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Exodus 4:18-23

The Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 4:18-23

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

True faith and its joy.

I. THE OBEDIENCE OF FAITH.

1. Note Moses' swift compliance with God's command. He tarried no longer: "He went and returned, and said, let me go." He does not seek advice. He does not even wait for a convenient opportunity of urging his request. We must wait neither upon time nor men. If God has spoken, we must obey.

2. His wise reticence. He said nothing of what he had seen and heard. These experiences are a holy place where the soul meets alone with God. Where this holy place is profaned the soul suffers loss.

II. CONSOLATIONS ABOUND ALONG THE PATHWAY OF OBEDIENT FAITH.

1. Moses receives Jethro's permission and blessing.

2. Fears are removed ().

3. He passes on with the consciousness of power: he "took the rod of God in his hand."

4. He has the assurance of victory. Pharaoh's heart will be hardened, yet there is one judgment in reserve which will bow that heart to compliance with the will of God (, ). The cause of God cannot be defeated. As we go on in obedience to God's commandment our advance is a continuous discovery of God's goodness. The lions which we saw in the distance are chained, and do not harm us.—U.

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