therefore talked of going to sacrifice. He thus misrepresents them, that he might have a pretence
to add to their burdens. To this day we find many who are more disposed to find fault with their
neighbours, for spending in the service of God a few hours spared from their wordly business, than
to blame others, who give twice the time to sinful pleasures. Pharaoh's command was barbarous.
Moses and Aaron themselves must get to the burdens. Persecutors take pleasure in putting contempt
and hardship upon ministers. The usual tale of bricks must be made, without the usual allowance
of straw to mix with the clay. Thus more work was to be laid upon the men, which, if they performed,
they would be broken with labour; and if not, they would be punished.
Verses 10–23
The Egyptian task-masters were very severe. See what need we have to pray that we may be
delivered from wicked men. The head-workmen justly complained to Pharaoh: but he taunted them.
The malice of Satan has often represented the service and worship of God, as fit employment only
for those who have nothing else to do, and the business only of the idle; whereas, it is the duty of
those who are most busy in the world. Those who are diligent in doing sacrifice to the Lord, will,
before God, escape the doom of the slothful servant, though with men they do not. The Israelites
should have humbled themselves before God, and have taken to themselves the shame of their sin;
but instead of that, they quarrel with those who were to be their deliverers. Moses returned to the
Lord. He knew that what he had said and done, was by God's direction; and therefore appeals to
him. When we find ourselves at any time perplexed in the way of our duty, we ought to go to God,
and lay open our case before him by fervent prayer. Disappointments in our work must not drive
us from our God, but still we must ponder why they are sent.
Chapter 6
Chapter Outline
God renews his promise. (1–9)
Moses and Aaron again sent to Pharaoh. (10–13)
The parentage of Moses and Aaron. (14–30)Verses 1–9
We are most likely to prosper in attempts to glorify God, and to be useful to men, when we
learn by experience that we can do nothing of ourselves; when our whole dependence is placed on
him, and our only expectation is from him. Moses had been expecting what God would do; but
now he shall see what he will do. God would now be known by his name Jehovah, that is, a God
performing what he had promised, and finishing his own work. God intended their happiness: I
will take you to me for a people, a peculiar people, and I will be to you a God. More than this we
need not ask, we cannot have, to make us happy. He intended his own glory: Ye shall know that I
am the Lord. These good words, and comfortable words, should have revived the drooping Israelites,