Exodus 2:13-14 And when he went out the second day, behold, two men of the Hebrews strove together: and he said to him that did the wrong… I. IT IS THE DUTY OF GOOD MEN TO TRY TO SUBDUE ANY QUARRELS THEY MAY BE CALLED TO WITNESS. 1. Because they recognize the common grief of men. The suffering of humanity an argument for friendliness. 2. Because they recognize the claim arising from the brotherhood of men. 3. Because they ought to be superior to the passion of strife. II. IN THIS ENDEAVOUR GOOD MEN SHOULD MAKE MORAL CONSIDERATIONS THE BASIS OF THEIR APPEAL TO THE QUARRELSOME. 1. Not favouritism. 2. Not greater physical strength. Christianity must aid weakness when associated with rectitude. 3. Not hope of reward. A satisfied conscience is brighter and more enduring than gold. III. GOOD MEN, IN TRYING TO SUBDUE THE QUARRELS OF OTHERS, OFTEN GET LITTLE THANKS, AND MAY INVOLVE THEMSELVES IN TROUBLE. "Who made thee," etc. 1. They imagined that Moses assumed unrightful authority. 2. They reminded Moses of, and taunted him with, past sin. It requires a blameless life to rebuke evil. 3. The heroic interference of Moses lacked moral continuity. His own sin made him a coward. 4. Moses incurred the hatred of Pharaoh. Through endeavouring to stay this quarrel, he lost position and comfort; but it was the means of putting him on the track of Divinely-imposed duty, which would win him world-wide renown. (J. S. Exell, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And when he went out the second day, behold, two men of the Hebrews strove together: and he said to him that did the wrong, Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow? |
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