And they came to Elim— Elim was situated upon the northern skirts of the desert of Sin, two leagues from Tor, and near thirty from Corondel. I saw, says Dr. Shaw, no more than nine of the twelve wells which are mentioned by Moses, the other three being filled up by those drifts of sand which are common in Arabia. Yet, this loss is amply made up by the great increase in the palm-trees, the seventy having propagated themselves into more than two thousand. Under the shade of these trees is the hammam Mousa, or bath of Moses, particularly so called; which the inhabitants of Tor have in great esteem and veneration; acquainting us, that it was here where the household of Moses was encamped. The Israelites, it is supposed, staid but one day at Marah; and, on the 25th of Nisan, came to Elim: a word, which, according to some, signifies rams, from its good pasturage for sheep: according to others, plains, from that part of the wilderness, where there were large and spacious plains.
REFLECTIONS.—They who would go to heaven, must expect crosses in the way. The Israelites no sooner begin their journey, than, 1. They are in want of water; and to a marching army what more dangerous? Nor was their condition much mended at Marah, where, though there was plenty, it was bitter, or brackish, and not fit for drink. Our expected comforts are thus in the possession often embittered, in order to lead us to the Fountain of living waters. 2. Their impatience is immediately discovered. They who live by sense, not by faith, will not long continue in a cheerful frame: every new difficulty will deject them. 3. Observe the supply which is granted at Moses's prayer. There is not an useful plant for food or physic, but we should read in it the wisdom and goodness of God. 4. The charge given them. Twice they had begun to shew their murmuring spirit: God now expects their confidence, and promises them his blessing, and freedom from the plagues of Egypt, if they be obedient; and therein intimates, that if they should join with Egypt in rebellion, they would share with it in suffering. Note; God is no respecter of persons; if his own people sin, they must suffer for it. 5. Another march brings them to Elim, where they have water in abundance and shady palms to cover them. Note; (1.) If our comforts be delayed, yet we should possess our souls in patience. (2.) God is usually better to us than our wishes. (3.) When we are most prosperous, we should remember that we are marching to the grave; that we may sit as loose to our comforts, as content under our crosses.
A review of the deliverance of the Israelites.
Having thus far seen the redemption of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage perfected, let us pause a little; and, with due reverence, contemplate these mighty works of Jehovah. Convinced of the truth of these striking facts, are can want no further proof of the interposing Providence and irresistible Power of the Lord of the whole earth. And while we observe his signal and fatherly distinction of his people; his separation of them from those terrible evils which he inflicted on incorrigible sinners; his attention to their cries, and his relief of all their necessities; we cannot fail to rejoice with full resignation of heart, when we consider ourselves as the creatures and subjects of such a GOD.
The miracles displayed in Egypt, are incontestible proofs of his Omnipotence: and, though his judgments were administered with every circumstance of terror, the humble soul can find no cause to remonstrate or complain; for it perceives strict justice waving the tremendous sword of destruction, while tender mercy long struggles to prevent its execution; and, in the midst of punishment, shews, that this is the strange work of the Lord, and that goodness and salvation are his glory and delight.
The joyful strains of Moses and the people must fill every pious heart with rapture: for what so amiable, what so excellent, as gratitude to the Supreme Benefactor! We seem to join with them in the triumphant eulogy; when, with united voices they sing, Who is like unto thee, O JEHOVAH! who is like unto Thee? glorious in holiness; fearful in praises; doing wonders! Happy we, if, like them, with zealous and thankful praises, we magnify the Lord our Deliverer for his manifold favours to us; but, more especially, for his mercy and power manifested in the work of our redemption, by CHRIST JESUS our Lord!
After such a display of miracles on their behalf; after such particular distinction made for their preservation; after a song of praise, so full of just and elevated devotion; who could have thought that these Israelites would, in a little time, murmur and grow discontented; and distrust that Providence, which had interposed so remarkably for their salvation? Yet,—too striking example of the infidelity and ingratitude of our nature,—such was the case. But condemn not, O man! these murmurers too hastily: consult thy own breast, and thou wilt find a strong picture of them there. How many mercies and favours has the free bounty of God conferred upon thee? and what power and goodness has he displayed in thy creation, continual preservation, and, above all, in the redemption of thy soul? Indeed what hadst thou, which thou didst not receive; yet how much hast thou forgotten the Divine Source of all thy blessings? How seldom hast thou shewed thyself sufficiently thankful, while falling into impatience and discontent on the smallest disappointments, and becoming ungrateful to thy God for all he has given, because he has thought fit to withhold, and that, perhaps, for thy truest good, something which thy fond heart too blindly and vehemently wished.
But observe we, that, while the conduct of the Israelites paints, in expressive colours, the too general disposition of mankind; the forbearance and lenity which the great Father of the Universe shewed towards them, affords the believing soul the most pleasing foundation for comfort and hope. Long-suffering towards them, he heard and condescended to relieve their complaints. Unworthy though they were, he gave them fresh proofs of his love, and granted them new favours; studious, as it were, to gain their affection, and to lead them to true happiness. Thus, thou blessed Source of unexhausted good! thus dost thou continue to deal, abundant in mercy and truth, with us thy frail and offending creatures. Knowing our weakness, thou art slow to punish. Though we sin, thou forbearest: and, by heaping new blessings upon us, thou dost graciously endeavour to awaken us to an ingenuous shame, and a conscious acknowledgment of our offences against thee. Attentive to our true welfare, thy chastisements, no less than thy blessings, are graciously intended to accomplish it. Teach us to receive each, with the spirit of faith, humility, and love: to discern thy hand pointing to our felicity, whether it bestow good or evil. And give us wisdom, implicitly and with childlike obedience to follow thy sacred guidance: that so, delivered from the bondage, and all the sufferings, of this world of trial; conducted by thy spirit, and saved by the blood of thy son, we may pass triumphant through the waves of death; and, safely landed on the blessed shore, may unite with those who have gotten the victory; and who, having the harps of GOD, sing the song of Moses, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, LORD GOD ALMIGHTY: just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord! and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: all nations shall come and worship before thee: for thy judgments are made manifest. Salvation to our GOD who sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.