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(text, and Romans 14:11; Exodus 10:17): — The passage from Romans, taken from Isaiah 45:23, predicts the universal subjugation of mankind to the Divine will. This does not mean universal salvation, for the subjugation is two fold, the one represented by Pharaoh, the other by Paul.

I. THE ONE IS BY A CONVICTION OF GOD'S TERRIBLE POWER, THE OTHER BY A CONVICTION OF HIS LOVE. Pharaoh felt that further rebellion would be ruin, and for a moment "bowed the knee." Paul felt that further rebellion would be a crime against that tenderness that could plead, "I am Jesus whom thou persecutest." So it is ever. Wicked men and devils are made to bow by a sense of God's power. Good men and angels bow from a sense of His love.

II. THE ONE INVOLVES ANGUISH, THE OTHER HAPPINESS. In what a state of agony was Pharaoh when he said, "Intreat the Lord for me." But what joy came to Paul as the voice of Mercy said, "Rise, stand upon thy feet," etc. The one therefore involves heaven, the other hell.

1. In the one there is a sense of absolute slavery, in the other of perfect freedom.

2. In the one there is a sense of despair, in the other of hopefulness.

3. In the one there is a sense of Divine antagonism, in the other of Divine favour.

III. THE ONE BECOMES A MINISTRY OF DESTRUCTION, THE OTHER OF SALVATION. Pharaoh, the moment the panic abated, rushes on and brings destruction to himself and his hosts; Paul begins a ministry which issues in the salvation of myriads. Conclusion: It is not for us to determine whether we shall bow the knee or not — we must — but how: by a sense of God's power or of His love, by coercion or choice?

(D. Thomas, D. D.)

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KJV: And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

WEB: But rise up, and enter into the city, and you will be told what you must do."