point the wind is in, it is fulfilling God's word, and turns by his counsel. The wind bloweth where
it listeth, as to us; but not so as it respects God. It was also an argument for their repentance; for
by this it appeared that God is ready to forgive, and swift to show mercy. If he does this upon the
outward tokens of humiliation, what will he do if we are sincere! Oh that this goodness of God
might lead us to repentance! Pharaoh returned to his resolution again, not to let the people go. Those
who have often baffled their convictions, are justly given up to the lusts of their hearts.
Verses 21–29
The plague of darkness brought upon Egypt was a dreadful plague. It was darkness which might
be felt, so thick were the fogs. It astonished and terrified. It continued three days; six nights in one;
so long the most lightsome palaces were dungeons. Now Pharaoh had time to consider, if he would
have improved it. Spiritual darkness is spiritual bondage; while Satan blinds men's eyes that they
see not, he binds their hands and feet, that they work not for God, nor move toward heaven. They
sit in darkness. It was righteous with God thus to punish. The blindness of their minds brought
upon them this darkness of the air; never was mind so blinded as Pharaoh's, never was air so
darkened as Egypt. Let us dread the consequences of sin; if three days of darkness were so dreadful,
what will everlasting darkness be? The children of Israel, at the same time, had light in their
dwellings. We must not think we share in common mercies as a matter of course, and therefore
that we owe no thanks to God for them. It shows the particular favour he bears to his people.
Wherever there is an Israelite indeed, though in this dark world, there is light, there is a child of
light. When God made this difference between the Israelites and the Egyptians, who would not
have preferred the poor cottage of an Israelite to the fine palace of an Egyptian? There is a real
difference between the house of the wicked, which is under a curse, and the habitation of the just,
which is blessed. Pharaoh renewed the treaty with Moses and Aaron, and consented they should
take their little ones, but would have their cattle left. It is common for sinners to bargain with God
Almighty; thus they try to mock him, but they deceive themselves. The terms of reconciliation with
God are so fixed, that though men dispute them ever so long, they cannot possibly alter them, or
bring them lower. We must come to the demand of God's will; we cannot expect he should
condescend to the terms our lusts would make. With ourselves and our children, we must devote
all our worldly possessions to the service of God; we know not what use he will make of any part
of what we have. Pharaoh broke off the conference abruptly, and resolved to treat no more. Had
he forgotten how often he had sent for Moses to ease him of his plagues? and must he now be bid
to come no more? Vain malice! to threaten him with death, who was armed with such power! What
will not hardness of heart, and contempt of God's word and commandments, bring men to! After
this, Moses came no more till he was sent for. When men drive God's word from them, he justly
gives them up to their own delusions.
Chapter 11
Chapter Outline