The Pulpit Commentary — Exodus — Volume 2 — Section 16

f:1ct Christians are brought off more thau conquerors over "the world 1 the flesh and the devil." But in Rev. xv. 2, only "the world'' is referred to; and of it only two constituents are mentioned: "the beast" and" the image" or likeness "of the beast." [On these and that "other beast" sec Kev. xiii.; and for such exposition as is calculated to place the symbols in a reasonable light, see Porter's" Christian Prophecy:" Maclehosc, Glasgow; and "The Apocalypse" by Prof. Godwin: Hodder and Stoughton.] The enemies o'l'ercome ,,ere, and ever arc :-1. Force: as directed against the Kingdom of God. The "beast" of Rev. xiii. is anti-theistic, or anti-Christian civil despotism, wherever found. Head Rev. xiii.1-10, with this idea in the mind, and the description is seen to be 'l'ividly true. Illustrations of battle and victory may be found in Egypt tyrannising O'l'er Israel, in early persecutions of the Christian Church. As soon as ever Christianity became a spiritual power conspicuous enough to attract attention, force set itself against it. So ever since down to martyr history in Madagascar. Note: there are instances now in which force, in varied forms, will set itself against the conscience. [The "mark" and "nuru ber" of the image are the signs, open or secret, of being iden- tified with anti-theistic despotism.] 2. Opinion. That ,vhich resemble~ godless government, 'l'iz. godless opinion, the tone of society, etc. This power of society against the Divine Kingdom, this pressure of opinion must have been terrible in Egypt. Felt to-day, not only at the "club," but in every workshop. One may add to this, not mentioned in Rev. xv., but in Rev. xiii., "another beast," viz. :-3. Fraud. Specially as associated with "Priestcraft," whether of false religions, or of corrupted forms of Christianity. [For illustration of the despotism of Egyptian priestcraft, see Ebers' "Uarda."J This power seems mild as a lamb, with the speech of a dragon; rises out of the earth ( does not descend from heaven); wields civil power for its own purpose (as in the case of Home) ; pretends to miracle; gives power to anti-Christian public opinion; inflicts social wrong. How strong their enemies a.re, viz., anti-Christian government, anti-Christian public opinion, anti-Christian religion, every Christian comes sooner or later to know. IT. Timm POSITION. "And I saw as it were a sea of glass," etc. Here note :-1- The sea. A sea of crystal flaked with fire. Such as we may sometimes see under light of setting sun. The symbol of the experience of life, i.e., of mingled mercy and judg~ ment (Ps. ci. 1). 2. The shore, i.e., the position of the victorious---E°11"I -rqv 8.D..auuav- not in the sense of standing on the wave, but of an army encamped "upon the sea," i. e., upon the shore. 3. The allusion. To Israel on the eastern shore of the Red Sea. 4. '1.'he reality in thie symbol. The victorious redeemed Church, on the further side of the experience of life, singing the new and everlasting song. Ill. THE SONG. It is "of Moses . . . and of the Lamb." A song like that of old, springing out of similar circumstances, celebrating a like deliverance. Here observe:- 1. The place of Moses in relation to Christ. Moses is " the servant," etc. Incidental evidence of Christ's superiority and Deity. Christ is not a servant, save as he volun- tarily took that position (Phil. ii. 7). 2. The central place of the Lamb throughout the llook of the Revelation. Argument for the transcendent import of the Atonement. The song is-1. One. Not two. 2. Thankful. Some of the songs of earth are penitential, prayerful, plaintive. 3. Of the &ved. From guilt, sin, darkness, ~orrow. [Go int.o detail.] What a song it will be! 4. Of th~ Free. 'l'he three despotisms of force opinion, fraud, were left by Israel behind. So with the redeemed Church of God. 5. Of the New-born. A new departure for Israel; the unending life before the Church uiumphant. 6. Of the Seers, who now see past all subordinate and second causes- past Mo.,es-pa.st even the Mediator,, Jesus, to the Fir~t Origi~ ?f all, "great ~nd marvellous . . . Lord God .Almi,ghty. 1. A song of review. This 1s the final verdict, "Just and true," etc. IV. LESSONS. 1. To Christi,ans. Do not wait for the final song. Sing in the .passage of the sea. Poetry and music the natural expression of praise. Some can pour forth their own song, e.g., Keble and Watts, ".Vesley and Lyte. Other~ must adopt praise furnished to their lips. But for all there 1s the_~etry a~cl th~ music-the sweet psalm-of a pure and holy life. 2. To those not Oltristians. To smg the song of the 1111,ved, we must be saved. "No lips untuned can smg that song Or join the music there."-R. CTI. XV. 1-21,] THE BOOK OF EXODUS 17