Exodus 14:0 - Homilies By H.t. Robjohns

"Fear ye not, stand still (firm), and see the salvation of God" ( Exodus 14:13 ). Mark, by way of introduction, the critical character of this event, the greatest in Old Testament history. Lay solid foundations for sermonic treatment by describing first the scene, expounding the history, and then evolving the truths in the history.

I. THE SCENE . In the Gospels, the spiritual significance is almost independent of topography. Only two or three scenes ( e.g; Jacob's well: the ridge whence Jesus saw from Olivet the city and wept over it), can be absolutely and certainly identified. But here sermon and story are inextricably blended with sea and shore. Note! twice change of direction:

II. THE HISTORY . One of the objects should be to vivify and make very real to the hearers, the histories of the Old Testament, which sometimes seem so very far away from modern thought and life. With this intent, bring out clearly, by aid of exposition elsewhere, points like these:—probably seven days elapsed between the Passover and the song on the eastern shore of the sea, occupied thus:—

1 . By Israel. On the 15th, to Succeth, fifteen miles; on the 16th, to Etham, fifteen miles; on the 17th, to the dangerous position by the sea; on the 18th, 19th, and 20th, encamped there, completing arrangements for the pilgrimage to Sinai and Palestine.

2 . By Egypt. Every movement watched by the government; night of 15th, report from Succoth; of the 16th, from Etham; morning of the 17th, courier could carry in a few hours, over the thirty miles, intelligence that Israel had taken the wrong (?) road. Sudden determination of the king. Had three days to overtake. Called together six hundred picked chariots, other chariots, infantry, and led in person. On the afternoon of the 20th, the pickets of Israel saw far away the force coming over the sand ridges. Horror of the two millions. The splendid cities of tombs in Egypt rose to the memory. But here soon a sort of gigantic anticipation of Isandula. A cry against Moses, and unto Jehovah. The moral attitude of Moses mixed—cheer for the people—a fainting heart before God. His silent prayer. "The upward glancing of an eye." The word of assurance. "Forward." The movement of what must have been, in this instance, wall of cloud and fire, to give soft electric light to Israel and over the sea, to be darkness to Egypt, and to cover the greatest military movement in all history. The short time demanded perfect order. Then came the ploughshare of the east winch In the confusion and darkness, Egypt eagerly followed. The look out of the cloud, shot with thunderbolt—a lock which meant ruin. Sea rolls back from the rear of Egypt. Chariot clashes against chariot. Wheels lost. On the night of the 14th Israel became a nation. On the morning of the 21st the nation was free.

III. TRUTHS .

1 . Neither first nor even second openings in life are always into the way God intends us to take. A common error to suppose that any opening is "providential." Not via Philistia: nor the caravan road to Sinai. God's object to develop moral thoughtfulness, and the scrutiny of apparent leading. E .g; Will this course imperil my principle, lead into temptation, and ruin my soul?

2 . Seemingly hopeless entanglement may have great issues. Moral firmness developed: dependence upon God. Salvation complete, and anthem of victory.

3 . The temper for crisis is that of calm confidence. No panic! Had there been panic, Israel had been food for Egyptian sabres! "Stand firm!" (see Hebrews) Apply this to state of religion; things social, political, at home and abroad; to affairs personal.

4 . Confidence should express itself in prayer. Note the difference: the cry of Israel, and the evidently silent appeal of Moses.

5 . Action must follow prayer. "Wherefore criest," etc; an intimation that prayer was already answered; and now Moses to the front, and every man to his post.

6 . When God leads into danger , He will certainly see us safely through it. If wantonly and wilfully we go into danger, we may (through mercy) be delivered; if on Divine leading, we shall. E .g; going into some scene of vice, out of curiosity, or worse motive; on the other hand, at the request of a distant friend, to save a soul. Difference between presumption and courage.

7 . Salvations of God are ever timely and complete.

8 . After God's great salvation comes, the dumbness of amazement , and after the dumbness , song. "Jehovah shall fight for you, and ye shall be dumb. " (Hebrews 14:31; 15:1; Revelation 15:2-4 .)— R .