Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible

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and have made them forget their misery; but they were so taken up with their troubles, that they
did not heed God's promises. By indulging discontent and fretfulness, we deprive ourselves of the
comfort we might have, both from God's word and from his providence, and go comfortless.


Verses 10–13


The faith of Moses was so feeble that he could scarcely be kept to his work. Ready obedience
is always according to the strength of our faith. Though our weaknesses ought to humble us, yet
they ought not to discourage us from doing our best in any service we have to do for God. When
Moses repeats his baffled arguments, he is argued with no longer, but God gives him and Aaron a
charge, both to the children of Israel, and to Pharaoh. God's authority is sufficient to answer all
objections, and binds all to obey, without murmuring or disputing, Php 2:14.


Verses 14–30


Moses and Aaron were Israelites; raised up unto them of their brethren, as Christ also should
be, who was to be the Prophet and Priest, the Redeemer and Lawgiver of the people of Israel. Moses
returns to his narrative, and repeats the charge God had given him to deliver his message to Pharaoh,
and his objection against it. Those who have spoken unadvisedly with their lips ought to reflect
upon it with regret, as Moses seems to do here. “Uncircumcised,” is used in Scripture to note the
unsuitableness there may be in any thing to answer its proper purpose; as the carnal heart and
depraved nature of fallen man are wholly unsuited to the services of God, and to the purposes of
his glory. It is profitable to place no confidence in ourselves, all our sufficiency must be in the
Lord. We never can trust ourselves too little, or our God too much. I can do nothing by myself,
said the apostle, but I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.


Chapter 7


Chapter Outline
Moses and Aaron encouraged. (1–7)
The rods turned into serpents, Pharaoh's (8–13)
heart is hardened.
The river is turned into blood, The distress (14–25)
of the Egyptians.

Verses 1–7


God glorifies himself. He makes people know that he is Jehovah. Israel is made to know it by
the performance of his promises to them, and the Egyptians by the pouring out of his wrath upon
them. Moses, as the ambassador of Jehovah, speaking in his name, laid commands upon Pharaoh,
denounced threatenings against him, and called for judgments upon him. Pharaoh, proud and great

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