Ex
14:13-16 (ESV) And Moses said to the people, "Fear not, stand firm, and
see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the
Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. 14 The Lord will fight for you, and you have
only to be silent."
15 The
Lord said to Moses, "Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go
forward. 16 Lift up your staff, and
stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the people of Israel may
go through the sea on dry ground.
NOTE: The statement
of God to Moses is difficult at first glance. So, a number of things must be
remembered first. God does not ask questions to gain information but for the
purpose of the hearer to think. Second, God is not exasperated in a human
emotion way. Third, the scripture does not record all that was said or is going
on at this stage, but Moses does feel compelled to quote God completely (as I
would too). Finally, in context, Moses has told the people, "The Lord will
fight for you, and you have only to be silent."
So, it would appear
that Moses does not follow his advice. Also, if Moses can cry out to God, why
should not the people do the same. The passage does not show Moses crying out,
but God's question makes it clear that he was crying out. But crying out to God
is a good thing, so why does Moses tell the people not to cry out. And maybe
that is the point of the question. God wants us to cry out to him but Moses
told the people not to cry out.
Lord, help me to see
where I say one thing, but then I don't follow my own advice. Also, I pray that
the things that I say are the right things to say and not just statements that
sound good but are unbiblical. Help me to stay biblical.
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