the envy and rage of men against his people, a torment to themselves. Those who set their faces
heavenward, and will live godly in Christ Jesus, must expect to be set upon by Satan's temptations
and terrors. He will not tamely part with any out of his service.
Verses 10–14
There was no way open to Israel but upward, and thence their deliverance came. We may be
in the way of duty, following God, and hastening toward heaven, yet may be troubled on every
side. Some cried out unto the Lord; their fear led them to pray, and that was well. God brings us
into straits, that he may bring us to our knees. Others cried out against Moses; fear set them
murmuring as if God were not still able to work miracles. They quarrel with Moses for bringing
them out of Egypt; and so were angry with God for the greatest kindness ever done them; thus gross
are the absurdities of unbelief. Moses says, Fear ye not. It is always our duty and interest, when
we cannot get out of troubles, yet to get above our fears; let them quicken our prayers and
endeavours, but not silence our faith and hope. “Stand still,” think not to save yourselves either by
fighting or flying; wait God's orders, and observe them. Compose yourselves, by confidence in
God, into peaceful thoughts of the great salvation God is about to work for you. If God brings his
people into straits, he will find a way to bring them out.
Verses 15–20
Moses' silent prayers of faith prevailed more with God than Israel's loud outcries of fear. The
pillar of cloud and fire came behind them, where they needed a guard, and it was a wall between
them and their enemies. The word and providence of God have a black and dark side toward sin
and sinners, but a bright and pleasant side toward the people of the Lord. He, who divided between
light and darkness, Ge 1:4, allotted darkness to the Egyptians, and light to the Israelites. Such a
difference there will be between the inheritance of the saints in light, and that utter darkness which
will be the portion of hypocrites for ever.
Verses 21–31
The dividing the Red sea was the terror of the Canaanites, Jos 2:9; the praise and triumph of
the Israelites, Ps 114:3; 106:9; 136:13. It was a type of baptism, 1Co 10:1, 2. Israel's passage through
it was typical of the conversion of souls, Isa 11:15; and the Egyptians being drowned in it was
typical of the final ruin of all unrepenting sinners. God showed his almighty power, by opening a
passage through the waters, some miles over. God can bring his people through the greatest
difficulties, and force a way where he does not find it. It was an instance of his wonderful favour
to his Israel. They went through the sea, they walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea. This
was done, in order to encourage God's people in all ages to trust him in the greatest straits. What
cannot he do who did this? What will not he do for those that fear and love him, who did this for
these murmuring, unbelieving Israelites? Then followed the just and righteous wrath of God upon
his and his people's enemies. The ruin of sinners is brought on by their own rage and presumption.
They might have let Israel alone, and would not; now they would flee from the face of Israel, and
cannot. Men will not be convinced, till it is too late, that those who meddle with God's people,