Paul to the Corinthians
117
The apostle declares that he did not run in the Christian race un-
certainly, that is, indifferently, willing to be left behind; neither did
he fight as the pugilist practices prior to the fray, beating the air with
empty blows, having no opponent. But as, when in actual conflict, he
contends for the mastery, overcomes his antagonist by repeated and
well-directed blows, beats him to the ground, and holds him there till
he acknowledges himself conquered, so did the apostle fight against
the temptations of Satan and the evil propensities of the carnal nature.
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Paul refers his brethren to the experience of ancient Israel, to the
blessings which rewarded their obedience, and the judgments which
followed their transgressions. He reminds them of the fact that the
Hebrews were led in a miraculous manner from Egypt, under the
protection of the shadowy cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night.
He recounts how the whole company were thus safely conducted
through the Red Sea, while the Egyptians, essaying to cross in like
manner, were all drowned. God in these acts acknowledged all Israel
as his church. “They did all eat the same spiritual meat, and did all
drink the same spiritual drink; for they drank of that spiritual Rock
that followed them; and that Rock was Christ.” The Hebrews, in all
their travels, had Christ as a leader. The smitten rock typified Christ,
who was to be wounded for men’s transgressions, that the stream of
salvation might flow to them.
Notwithstanding the favor which God manifested to the Hebrews,
yet because of their wicked lust for the luxuries which they had left in
Egypt,—because of their sins and rebellion,—the judgments of God
came upon them. The apostle enjoins upon his brethren the lesson to
be learned: “Now these things were our examples, to the intent we
should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.”
Paul continues, giving the most solemn warnings against the sins
of idolatry, licentiousness, and presumption, which caused so many of
the Israelites to fall in the wilderness. He cites examples from sacred
history to show how love of ease and pleasure prepared the way for
those sins which called forth the signal vengeance of God. It was when
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the children of Israel sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play,
that they threw off the righteous fear of God which they had felt a short
time before as they listened to the law from Sinai. They made them a
golden calf to represent God, and worshiped it in a festive religious
gathering. Again, it was after enjoying a luxurious feast connected