What is here called borrowing, signifies also requesting, or demanding. They required these things as wages for their long service to the Egyptians, and the Egyptians probably surrendered them without any expectation of their being restored. They spoiled the Egyptians; that is, they carried away their treasures. So great was the present terror of the Egyptians, and their haste to have the plague removed, that they lent, or gave the Israelites whatever they asked.

Whose remains did Moses take with them?

He took the bones of Joseph. EXOD. 13:19. How were they guided on their journey?

By a pillar of cloud by day, and a pillar of fire by night. EXOD. 13:21.

THE PURSUIT.

What did the Egyptians do, when they found that the Israelites were actually escaping from servitude?

The king and his people said one to another, Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us?

So the king assembled the military force of the land, six hundred chosen chariots, with

horses and fighting men in great numbers, and pursued after the Israelites. They followed the track of their march through the wilderness, and came near to them as they were encamped by the Red sea.

What was now the condition of the Israelites?

Reflect upon it for a moment. They were "entangled in the land"--shut in by high mountains on the right hand and on the left, the sea in front of them, and the Egyptian army pouring down upon their rear. They were in truth. reduced to great extremity, and grief and terror took possession of the multitude..

What did they propose to Moses?

Immediate submission to the Egyptians, and of course a return to their former bondage. It were better, they said, to serve the Egyptians, than to die in the wilderness.

Moses would not have ventured to lead the people into such a strait without the express command of God, and the firm conviction that he would be sustained by almighty power. When, therefore, the people murmured, he stood firm, and in reply to their complaints said,

"Fear ye not; stand still, and see the salva

tion of the Lord. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.'

And now the command of God is issued:

"Speak unto the children of Israel, that they

go forward."

The people obeyed.

Moses lifted up the

miraculous rod, and stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the waters opened a path, rising up as walls on either side, while the whole vast army of the Israelites went over on dry ground.

We may suppose that Moses and Aaron went down first into the dark channel, and that all the tribes under their elders followed in due order and rank. It was in the night. The pillar of fire that hung over them was their light. In faith they went through the dark waters and reached the opposite shore in safety-not one perished.

Will the Egyptians follow them into the sea?

Yes; in their madness and folly they will pursue. Behold them rushing forward with horses and chariots, raging to overtake them, and to divide the spoil. But no sooner is the host of Israel safe on the other side, than God gives the command-the waters return to their

THE SONG OF TRIUMPH.

Then sung Moses and the children of Israel a song of deliverance and of praise unto the Lord, saying,

"The Lord is my strength and my song, and he is become my salvation.

"Pharaoh's chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea; his chosen captains also hath he drowned in the Red sea.

"The depths have covered them: they sank to the bottom as a stone.

"And Miriam answered them, Sing ye to the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea." EXOD. 15: 2, 4, 5, 21.

In this beautiful song all the glory of their deliverance is ascribed to God, and the joyful conclusion is, "The Lord shall reign for ever and ever."

It appears to have been composed for performance in a great congregation of the people; the men under musical leaders, and Miriam at the head of the women, answering each other in responsive parts.

Miriam is the Hebrew name for Maria and Mary.

MIRACLES OF THE WILDERNESS.

1. Manna fell upon the earth like dew, or hoarfrost, for their daily food.

2. The bitter waters of Marah were made sweet and wholesome.