I will see thy face no more.
Pharaoh and Moses; or, contrasted characters
I. In this world often the worst of men come in contact with the best of men.
1. Pharaoh, an idolater, the greatest of tyrants, a signal monument of God’s displeasure; Moses, a true worshipper of the true and living God, the meekest of men, an object of God’s highest favour.
2. Such opposite characters as these come in contact in families, in schools, in political and social circles.
II. It is possible that the worst of men may come in contact with the best without being at all benefited.
1. Think of the noble example which Moses set before Pharaoh.
(1) Disinterestedness.
(2) Meekness.
(3) Holiness.
2. Think of the important truths which Moses taught Pharaoh.
(1) The existence of one true God alone.
(2) That this world is under God’s control.
(3) That Pharaoh was accountable to God.
(4) That God was ready to forgive those who had rebelled against Him.
III. When the worst of men come in contact with the best without being benefited the parting is deeply affecting. (J. G. Roberts.)
The intercourse of life
I. That good men are often brought into contact with bad men.
1. Irrespective of moral character.
2. Irrespective of mental temperament.
3. Irrespective of social position.
And why?
1. That men may be imbued with the ideas of a common manhood,
2. That class prejudices may be destroyed,
3. That charity may be developed.
4. That life may become a unity.
II. That when good men are brought into contact with bad men the meeting should be educational to both.
1. The companionship of the good should be influential to the moral improvement of the bad.
2. The companionship of the bad should inspire the good with feelings of gratitude and humility. Good men might have been far otherwise.
III. That when good men are brought into contact with bad men the meeting is not always valued as it ought to be, and its opportunity for good is often unimproved. Lessons:
1. That a good life is a heavenly ministry.
2. That good men should seek to influence the bad aright.
3. That good men may learn lessons from wicked lines. (J. S. Exell, M. A.)
The way in which hardened sinners treat the messengers of God
1. With contempt.
2. With threatenings of evil.
3. With banishment. (J. S. Exell, M. A.)
The way in which messengers of God treat hardened sinners
1. They scorn their taunts.
2. They impart to the language of the wicked a deeper significance than was intended.
3. They are courageous.
4. They bid them a sad farewell. (J. S. Exell, M. A.)
Persistent obstinacy
The obstinacy of Pharaoh appears odious to us; but, alas! the same obstinacy is found in all sinners. It is seldom we meet with those who openly say, “I will not be converted, I will do nothing for God, I mock Him, I brave Him, I defy Him.” They do not use language such as this, but yet they cherish some secret sin. Among the wicked boys who are unfortunately to be found in most large towns, you will scarcely meet one, even let him perhaps be a thief, who would not say, “I do not wish to die an enemy of God”; but, then, in the meantime he cherishes his sin. What is still more sad, we sometimes hear even serious persons say, “I wish to do the will of God, but cannot cure myself of this fault; it is stronger than I. I do not wish to lose my soul, I wish to obey the commands of God; but I cannot give up the society which is called bad, I cannot give up such and such a habit which I am told is a sinful one, I cannot make those sacrifices which I am told are necessary; I will not do it.” And it is thus that people trifle with eternity! Let us take heed; we must give ourselves to God--wholly and without reserve. He will have no divided service. (Prof. Gaussen.)
Moses’ reply to Pharaoh
Remark the solemn and terrible reply of Moses, “Thou hast spoken well, I will see thy face again no more.” To understand the meaning of this answer we must remark that it does not finish with this verse, but that it has a continuation in the succeeding chapter. It contains a terrible threat to those who despise and reject the word of God. This was to be the last time that Pharaoh should hear the voice of the man of God, who had so often warned him and prayed for him. For him no more time was to be given. It was finished; the measure of his iniquities was filled up; the wrath of God was to come upon him to the uttermost. “Then Moses went out from Pharaoh in great anger.” There is such a thing as holy anger, for the Bible says, “Be ye angry, and sin not; let not the sun go down upon your wrath.” Our Lord Himself was indignant with the buyers and sellers in the Temple. And He was “much displeased” with His disciples when they rebuked those who brought young children to Him. He looked round about with anger on those who wished to hinder Him from curing a man on the Sabbath day. The anger of Moses was caused by the obstinacy and ingratitude of Pharaoh, and by the insulting manner in which he braved his Creator and his Judge. The meaning of his terrible reply was this, “Thou hast rejected the word of God; the word of God rejects thee. Thou dost not choose any more to see the face of the servant of the Lord, who has come ten times to warn thee in His name. Well, thou shalt see his face no more. The word of God has been brought to thee, but the word of God will leave thee. The grace of God has been offered thee; thou hast despised it, therefore now will the grace of God leave thee. Thou hast chosen to ruin thyself, therefore thou wilt ruin thyself.” How terrible is this! We must all die. Death is very formidable: it is very sad and solemn when we mourn for others; but there is a remedy for this sorrow in a loving Saviour, and in the knowledge that there is a home where all the children of God shall meet each other again. What is really much more terrible than death is thin sentence, “Thou shalt see My face no more.” (Prof. Gaussen.).