The Pulpit Commentary — Mark — Volume 1 — Section 290

from land-they had just launched forth (li.vfixfhi11av), as St. Luke iniorms us; on this they were in the midst of the sea. (,,.l11ov). On the former occasion the storm had come down on the lake, and, for aught we know, was bearing them rapidly forward towards their destination { on this, we are expressly told, it was against them-" the wind was contrary (lvav-rlorJ unto them." These points of comparison prove the extreme peril in which the disciples were at this time. Great as had been their danger before, it is greater now. 3. Cause of these datngerous storms. Such sudden dangerous storms are still of frequent occurrence on that small inland lake. The best comment on all this physical commotion, end the best explanation of the nature and cause as well as scene of this miracle, may be found in 'l'homson's ' The Land and the Book.' There, after his notice of a storm which he had witnessed on the lake, we find the following account:- " To understand the causes of these sudden and violent tempests, we must remember the lake lies low-six hundred feet lower than the ocean ; that the vast naked plateaus of Jaulan rise to a great height, spreading backward to the wilds of the Eauran and upward to snowy Hermon; that the water-courses have cut out profound ravines and wild gorges, converging to the head of this lake, and that these act like gigantic funnels to draw down the cold winds from the mountains. On the occasion referred to we suddenly pitched our tents at the shore, and remained for three days and nights exposed to this tremendous wind." 4. The difficulty of the disciples. Their difficulty was equal to their danger. They were toiling (fJanv,(o,,.lvour, literally, tortured, baffied, tested a.s metals by the touchstone) in rowing, and we cannot but commend them for their conduct. They were using the proper means, and that is ever right to do; but the means did not avail. They were employing every energy; but it was to no purpose. They were putting forth all their strength; but it was utterly fruitless, and without result, The wind was still against them. Whether it was blowing a gale, as it does when it travels at the rate of sixteen miles an hour, or whether it was blowing a high gale, when it goes with the rapidity of thirty-six miles an hour, or whether it was blowing a. storm, which it does when it sweeps with the speed of sixty miles an hour, or proceed- ing with hurricane fury at ninety miles an hour,-whatever may have been the velocity of that wild wind, it was rude and boisterous; and, what made matters worse, it was directly opposite-right ahead. There they were sLruggling, toiling, tugging; but all in vain. There they were working with all their might; but still their frail barque was the plaything of wind and water-tossed by the waves and the sport of the storm. They themselves were every moment expecting to find a watery grave in that tempestuous sea. 6. .Another source of distress. There was another source of distress, and one which aggravated their difficulty and added to their danger. 'l'hat was the continued absence of the Master. When he had sent them away-in fact," constrained" (livc!-y1ea11•) them, as though reluctant to go without him-he remained alone on the land. But why leave them at all? Or why leave them so long? Or why especially leave them at such a critical juncture? Or why, at least, delay his coming in their great emergency? They would naturally think of the storm that once before bad befallen them.on that self-same sea.. They would think of the' glorious Personage that then sailed with them in the self-same boat. They would think of the sound slumber he enjoyed, as he lay on the cushion in the stern. They would think of bis calm composure when he awoke. They would think of the short but stem command he uttered, when he rebuked so effectually the tempest, and hushed it into a calm. They would think of that gracious presence that curbed the winds and calmed the waves and checked even the swell of the waters. They would think," Were he with us now, he would still the storm, and we should soon he safe on shore." They would th;nk of ~he :petiti?n they presented to him, the prayer they prayed, the fervency of spi:it that msp1red 1t, the faith that dictated it, the frailty that cleaved to it when they said, "Lord, save us I "-there was faith; "we perish I "-there their faith was weak. Ever and anon, as they regarded the war of elements that raged around, they would sigh for their absent Lord, and long for land. No wonder, for had Christ been in the boat all would have been well. G. The Saviour's presence is safety. Nearly half e. century before Christ, a great conqueror attempted to cro8s the stormy Sea of Adria in a small boat. The waves rolled mountains high. The courage of the sailors failed teem. They refused to venture further. It was a sea in which no boat could livo. Soon, however, they were reanimated and encouraged to renew their toil, when the conqueror  268 THE GOSPEL ACCORDING 'l'O ST. MARK. [cu. vi. 1-66.