n will be
intensified and their lives made burdensome with labour. That is perhaps
implied in the certainty that Pharaoh "will not let you go, no, not by a
mighty hand." But it is with Israel as with us: a general knowledge that
in the world we shall have tribulation is enough; the catalogue of our
trials is not spread out before us in advance. They were assured for
their encouragement that all their long captivity should at last receive
its wages, for they should not borrow[6] but ask of the Egyptians jewels
of silver, and gold, and raiment, and they should spoil the Egyptians.
So are we taught to have "respect unto the recompense of the reward."

FOOTNOTES:

[6] So much ignorant capital has been made by sceptics out of this
unfortunate mistranslation, that it is worth while to inquire whether
the word "borrow" would suit the context in other passages. "He
_borrowed_ water and she gave him milk" (Judges v. 25). "The Lord said
unto Solomon, Because thou hast _borrowed_ this thing, and hast not
_borrowed_ long life for thyself, neither hast _borrowed_ riches for
thyself, nor hast _borrowed_ the life of thine enemies" (1 Kings iii.
11). "And Elijah said unto Elisha, Thou hast _borrowed_ a hard thing" (2
Kings ii. 10). The absurdity of the cavil is self-evident.

CHAPTER IV.

_MOSES HESITATES._

iv. 1-17.

Holy Scripture is impartial, even towards its heroes. The sin of David
is recorded, and the failure of Peter. And so is the reluctance of Moses
to accept his commission, even after a miracle had been vouchsafed to
him for encouragement. The absolute sinlessness of Jesus is the more
significant because it is found in the records of a creed which knows of
no idealised humanity.

In Josephus, the refusal of Moses is softened down. Even the modest
words, "Lord, I am still in doubt how I, a private man and of no
abilities, should persuade my countrymen or Pharaoh," are not spoken
after the sign is given. Nor is there any mention of the transfer to
Aaron of a part of his commission, nor of their joint offence at
Meribah, nor of its penalty, which in Scripture is bewailed so often.
And Josephus is equally tender about the misdeeds of the nation. We hear
nothing of their murmurs against Moses and Aaron when their burdens are
increased, or of their making the golden calf. Whereas it is remarkable
and natural that the fear of Moses is less anxious about his reception
by the tyrant than by his own people: "Behold