And the Lord spake unto Moses, &c.— From this verse to the twenty-eighth, we have a short digression, wherein Moses gives us an account of the genealogy of himself and his brother Aaron; as well to shew their descent from the stock of Abraham, as to mark the time of Israel's deliverance; and, therefore, it would be as well to render this verse (which translation the original will bear,) now the Lord had spoken unto Moses—and had given them, &c.
REFLECTIONS.—Though sinners be obstinate, we must not cease to warn them. It may be, God will yet turn their hearts. Moses is sent again to Pharaoh with the same message. Hereupon,
1. Moses objects the improbability of success: if his own people will not hear him, much less will Pharaoh. Besides, he urges his own defective utterance to plead their cause. Note; (1.) It is very discouraging, when we find those from whom we expected success, untractable. (2.) Though we have God's commission for our work, we are too ready to be disheartened by our conscious insufficiency for it; but if it be God's work, the power too shall be of God.
2. God charges him to go without farther excuse, and joins Aaron with him. It is not for us to dispute, but to obey.