EXERCISES ON SCRIPTURE LESSONS. APRIL 7.-MORNING LESSON. MOSES AND AARON OPEN THEIR COMMISSION.-Exodus iv. 27-31; v. 1–9. SUMMARY.-God, Who had promised that Aaron should be his brother's spokesznan, sends him into the wilderness to meet Moses. The two journey together to Egypt; and, on their declaring their commission, are received by the people with devout and thankful acquiescence. They demand from Pharaoh permission for the Israelites to go out of Egypt to worship their God. He insolently refuses, and increases the people's burdens. THE BELIEVING PEOPLE. - Exod. iv. 27-31. To meet Moses,-in all likelihood the brothers had not met for forty years. The mount of God,-so called by Moses as a writer, with reference to what afterwards occurred there. Of course, the Book of Exodus was written after the Law was given on Sinai. Horeb.-Ch. iii. 1. Kissed him,-the ordinary mode of Oriental salutation between friends. And Moses told, etc.,-see ch. iii., and the previous portion of this. Aaron spake..did, etc., -under the direction, and as the representative of Moses. Looked upon their affliction.-Ch. ii. 25. Bowed their heads and worshipped,-thus expressing faith, gratitude, and submission to God. MOSES AND AARON BEFORE PHARAOH. -Ch. v. 1-9. Lord-is printed in small capitals to show that Jehovah is the Hebrew word. Pharaoh-probably lived at Tanis or Zoan. That they may hold a feast,-they begin with a moderate demand, that the king might have the less excuse for a refusal. Who is the Lord? etc...I know not the Lord.Pharaoh was an idolater, and probably had not heard of Jehovah before. The God of the Hebrews, an implicit answer to Pharaoh's question: Jehovah was the God of the Hebrews. Even an idolater must feel the force of such an appeal. Met with us.- Ch. iii. 18. Into the desert, and sacrifice,— VOL. VII. NEW SERIES.—April, 1872. they could not sacrifice in Egypt, because the animals they would kill were the objects of the Egyptians' worship. Compare ch. viii. 25, 26. Lest He fall upon us, etc.,-as a punishment for disobedience. Let,-hinder. Compare Rom. i. 13. Works..burdens.Ch. i. 11. Many..rest.-Hard labour was enforced upon the Israelites as much to wear out their strength and crush their constitutions, as for the sake of the value of their work. Taskmasters..officers,the former were probably Egyptians; the latter, Hebrews. Straw.-"Ancient bricks have been brought from Egypt (by Rosellini and others) which bear upon them the royal stamp of Egyptian kings; and the bricks which are now found in Egypt, belonging to very early times, always have chopped straw mingled with them. They are made of fine clay from the Nile, and have been baked in the sun. The intermixture with straw in small quantities makes them very durable." Tale,-number.* Let there more work, etc.,-lit., let the work be heavy upon the men. Vain words,-useless, futile words. REFLECTIONS.-1. Mark the contrast between the commencement and the conclusion of the fourth chapter. Thus it begins: "And Moses answered and said, But, behold, they will not believe me, etc. Thus it ends: "And the people believed," etc. We see obedience succeeding spite of difficulty, and the fears of unbelief falsified by the event. 2. "Faith cometh by hearing."-As God sent Moses and Aaron to the * So Milton; "L'Allegro : "— "And every shepherd tells his tale Under the hawthorn in the dale ;"' i.e., counts his flock to see that none are missing. R Israelites, He sends preachers, teachers, etc., to us. 3. God is never ashamed of His people, and never forsakes them.-Poor and despised as the Israelites were, He owned them and helped them. 4. God demands service from the meanest and humblest people.-Even from the wretched Israelites He required "sacrifice." 5. How proudly Pharaoh questions and disobeys the authority of God!-We are no better than he, so long as we break God's law. 6. Time spent in religious duties is not wasted time.-The Israelites were not "idle" because they desired to worship the Lord. QUESTIONS.-Explain "the mount of God." Whither did Moses and Aaron journey together? When they reached Egypt, what did they do? How did the people receive them ? Where did Pharaoh live? What request did Moses make to him? How did he answer? What was the result of the interview? Why could not the Israelites sacrifice in Egypt? Who were the taskmasters and who the officers? How was straw used in brick-making? Explain "let," "tale." Illustration. "I have watched the making of a canal, and both method and result seem to me to bear a perfect resemblance to the accounts in Exodus. A hundred thousand wretches were removing the earth, for the most part with their hands, because the government had supplied nothing in sufficient numbers, save whips to flog them with. Pickaxes, shovels, and baskets were wanting. These peasants, infirm old men, (the young people were reserved for the army and the cultivation of the land,) women and children, came principally from Upper Egypt, and were scattered over the destined course of the canal in more or less numerous companies. The enterprise was under the direction of Turks and Albanians, who had set over the peasants taskmasters responsible for the task imposed upon each group. All the workmen were supposed to receive pay and food; but the first was wanting from the beginning of the works to the end; the other was so precarious and uncertain, that a fifth of the labourers died in this misery under strokes of the whip, crying as vainly as the children of Israel did."-L. de Laborde. APRIL 7.-AFTERNOON LESSON. THE TRANSFIGURATION OF CHRIST.-Matthew xvii. 1-13; Mark ix. 2-13; Luke ix. 28-36. For repetition, Matthew xvii. 3, 4. INTRODUCTION. Our last Afternoon Lesson closed with Christ's promise that some of those standing around Him should see Him coming in His kingdom before their death. Previously to this, we were told how Peter had confessed Jesus to be the Son of the living God, and how Christ had spoken His first plain prediction of His final sufferings, and how He had warned His followers that their lot would be very similar to His own. Now we learn how this promise was (at least partially) fulfilled. Moreover, the transfiguration confirmed His disciples' faith in His Divinity, and indicated to them that the shameful end of His life on earth was not really derogatory to His glory. It also showed that the Law and the Prophets first bore witness, and then gave way to Christ. THE TRANSFIGURATION OF CHRIST.Compare 2 Peter i. 16-18. After six days about an eight days after. Matthew and Mark express the exact interval of clear days, Luke includes the day on which the preceding discourse was delivered and the night of the Transfiguration itself. Peter, James, and John-were the chosen witnesses of the agony in the garden, Matt. xxvi. 37; it was meet that they should be the spectators of Christ's glory. A similar distinction was conferred on them, Luke viii. 51. Peter was the first who confessed Christ's Divinity; James, the first to suffer martyrdom; John, the disciple whom Jesus loved. Three was a sufficient number of witnesses to bear irrefutable testimony of the transaction without interfering with its privacy. "At the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established." An high mountain,-commonly supposed to be Tabor, but more probably some peak of the Hermon range. The summit of Tabor at that time was crowned with a fortress. For other manifestations of God on mountains, see Gen. xxii. 2, 11-18; Exod. xix. 16-20; Deut. xxxiv. 1-4. To pray,-atnight, as His custom was. Apart.. by themselves, -these phrases are mutually explanatory. Fashion of His countenance was altered.. transfigured, 66 or transformed. The indwelling Deity darted out its rays through the veil of His flesh; and that with such transcendent splendour, that He no longer bore the form of a servant. His face shone with Divine majesty, like the sun in its strength; and all His body was so irradiated by it, that His clothes could not conceal its glory, but became white and glittering as the very light with which He covered Himself as with a garment."-Wesley. Two men, which were Moses and Elias.-Both had left this world many centuries before this appearance, yet they were men still. They were the representatives of the Law and the Prophets. In glory,similar to their Lord's. Decease,-lit., departure; it includes all the events of the Passion, Resurrection, and Ascension. This was a subject of highest interest in heaven as well as upon earth. Accomplish.-This word shows that His death was a perfectly voluntary action on His part, and that it was the greatest work He came to perform. Heavy with sleep,- -as also during the Agony, Mark xiv. 37-41. The result partly of natural fatigue, partly of the supernatural brightness which overpowered the body. When they were awake.-The Transfiguration was no dream, no vision in sleep, but a waking reality. Saw His glory,-John i. 14. As they departed, -in the act of going, but not yet gone. Let us make,-that he might detain the heavenly visitors and delay Christ s approaching sufferings. Three, -the disciples might do without a habitation, or would abide with the Lord. Tabernacles,-booths, like those used at the feast of tabernacles. Not knowing what he said,completely bewildered with mingled joy and fear, but as forward as ever to express his own sentiments. A bright cloud overshadowed,-i. e., a cloud darting forth bright beams. It was the symbol of the Father's presence-the Shechinah. Fared, the glory was so strange and brilliant. Entered into the cloud,-i. e., when the cloud enveloped them. A voice, etc.,-as Matt. iii. 17. Hear Him,-Who is now sole Prophet and Lawgiver. Fell on their face,-in reverence and awe. Touched,-strengthening both mind and body. Suddenly.. when they had lifted up their eyes.-Moses and Elias left, as they had come, without the three mortals perceiving how, whence, or whither. As they came down, etc.-Luke tells us that this was not till "the next day." Charged them, etc.-Till after the resurrection such a report would not be believed. To no man, -not even their fellow-disciples. Rising from the dead should mean,-Christ's second mention of it, and the appearance of the buried Moses, had directed their thoughts toward the resurrection, concerning which they then knew very little indeed. Why say the scribes, etc.? -Mal. iv. 5. The question was suggested by the sight of Elias; was that the coming of Elias spoken of by the prophet? if not, when might he be looked for ? He answered, etc.-See Illustration. Restoreth,-or completeth, i. e., all things predicted of him or the preparations for Christ's advent. And how,-depends upon the verb told, and He told them how, etc. Listed, liked. As it is written of him-refers not to his treatment by the Jews, but to his coming before Jesus. Understood, -they interpreted Christ's words rightly. REFLECTIONS. 1. There is a close and intimate connection between Christ's sufferings and His glory,-Phil. ii. 6—11. So of His followers. 2. "No man knew where the body of Moses was, (Deut. xxxiv. 6.) But God here unites it to that of Elias and of Christ. Our bodies may be scattered to the winds, and lost to men, but God knows where they all are; and will bring them all again at the last day.”— Wordsworth. 3. Jesus Christ has the strongest possible claims upon our faith and obedience. -God Himself says, "Hear Him." 4. Never speak without thinking.When Peter spoke, not knowing what he said, he made a foolish request. His Son's death. The voice from heaven was heard after Moses and Elias and Christ had been talking about His decease. See John iii. 16, 17; x. 17; Rom. v. 8. QUESTIONS.-At what time do Matthew and Mark fix the transfiguration? How does Luke express the date? Explain the apparent discrepancy. Whom did Christ take with Him? Were they ever similarly honoured again? Whither did He take them? for what purpose? What happened on the mountain? Explain "transfigured." Who were with Jesus besides His disciples? What did they talk about? How were the disciples affected? What did Peter say? What happened then? Explain "a bright cloud overshadowed them." What did the three men dispute about as they came down from the mount! What question did they ask Jesus? How did He answer it? Illustration. "Elias shall first come. It is a mistake to suppose that our Lord declares that there should be a coming of Elias subsequent to the time in which He spoke. The verb, indeed, is in the present tense, Elias first cometh;' and though it is said that the present is used for the future, to accord with the verb in the next clause, yet there is as much reason to assume that, there, the future is used for the present. The fact is, that our Lord here speaks only by concession; He allows that the interpretation of the scribes was just, that Elias should come before the Messiah, 'and restore all things;' but then He immediately adds, that Elias is come already; and that the Elias spoken of by the prophet Malachi was John the Baptist, and not Elijah the Tishbite."- Watson. APRIL 14.-MORNING LESSON. SUMMARY.-The cruel orders recorded in our last Morning Lesson are enforced. They are impossible of performance, yet the officers of the children of Israel are beaten because they were not fulfilled. They complain to Pharaoh, who repulses them, affecting to believe that their preItended inability is mere idleness. Leaving the king's presence, they meet Moses and Aaron, whom they reproach bitterly; who, in their turn, complain to God. 19. Taskmasters..officers.. BRICKS WITHOUT STRAW.-V. 10See note on ver. 6. Stubble instead of straw.Thus the Hebrews were compelled to do double work. Formerly straw chopped ready for mixing (see note on ver. 7,) was served out to them; now they had to find straw and chop it for themselves. Daily tasks,-the "tale of the bricks mentioned ver. 8; they were obliged to make a fixed number every day. Beaten, the bastinado, beating the soles of the feet, was, and is still, the common Egyptian method of inflicting chastisement. Demanded.-Literally, in saying. Nowadays we should write, "it was demanded of them." Yesterday and to-day, complaint was not made till the close of the second day of additional burden. Came and cried unto Pharaoh,-speaking as though they were ignorant that all was done by his order. Ye are idle, etc.-Egyptian sacrifices were occasions of feasting and rejoicing; possibly the king did look upon their request as due mainly to their desire for a holiday. Minish ought, either of quantity or quality. THE COMPLAINT TO MOSES AND TO GOD.-V. 20-23. Moses and Aaron,probably anxious to hear the result of the application. They said unto them.— Up to this time the Israelites appear not to have been aware of Pharaoh's to the officers. Wherefore, etc.Moses complains to God, as the Hebrews did of his brother and himself. The Scriptures do not conceal Moses' infirmities. He did right in taking the matter to God. We may complain to God," but must not "complain o Him." 66 REFLECTIONS.-1. The tyranny of Satan is worse even than the tyranny of Pharaoh.-Only the Almighty can deliver us from his yoke. 2. It is darkest just before dawn.Trouble is often heaviest when it is nearly over. We feel sin the most severely just before it is forgiven. 3. Mere human help in trouble is of little worth.-Neither Moses nor the officers could help the Israelites in their difficulty. 4. All our trials should be carried to God. QUESTIONS.-Explain "stubble instead of straw." Could the Israelites perform their tasks? What was the result of failure? How was the punishment inflicted? What course did the officers take? What was the issue? Whom did they meet on leaving Pharaoh? What did they say? What did Moses reply? What did he say to God? APRIL 14.-AFTERNOON LESSON. AN OBSTINATE CASE.-Matthew xvii. 14—23; Mark ix. 14—32 ; Luke ix. 37-45. For repetition, Mark ix. 23, 24. INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY. While Jesus and the favoured three were upon or coming down from the Mount of Transfiguration, the other disciples were engaged in fierce controversy with the scribes, and an unhappy father was vainly endeavouring to obtain the cure of his demoniac son. What a contrast between the holy, calm joy above, and the confusion and misery below! How soon the absence of the Master was felt! A father had brought his afflicted child to the disciples, who were not able to cast out the devil that possessed him, but could only wrangle with the scribes about it. Jesus approaches the multitude, and inquires the reason of the uproar. The suppliant answers Him, and tells Him of His followers' failure. After rebuking the general unbelief, and causing the father to express his faith in Himself, Jesus expels the demon. Byand-by the disciples ask privately the reason of their want of success, and are told it was because they had not sufficient faith. From the scene of the miracle, Jesus departs to Galilee, and on His way thither again foretells His death and resurrection. THE DEMONIAC BOY.-Matt. xvii. 14-18; Mark ix. 14-27; Luke ix. 38-42. Questioning, disputing; probably the scribes argued from the inability of the disciples, the inability of the Master, and they denied that inference. Greatly amazed, — in all likelihood His face was yet glistening with the traces of His transfiguration, like Moses' countenance when he came down from Mount Sinai, Exod. xxxiv.30. Running to Him,-not afraid, as the Israelites were of Moses. Christ's glory is not repellent, but attractive. Saluted, --with unusual gladness and reverence. One of the multitude-answered the question put to the scribes, either because of their astonished silence, or in his eagerness to make his case known to the Lord; probably the latter, as St. Matthew tells us he knelt down before Jesus. Lunatick-and epileptic. spirit,-of whose malignant power the fits were one manifestation. A dumb spirit.. he crieth out,-no contradiction; dumb persons can utter inarticulate sounds. Teareth.-Margin, "dasheth;" throweth him violently to the ground. Falling, with foaming at the mouth, gnashing of the teeth, and rigidity of the limbs, is an invariable symptom of epilepsy. Pineth away,-weareth his very life out. Very possibly, however, the word refers to the stiffness and starkness of the body during the paroxysms. Hardly departeth,-the fits lasted an unusually long time. They could not,-although they had but just received "power and authority over all devils," Luke ix. 1. Their faith was weak; the evil spirit was uncommonly strong. Suid-to the father, the disciples, the scribes, and the whole multitude. How long? etc.,"before you steadfastly believe?"-Wesley. Tare him,-this, and the subsequent violence of the spirit, proved that the father had not exaggerated his son's disease. And ofttimes, etc.,-repeating his story, the more effectually to move the compassion of Christ. If Thou canst, etc.-Contrast Matt. viii. 2. He did not doubt of Christ's readiness, but of His ability to heal. Us,-in the child's affliction the father was afflicted. If thou canst believe,-re-echoing the can. Whether I can cure is not the question, but whether thou canst believe. The ellipsis renders the retort most forceful. All things,- -even greater things than this. Lord, I believe, etc., he was beginning to understand that Jesus was more than a prophet. I charge thee.I Whom thou must obey. Enter no more, a command never addressed to another spirit; generally, simple expulsion was sufficient, but this demon was |