[Creatures have only a derived, and therefore a dependent, existence. They are now what they once were not, and may again cease to he. But God from all eternity was precisely what he now is. To him therefore this august title may be properly applied. Nor are there wanting other similar descrip- tions of him to confirm itb.]
2. Immutable —
[Every creature in earth and heaven is liable to change. But " with God there is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." He himself claims immutability as his own peculiar prerogative c. And in this view, the title assumed in the text must ever belong to him.]
3. Incomprehensible —
[No words can convey, or imagination conceive, an ade- quate idea of Godd. Hence God does not endeavour to ex- plain his nature to Moses. But, by declaring himself to be what he is, intimates, that he is what can neither be compre- hended nor expressed. His answer, in effect, was similar to that which he afterwards gave to Manoahe.]
The title thus explained, it will be proper to consider,
II. For what end he assumed it —
The Israelites were extremely debased by means of their long bondage. It was necessary therefore to prepare their minds for the intended deliverance —
[Though they groaned under their oppression, they were too much reconciled to their yoke. They rather affected a mitigation of trouble, than the attainment of liberty. Though the promises made to their fathers were not wholly forgotten, the accomplishment of them was not cordially desired. Indeed, they scarcely conceived it possible that their emancipation should be effected. Hence it was necessary to stimulate their desires, renew their hopes, and confirm their expectations, of a better country.]
The title which God assumed was admirably adapted to this end —
[If God was so incomprehensible a Being, he could easily devise means of executing his own sovereign will and pleasure. If he was the one self-existent, independent Creator of the universe, all creatures must be wholly subject to his control. And if he were absolutely immutable, he could not recede
b Ps. cii. 27. Rev. i. 4. c Mai. iii. 6.
d Job xi. 7. 1 Tim. vi. 1G. e Judg. xiii. 17, 18.