Notes from Lev 6

The first seven verses of this chapter might fitly have been added to the foregoing chapter, being a continuation of the law of the trespass-offering, and the putting of other cases in which it was to be offered; and with this end the instructions God gave concerning the several kinds of sacrifices that should be offered: and then at v. 8 (which in the original begins a new section of the law) he comes to appoint the several rites and ceremonies concerning these sacrifices which had not been mentioned before.

I. The burnt-offering (v. 8-13).
II. The meat-offering (v. 14-18), particularly that at the consecration of the priest (v. 19-23).
III. The sin-offering (v. 24, etc.).

Notes from Lev 5

This chapter, and part of the next, concern the trespass-offering. The difference between this and the sin-offering lay not so much in the sacrifices themselves, and the management of them, as in the occasions of the offering of them. They were both intended to make atonement for sin; but the former was more general, this applied to some particular instances. Observe what is here said,

I. Concerning the trespass. If a man sin,
1. In concealing his knowledge, when he is adjured (v. 1).
2. In touching an unclean thing (v. 2, 3).
3. In swearing (v. 4).
4. In embezzling the holy things (v. 14-16).
5. In any sin of infirmity (v. 17-19). Some other cases there are, in which these offerings were to be offered (ch. 6:2-4; 14:12; 19:21; Num. 6:12).
II. Concerning the trespass-offerings,
1. Of the flock (v. 5, 6).
2. Of fowls (v. 7-10).
3. Of flour (v. 11-13; but chiefly a ram without blemish (v. 15, etc.).

Notes from Lev 4

This chapter is concerning the sin-offering, which was properly intended to make atonement for a sin committed through ignorance,

I. By the priest himself (v. 1-12). Or,
II. By the whole congregation (v. 13-21). Or,
III. By a ruler (v. 22-26). Or,
IV. By a private person (v. 27, etc.).

Notes from Lev 3

In this chapter we have the law concerning the peace-offerings, whether they were,

I. Of the heard, a bullock or a heifer (v. 1-5). Or,
II. Of the flock, either a lamb (v. 6-11) or a goat (v. 12-17). The ordinances concerning each of these are much the same, yet they are repeated, to show the care we ought to take that all our services be done according to the appointment and the pleasure God takes in the services that are so performed. It is likewise to intimate what need we have of precept upon precept, and line upon line.

Notes from Lev 2

In this chapter we have the law concerning the meat-offering.

I. The matter of it; whether of raw flour with oil and incense (v. 1), or baked in the oven (v. 4), or upon a plate (v. 5, 6), or in a frying pan (v. 7).
II. The management of it, of the flour (v. 2, 3), of the cakes (v. 8-10).
III. Some particular rules concerning it, That leaven and honey must never be admitted (v. 11, 12), and salt never omitted in the meat-offering (v. 13).
IV. The law concerning the offering of firstfruits in the ear (v. 14, etc.).

Notes from Lev 1

This book begins with the laws concerning sacrifices, of which the most ancient were the burnt-offerings, about which God gives Moses instructions in this chapter. Orders are here given how that sort of sacrifice must be managed.

I. If it was a bullock out of the herd (v. 3-9).
II. If it was a sheep or goat, a lamb or kid, out of the flock (v. 10-13).
III. If it was a turtle-dove or a young pigeon (v. 14-17). And whether the offering was more or less valuable in itself, if it was offered with an upright heart, according to these laws, it was accepted of God.

Notes from Exodus 40

In this chapter,

I. Orders are given for the setting up of the tabernacle and the fixing of all the appurtenances of it in their proper places (v. 1-8), and the consecrating of it (v. 9-11), and of the priests (v. 12-15).
II. Care is taken to do all this, and as it was appointed to be done (v. 16-33).
III. God takes possession of it by the cloud (v. 34, etc.).

Notes from Exodus 39

This chapter gives us an account of the finishing of the work of the tabernacle.

I. The last things prepared were the holy garments. The ephod and its curious girdle (v. 1-5). The onyx-stones for the shoulders (v. 6, 7). The breastplate with the precious stones in it (v. 8-21). The robe of the ephod (v. 22-26). The coats, bonnets, and breeches, for the inferior priests (v. 27-29). And the plate of the holy crown (v. 30, 31).
II. A summary account of the whole work, as it was presented to Moses when it was all finished (v. 32, etc.).

Notes from Exodus 38

Here is an account,

I. Of the making of the brazen altar (v. 1-7), and the laver (v. 8).
II. The preparing of the hangings for the enclosing of the court in which the tabernacle was to stand (v. 9-20).
III. A summary of the gold, silver, and brass, that was contributed to, and used in, the preparing of the tabernacle (v. 21, etc.).

Notes from Exodus 37

Bezaleel and his workmen are still busy, making

I. The ark with the mercy-seat and the cherubim (v. 1-9).
II. The table with its vessels (v. 10-16).
III. The candlestick with its appurtenances (v. 17-24).
IV. The golden altar for incense (v. 25-28).
V. The holy oil and incense (v. 29).
The particular appointment concerning each of which we had before the 25th and 30th chapters.

Notes from Exodus 36

In this chapter,

I. The work of the tabernacle is begun (v. 1-4).
II. A stop is put to the people's contributions (v. 5-7).
III. A particular account is given of the making of the tabernacle itself; the fine curtains of it (v. 8-13). The coarse ones (v. 14-19). The boards (v. 20-30). The bars (v. 31-34). The partition veil (v. 35, 36). And the hanging for the door (v. 37, etc.).

Notes from Exodus 35

What should have been said and done upon Moses' coming down the first time from the mount, if the golden calf had not broken the measures and put all into disorder, now at last, when with great difficulty reconciliation was made, begins to be said and done; and that great affair of the setting up of God's worship is put into its former channel again, and goes on now without interruption.

I. Moses gives Israel those instructions, received from God, which required immediate observance.
1. Concerning the sabbath (v. 1-3).
2. Concerning the contribution that was to be made for the erecting of the tabernacle (v. 4-9).
3. Concerning the framing of the tabernacle and the utensils of it (v. 10-19).
II. The people bring in their contributions (v. 20-29).
III. The head-workmen are nominated (v. 30, etc.).

Notes from Exodus 34

God having in the foregoing chapter intimated to Moses his reconciliation to Israel, here gives proofs of it, proceeding to settle his covenant and communion with them. Four instances of the return of his favour we have in this chapter:-

I. The orders he gives to Moses to come up to the mount, the next morning, and bring two tables of stone with him (v. 1-4).
II. His meeting him there, and the proclamation of his name (v. 5-9).
III. The instructions he gave him there, and his converse with him for forty days together, without intermission (v. 10-28).
IV. The honour he put upon him when he sent him down with his face shining (v. 29-35).
In all this God dealt with Moses as a public person, and mediator between him and Israel, and a type of the great Mediator.

Notes from Exodus 33

In this chapter we have a further account of the mediation of Moses between God and Israel, for the making up of the breach that sin had made between them.

I. He brings a very humbling message from God to them (v. 1-3, 5), which has a good effect upon them, and helps to prepare them for mercy (v. 4, 6).
II. He settles a correspondence between God and them, and both God and the people signify their approbation of that correspondence, God by descending in a cloudy pillar, and the people by worshipping at the tent doors (v. 7-11).
III. He is earnest with God in prayer, and prevails,
1. For a promise of his presence with the people (v. 12-17).
2. For a sight of his glory for himself (v. 18, etc.).

Notes from Exodus 32

It is a very lamentable interruption which the story of this chapter gives to the record of the establishment of the church, and of religion among the Jews. Things went on admirably well towards that happy settlement: God had shown himself very favourable, and the people also had seemed to be pretty tractable. Moses had now almost completed his forty days upon the mount, and, we may suppose, was pleasing himself with the thoughts of the very joyful welcome he should have to the camp of Israel at his return, and the speedy setting up of the tabernacle among them. But, behold, the measures are broken, the sin of Israel turns away those good things from them, and puts a stop to the current of God's favours; the sin that did the mischief (would you think it?) was worshipping a golden calf. The marriage was ready to be solemnized between God and Israel, but Israel plays the harlot, and so the match is broken, and it will be no easy matter to piece it again. Here is,

I. The sin of Israel, and of Aaron particularly, in making the golden calf for a god (v. 1-4), and worshipping it (v. 5, 6).
II. The notice which God gave of this to Moses, who was now in the mount with him (v. 7, 8), and the sentence of his wrath against them (v. 9, 10).
III. The intercession which Moses immediately made for them in the mount (v. 11-13), and the prevalency of that intercession (v. 14).
IV. His coming down from the mount, when he became an eye-witness of their idolatry (v. 15-19), in abhorrence of which, and as an expression of just indignation, he broke the tables (v. 19), and burnt the golden calf (v. 20).
V. The examination of Aaron about it (v. 21-24).
VI. Execution done upon the ring-leaders in the idolatry (v. 25-29).
VII. The further intercession Moses made for them, to turn away the wrath of God from them (v. 30-32), and a reprieve granted thereupon, reserving them for a further reckoning (v. 33, etc.).

Notes from Exodus 31

God is here drawing towards a conclusion of what he had to say to Moses upon the mount, where he had now been with him forty days and forty nights; and yet no more is recorded of what was said to him in all that time than what we have read in the six chapters foregoing. In this,

I. He appoints what workmen should be employed in the building and furnishing of the tabernacle (v. 1-11).
II. He repeats the law of the sabbath, and the religious observance of it (v. 12-17).
III. He delivers to him the two tables of the testimony at parting (v. 18).

Notes from Exodus 30

Moses is, in this chapter, further instructed,

I. Concerning the altar of incense (v. 1-10).
II. Concerning the ransom-money which the Israelites were to pay, when they were numbered (v. 11-16).
III. Concerning the laver of brass, which was set for the priests to wash in (v. 17-21).
IV. Concerning the making up of the anointing oil, and the use of it (v. 22-33).
V. Concerning the incense and perfume which were to be burned on the golden altar (v. 34, etc.).

Notes from Exodus 29

Particular orders are given in this chapter,

I. Concerning the consecration of the priests, and the sanctification of the altar (v. 1-37).
II. Concerning the daily sacrifice (v. 38-41).
To which gracious promises are annexed that God would own and bless them in all their services (v. 42, etc.).

Notes from Exodus 28

Orders being given for the fitting up of the place of worship, in this and the following chapter care is taken about the priests that were to minister in this holy place, as the menial servants of the God of Israel. He hired servants, as a token of his purpose to reside among them. In this chapter,

I. He pitches upon the persons who should be his servants (v. 1).
II. He appoints their livery; their work was holy, and so must their garments be, and unanswerable to the glory of the house which was now to be erected (v. 2-5).
1. He appoints the garments of his head-servant, the high priest, which were very rich.
(1.) An ephod and girdle, (v. 6-14).
(2.) A breast-plate of judgment (v. 15-29), in which must be put the urim and thummim (v. 30).
(3.) The robe of the ephod (v. 31-35).
(4.) The mitre (v. 36-39).
2. The garments of the inferior priests (v. 40-43). And these also were shadows of good things to come.

Notes from Exodus 27

In this chapter directions are given,

I. Concerning the brazen altar for burnt-offerings (v. 1-8).
II. Concerning the court of the tabernacle, with the hangings of it (v. 9-19).
III. Concerning oil for the lamp (v. 20, 21).

Notes from Exodus 26

Moses here receives instructions,

I. Concerning the inner curtains of the tent or tabernacle, and the coupling of those curtains (v. 1-6).
II. Concerning the outer curtains which were of goats' hair, to strengthen the former (v. 7-13).
III. Concerning the case or cover which was to secure it from the weather (v. 14).
IV. Concerning the boards which were to be reared up to support the curtains, with their bars and sockets (v. 15-30).
V. The partition between the holy place and the most holy (v. 31-35).
VI. The veil for the door (v. 36, 37).
These particulars, thus largely recorded, seem of little use to us now; yet, having been of great use to Moses and Israel, and God having thought fit to preserve down to us the remembrance of them, we ought not to overlook them. Even the antiquity renders this account venerable.

Notes from Exodus 25

At this chapter begins an account of the orders and instructions God gave to Moses upon the mount for the erecting and furnishing of a tabernacle to the honour of God. We have here.

I. Orders given for a collection to be made among the people for this purpose (v. 1-9).
II. Particular instructions,
1. Concerning the ark of the covenant (v. 10-22).
2. The table of showbread (v. 23-30).
3. The golden candlestick (v. 31, etc.).

Notes from Exodus 24

Moses, as mediator between God and Israel, having received divers laws and ordinances from God privately in the three foregoing chapters, in this chapter,

I. Comes down to the people, acquaints them with the laws he had received, and takes their consent to those laws (v. 3), writes the laws, and reads them to the people, who repeat their consent (v. 4-7), and then by sacrifice, and the sprinkling of blood, ratifies the covenant between them and God (v. 5, 6, 8).
II. He returns to God again, to receive further directions. When he was dismissed from his former attendance, he was ordered to attend again (v. 1, 2). He did so with seventy of the elders, to whom God made a discovery of his glory (v. 9-11). Moses is ordered up into the mount (v. 12, 13); the rest are ordered down to the people (v. 14). The cloud of glory is seen by all the people on the top of mount Sinai (v. 15-17), and Moses is therewith God forty days and forty nights (v. 18).

Notes from Exodus 23

This chapter continues and concludes the acts that passed in the first session (if I may so call it) upon mount Sinai. Here are,

I. Some laws of universal obligation, relating especially to the ninth commandment, against bearing false witness (v. 1), and giving false judgment (v. 2, 3, 6-8). Also a law of doing good to our enemies (v. 4, 5), and not oppressing strangers (v. 9).
II. Some laws peculiar to the Jews. The sabbatical year (v. 10, 11), the three annual feasts (v. 14-17), with some laws pertaining thereto.
III. Gracious promises of the completing of the mercy God had begun for them, upon condition of their obedience. That God would conduct them through the wilderness (v. 20-24), that he would prosper all they had (v. 25, 26), that he would put them in possession of Canaan (v. 27-31). But they must not mingle themselves with the nations (v. 32, 33).

Notes from Exodus 22

The laws of this chapter relate,

I. To the eighth commandment, concerning theft (v. 1-4), trespass by cattle (v. 5), damage by fire (v. 6), trusts (v. 7-13), borrowing cattle (v. 14, 15), or money (v. 25-27).
II. To the seventh commandment. Against fornication (v. 16, 17), bestiality (v. 19).
III. To the first table, forbidding witchcraft (v. 18), idolatry (v. 20). Commanding to offer the firstfruits (v. 29, 30).
IV. To the poor (v. 21-24).
V. To the civil government (v. 28).
VI. To the peculiarity of the Jewish nation (v. 31).

Notes from Exodus 21

The laws recorded in this chapter relate to the fifth and sixth commandments; and though they are not accommodated to our constitution, especially in point of servitude, nor are the penalties annexed binding on us, yet they are of great use for the explanation of the moral law, and the rules of natural justice. Here are several enlargements,

I. Upon the fifth commandment, which concerns particular relations.
1. The duty of masters towards their servants, their men-servants (v. 2-6), and the maidservants (v. 7-11).
2. The punishment of disobedient children that strike their parents (v. 15), or curse them (v. 17).
II. Upon the sixth commandment, which forbids all violence offered to the person of a man. Here is,
1. Concerning murder (v. 12-14).
2. Man-stealing (v. 16).
3. Assault and battery (v. 18, 19).
4. Correcting a servant (v. 20, 21).
5. Hurting a woman with child (v. 22, 23).
6. The law of retaliation (v. 24, 25).
7. Maiming a servant (v. 26, 27).
8. An ox goring (v. 28-32).
9. Damage by opening a pit (v. 33, 34).
10. Cattle fighting (v. 35, 36).

Notes from Exodus 20

All things being prepared for the solemn promulgation of the divine law, we have, in this chapter,

I. The ten commandments, as God himself spoke them upon mount Sinai (v. 1-17), as remarkable a portion of scripture as any in the Old Testament.
II. The impressions made upon the people thereby (v. 18-21).
III. Some particular instructions which God gave privately to Moses, to be by him communicated to the people, relating to his worship (v. 22, etc.).

Notes from Exodus 19

This chapter introduces the solemnity of the giving of the law upon mount Sinai, which was one of the most striking appearances of the divine glory that ever was in this lower world. We have here,

I. The circumstances of time and place (v. 1, 2).
II. The covenant between God and Israel settled in general. The gracious proposal God made to them (v. 3-6), and their consent to the proposal (v. 7, 8).
III. Notice given three days before of God's design to give the law out of a thick cloud (v. 9). Orders given to prepare the people to receive the law (v. 10-13), and care taken to execute those orders (v. 14, 15).
IV. A terrible appearance of God's glory upon mount Sinai (v. 16-20).
V. Silence proclaimed, and strict charges given to the people to observe decorum while God spoke to them (v. 21, etc.).

Notes from Exodus 18

This chapter is concerning Moses himself, and the affairs of his own family.

I. Jethro his father-in-law brings to him his wife and children (v. 1-6).
II. Moses entertains his father-in-law with great respect (v. 7), with good discourse (v. 8-11), with a sacrifice and a feast (v. 12).
III. Jethro advises him about the management of his business as a judge in Israel, to take inferior judges in to his assistance (v. 13-23), and Moses, after some time, takes his counsel (v. 24-26), and so they part (v. 27).

Notes from Exodus 17

Two passages of story are recorded in this chapter,

I. The watering of the host of Israel.
1. In the wilderness they wanted water (v. 1).
2. In their want they chided Moses (v. 2, 3).
3. Moses cried to God (v. 4).
4. God ordered him to smite the rock, and fetch water out of that; Moses did so (v. 5, 6).
5. The place named from it (v. 7).
II. The defeating of the host of Amalek.
1. The victory obtained by the prayer of Moses (v. 8-12).
2. By the sword of Joshua (v. 13).
3. A record kept of it (v. 14-16).
And these things which happened to them are written for our instruction in our spiritual journey and warfare.

Notes from Exodus 16

This chapter gives us an account of the victualling of the camp of Israel.

I. Their complaint for want of bread (v. 1-3).
II. The notice God gave them beforehand of the provision he intended to make for them (v. 4-12).
III. The sending of the manna (v. 13-15).
IV. The laws and orders concerning the manna.
1. That they should gather it daily for their daily bread (v. 16-21).
2. That they should gather a double portion on the sixth day (v. 22-26).
3. That they should expect none on the seventh day (v. 27-31).
4. That they should preserve a pot of it for a memorial (v. 32, etc.).

Notes from Exodus 15

In this chapter,

I. Israel looks back upon Egypt with a song of praise for their deliverance. Here is,
1. The song itself (v. 1-19).
2. The solemn singing of it (v. 20, 21).
II. Israel marches forward in the wilderness (v. 22), and there,
1. Their discontent at the waters of Marah (v. 23, 24), and the relief granted them (v. 25, 26).
2. Their satisfaction in the waters of Elim (v. 27).

Notes from Exodus 14

The departure of the children of Israel out of Egypt (which was indeed the birth of the Jewish church) is made yet more memorable by further works of wonder, which were wrought immediately upon it. Witness the records of this chapter, the contents whereof, together with a key to it, we have, Heb. 11:29. "They passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned;' and this they did by faith, which intimates that there was something typical and spiritual in it. Here is,

I. The extreme distress and danger that Israel was in at the Red Sea.
1. Notice was given of it to Moses before (v. 1-4).
2. The cause of it was Pharaoh's violent pursuit of them (v. 5-9).
3. Israel was in a great consternation upon it (v. 10-12).
4. Moses endeavours to encourage them (v. 13, 14).
II. The wonderful deliverance that God wrought for them out of this distress.
1. Moses is instructed concerning it (v. 15-18).
2. Lines that could not be forced are set between the camp of Israel and Pharaoh's camp (v. 19, 20).
3. By the divine power the Red Sea is divided (v. 21), and is made,
(1.) A lane to the Israelites, who marched safely through it (v. 22, 29). But,
(2.) To the Egyptians it was made,
[1.] An ambush into which they were drawn (v. 23-25). And,
[2.] A grave in which they were all buried (v. 26-28).
III. The impressions this made upon the Israelites (v. 30, 31).

Note from Exodus 13

In this chapter we have,

I. The commands God gave to Israel,
1. To sanctify all their firstborn to him (v. 1, 2).
2. To be sure to remember their deliverance out of Egypt (v. 3, 4), and, in remembrance of it, to keep the feast of unleavened bread (v. 5-7).
3. To transmit the knowledge of it with all possible care to their children (v. 8-10).
4. To set apart unto God the firstlings of their cattle (v. 11-13), and to explain that also to their children (v. 14-16).
II. The care God took of Israel, when he had brought them out of Egypt.
1. Choosing their way for them (v. 17, 18).
2. Guiding them in the way (v. 20-22). And
III. Their care of Joseph's bones (v. 19).

Notes from Exodus 12

This chapter gives an account of one of the most memorable ordinances, and one of the most memorable providences, of all that are recorded in the Old Testament.

I. Not one of all the ordinances of the Jewish church was more eminent than that of the passover, nor is any one more frequently mentioned in the New Testament; and we have here an account of the institution to it. The ordinance consisted of three parts:-
1. The killing and eating of the paschal lamb (v. 1-6, 8-11).
2. The sprinkling of the blood upon the door-posts, spoken of as a distinct thing (Heb. 11:28), and peculiar to this first passover (v. 7), with the reason for it (v. 13).
3. The feast of unleavened bread for seven days following; this points rather at what was to be done afterwards, in the observance of this ordinance (v. 14-20). This institution is communicated to the people, and they are instructed in the observance,
(1.) Of this first passover (v. 21-23).
(2.) Of the after passovers (v. 24-27). And the Israelites' obedience to these orders (v. 28).
II. Not one of all the providences of God concerning the Jewish church was more illustrious, or is more frequently mentioned, than the deliverance of the children of Israel out of Egypt.
1. The firstborn of the Egyptians are slain (v. 29, 30).
2. Orders are given immediately for their discharge (v. 31-33).
3. They begin their march.
(1.) Loaded with their own effects (v. 34).
(2.) Enriched with the spoils of Egypt (v. 35, 36).
(3.) Attended with a mixed multitude (v. 37, 38).
(4.) Put to their shifts for present supply (v. 39). The event is dated (v. 40-42).
Lastly, A recapitulation in the close,
[1.] Of this memorable ordinance, with some additions (v. 43-49).
[2.] Of this memorable providence (v. 50, 51).

Notes from Exodus 11

Pharaoh had told Moses to get out of his presence (ch. 10:28), and Moses had promised this should be the last time he would trouble him, yet he resolves to say out what he had to say, before he left him; accordingly, we have in this chapter,

I. The instructions God had given to Moses, which he was now to pursue (v. 1, 2), together with the interest Israel and Moses had in the esteem of the Egyptians (v. 3).
II. The last message Moses delivered to Pharaoh, concerning the death of the firstborn (v. 4-8).
III. A repetition of the prediction of Pharaoh's hardening his heart (v. 9), and the event answering to it (v. 10).

Notes from Exodus 10

The eighth and ninth of the plagues of Egypt, that of locusts and that of darkness, are recorded in this chapter.

I. Concerning the plague of locusts,
1. God instructs Moses in the meaning of these amazing dispensations of his providence (v. 1, 2).
2. He threatens the locusts (v. 3-6).
3. Pharaoh, at the persuasion of his servants, is willing to treat again with Moses (v. 7-9), but they cannot agree (v. 10, 11).
4. The locusts come (v. 12-15).
5. Pharaoh cries Peccavi-I have offended (v. 16, 17), whereupon Moses prays for the removal of the plague, and it is done; but Pharaoh's heart is still hardened (v. 18-20).
II. Concerning the plague of darkness,
1. It is inflicted (v. 21-23).
2. Pharaoh again treats with Moses about a surrender, but the treaty breaks off in a heat (v. 24, etc.).

Notes from Exodus 9

In this chapter we have an account of three more of the plagues of Egypt.

I. Murrain among the cattle, which was fatal to them (v. 1-7).
II. Boils upon man and beast (v. 8-12).
III. Hail, with thunder and lightning.
1. Warning is given of this plague (v. 13-21).
2. It is inflicted, to their great terror (v. 22-26).
3. Pharaoh, in a fright, renews his treaty with Moses, but instantly breaks his word (v. 27, etc.).

Notes from Exodus 8

Three more of the plagues of Egypt are related in this chapter,

I. That of the frogs, which is,
1. Threatened (v. 1-4).
2. Inflicted (v. 5, 6).
3. Mimicked by the magicians (v. 7).
4. Removed, at the humble request of Pharaoh (v. 8-14), who yet hardens his heart, and, notwithstanding his promise while the plague was upon him (v. 8), refuses to let Israel go (v. 15).
II. The plague of lice (v. 16, 17), by which,
1. The magicians were baffled (v. 18, 19), and yet,
2. Pharaoh was hardened (v. 19).
III. That of flies.
1. Pharaoh is warned of it before (v. 20, 21), and told that the land of Goshen should be exempt from this plague (v. 22, 23).
2. The plague is brought (v. 24).
3. Pharaoh treats with Moses about the release of Israel, and humbles himself (v. 25-29).
4. The plague is thereupon removed (v. 31), and Pharaoh's heart hardened (v. 32).

Notes from Exodus 7

In this chapter,

I. The dispute between God and Moses finishes, and Moses applies himself to the execution of his commission, in obedience to God's command (v. 1-7).
II. The dispute between Moses and Pharaoh begins, and a famous trial of skill it was. Moses, in God's name, demands Israel's release; Pharaoh denies it. The contest is between the power of the great God and the power of a proud prince; and it will be found, in the issue, that when God judgeth he will overcome.
1. Moses confirms the demand he had made to Pharaoh, by a miracle, turning his rod into a serpent; but Pharaoh hardens his heart against this conviction (v. 8-13).
2. He chastises his disobedience by a plague, the first of the ten, turning the waters into blood; but Pharaoh hardens his heart against this correction, v. 14, etc.).

Notes from Exodus 6

Much ado there was to bring Moses to his work, and when the ice was broken, some difficulty having occurred in carrying it on, there was no less ado to put him forward in it. Witness this chapter, in which,

I. God satisfies Moses himself in an answer to his complaints in the close of the foregoing chapter (v. 1).
II. He gives him fuller instructions than had yet been given him what to say to the children of Israel, for their satisfaction (v. 2-8), but to little purpose (v. 9).
III. He sends him again to Pharaoh (v. 10, 11). But Moses objects against that (v. 12), upon which a very strict charge is given to him and his brother to execute their commission with vigour (v. 13).
IV. Here is an abstract of the genealogy of the tribes of Reuben and Simeon, to introduce that of Levi, that the pedigree of Moses and Aaron might be cleared (v. 14-25), and then the chapter concludes with a repetition of so much of the preceding story as was necessary to make way for the following chapter.