a true faith, if being born and brought up in an Idola∣•…•… or prophane place, where honours, pleasures, and treasures may be enjoyed, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 conscience •…•…ake, we forsake that place, surely we have a good faith.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Moses twice forsook Egypt.
• * 1.2

  Chrysost. Theo∣doret. Theophyl. Occumen. Iunius in Pa∣ral. Aug. Mar∣lorat. in Eccles. Expos.
• * 1.3

  Prudence in avoiding dan∣ger may stand with courage.
• * 1.4

  Faith makes leav•…•… any place.