Saved Israel that day— We have observed before, ch. Exodus 12:15 that this deliverance was perfected on the last day of unleavened bread; i.e. on the twenty-first of Abib; and it has been thought that the command, Deuteronomy 5:15 took place from this day; or, at least, from this time became an additional motive for the observation of the Sabbath. See Mede's Works, Discourse 15:
And Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea-shore— Or, as others, and Israel, upon [or, from] the shore, saw the Egyptians dead. Either interpretation may be justified: for we may easily suppose, agreeably to the first sense, that the dead bodies of the Egyptians were, many of them, borne by the waves, and cast upon the shore: or that, agreeably to the second, the Israelites saw, from the shore, whereon they stood, the bodies of the Egyptians floating upon the waves. Some have conceived, that the dead bodies of the Egyptians, cast upon the shore, became a prey to the beasts of the wilderness; and they have imagined, that this is referred to in the 14th verse of the 74th Psalm.
We must not conclude our notes on this chapter, without referring the reader to the observation of St. Paul, who considers this whole transaction as a type, or sensible representation, of baptism; 1 Corinthians 10:2.
REFLECTIONS.—Now the full measure of Egypt's sin is come, and her punishment is accordingly.
1. God's own people are secure. Moses, as commanded, stretches out his rod. Straight the east-wind ariseth, the stormy billows part their curling heads, and deep divided foam around above them, while Israel's hosts, safe under His wings whom winds and waves obey, march fearless through: nor, though amid the darkness of the night, with such a Guide and such a Light, need apprehend mistake or danger. Note; God's people in every age have found him a very present help in trouble; and shall not we remember the days of old, and trust him? Surely we shall never be ashamed when we do so.
2. The presumption of sinners is their ruin. The Egyptians, infatuated with rage, drive furiously between the parted waters, and madly press to overtake those who were borne, as it were, on eagles' wings. But in their mid career, terrors seize them: one look from the offended God of Israel strikes every heart with dire dismay: their chariots hang entangled in the sands, the clay, and the weeds; their wheels start from their axles, their way is embarrassed, they can neither fly nor pursue. Too late convinced, they fain would turn, but now the approaching watery walls prevent escape: in vain they cry, in vain they urge the fiery steed, or press towards the distant shore; every avenue is closed. Advancing slow, the overwhelming waves first kill with fear, then burst impetuous on these devoted heads. Proud Pharaoh and his horsemen now lie low, no more the terror of the mighty, but breathless corpses floating on the waters, or cast upon the shore. Learn, (1.) To tremble before an offended God: if his wrath be kindled, yea, but a little, who can abide it? (2.) It is too late for the sinner to cry for mercy, or fly for life, when death unbars the gates of the grave. (3.) They must fall at last, who are found fighting against God.
3. Observe Israel's triumph over them. Their bodies are cast on shore, as despicable now, as once they were fearful. Oh, what alterations doth the cold hand of death make! Now, the Israelites gratefully acknowledge the hand of God, and believe in his care, and Moses's mission from him. Who would have thought such a scene could have been forgotten, or that they should ever again refuse credence to his word? We are ready in our prosperity to say, "I shall never be removed, shall never doubt again;" but the sensible impressions of present mercies decay, and unbelief, like these mighty waters, returneth to its strength again. Lord, not only remove my unbelief, but preserve the faith thou dost bestow!