2. In the commander under whom they fought —
[Joshua was appointed to set the army in array, and lead them out to battle. Now the very name of Joshua is precisely the same with that of Jesus a, who is " given to us of God to be our leader and commander15." He is " the Captain of our salvation," under whom we are enlisted, and under whose banners we fight. Whether we bear more or less the brunt of the battle, it is He who appoints us our respective stations ; and it is to Him that we must look for direction and support. And while, " as good soldiers of Jesus Christ, we endure hard- ness" at his command, we may depend on him for all necessary provision, and for an abundant share of the spoils of victory.]
3. In the means by which they obtained the vic- tory—
a Acts vii. 45. Heb. iv. 8. b Is;ii. lv. 4.
[The rod of Moses was that with which he had wrought his wonders in Egypt; and it was a special emblem of the divine power. This he was to hold up in the sight of Israel on an adjacent hill: and, while he held it up, they prospered; but when, through infirmity, he let it down, their enemies prevailed against them. Now it is thus that we are to obtain the victory against our enemies : we must have our eyes fixed on the power of God exerted in our behalf: as long as we have clear views of this, we shall vanquish every adversary ; but, if at any time this cease to be exalted in our eyes, we shall surely faint and fail.
The lifting up of the hands of Moses may further denote the efficacy of prayer. And it is certain that our success will fluctuate, according as our applications at the throne of grace are continued or relaxed.]
But this history may further be considered as affording us, II. An instructive lesson —
It may well teach us,
1. That, whatever mercies we have received, we must, still expect conflicts —
[The Israelites had been brought through the Red Sea, and fed both with manna from heaven, and water from the solid rock ; and they might have fondly dreamed of nothing but security and peace : but they were rather called to scenes of difficulty and danger. Thus it is with us, when we commit ourselves to the guidance of the pillar and the cloud. We may think perhaps that, because we are reconciled to God, and made heirs of his kingdom, we are henceforth to enjoy uninterrupted tranquillity : but we shall soon find, that we have to " wrestle; and that too, not only with flesh and blood, but with principalities and powers." We may indeed be screened for a season by the good providence of God ; as the Israelites were kept from going through the territory of the Philistines, lest they should be discouraged by the opposition that they would have met with from that warlike people0: but we are men of war by our very profession ; and, sooner or later, our courage and fidelity will be put to the test. It is through much tribulation that we must enter into the king- dom; and we must "fight the good fight of faith, before we can receive the crown of righteousness from the hands of our righteous Judge."]
2. That we must not despond, though our success for a time should appear doubtful —
c Exod. xiii. 17.