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1 Corinthians 10:1
Verse
Context
Sermons
Derek Prince
David Wilkerson
J. Vernon McGee
T. Austin-Sparks
Brian Brodersen
Carter Conlon
Devern FromkeSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I would not that ye should be ignorant - It seems as if the Corinthians had supposed that their being made partakers of the ordinances of the Gospel, such as baptism and the Lord's Supper, would secure their salvation, notwithstanding they might be found partaking of idolatrous feasts; as long, at least, as they considered an idol to be nothing in the world. To remove this destructive supposition, which would have led them to endless errors both in principle and practice, the apostle shows that the Jews had sacramental ordinances in the wilderness, similar to those of the Christians; and that, notwithstanding they had the typical baptism from the cloud, and the typical eucharist from the paschal lamb, and the manna that came down from heaven, yet, when they joined with idolaters and partook of idolatrous feasts, God was not only displeased with them, but signified this displeasure by pouring out his judgments upon them, so that in one day 23,000 of them were destroyed. Under the cloud - It is manifest from Scripture that the miraculous cloud in the wilderness performed a three-fold office to the Israelites. 1. It was a cloud in the form of a pillar to direct their journeyings by day. 2. It was a pillar of fire to give light to the camp by night. 3. It was a covering for them during the day, and preserved them from the scorching rays of the sun; and supplied them with a sufficiency of aqueous particles, not only to cool that burning atmosphere, but to give refreshment to themselves and their cattle; and its humidity was so abundant that the apostle here represents the people as thoroughly sprinkled and enveloped in its aqueous vapour. See the note on Exo 13:21.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant,.... The apostle having suggested his own fears and jealousies, lest, notwithstanding all his gifts and grace, he should be left to do anything that might be a means of laying him aside, and rendering him useless in his ministerial work; and which he hints for the use of these Corinthians, who boasted of their knowledge, and made an imprudent use of their Christian liberty, to the hurt of weak minds; he proceeds to lay before them the case of the Jewish fathers, who, notwithstanding the many favours and privileges they were blessed with, yet falling into lust, fornication, intemperance, and idolatry, their carcasses fell in the wilderness, and entered not into the land of rest; wherefore the apostle would not have them be ignorant, or unmindful, or take no notice of these things, since they were for ensamples to them, and written for their admonition, and were warnings to them to take care lest they should also fall: particularly the apostle's view is to dissuade from the eating of things offered to idols, though a thing indifferent, and from their imprudent use of their Christian liberty with respect unto it; since it was not only doing an injury to weak believers, but it likewise exposed themselves to danger, who, by using such freedom as to sit in an idol's temple, and there publicly eat, might be drawn into idolatry itself; nor should they depend upon their knowledge, and gifts, and attainments, since it is clear, from these instances, that the highest external privileges, favours, and enjoyments, cannot secure men from falling: for which purpose it was proper to call to mind, how that all our fathers were under the cloud; which was a symbol of the divine presence with the Israelites, as it was on Mount Sinai, and in the tabernacle and temple; was a protection of them, being in the daytime as a pillar of cloud to screen them from the scorching heat of the sun, and in the night time as a pillar of fire to preserve them from beasts of prey, as well as in both to guide and direct them in the way; and was a type of Christ, who is a covert from the heat, as well as the wind and storm; a protection of his people from the vindictive justice and wrath of God, and from the rage and fury of men and devils. This also might express the state and condition of the former dispensation, which was dark and obscure in comparison of the present one, in which saints, with open face, behold the glory of the Lord; and likewise the state of the people of God in this world, even under the present dispensation, who, in comparison of the heavenly glory, and the beatific vision the saints enjoy there see but through a glass darkly. This cloud, which is sometimes represented as a pillar, was not an erect solid body, which was at some distance before the Israelites, and merely as a guide, but was all around them; it was before them, and behind them, and on each side, and was over them; see Num 14:14 so that the apostle rightly says they were under it. And to distant beholders in the daytime it looked like a pillar of cloud; and in the nighttime, the sun being down, it looked like a pillar of fire; for one and the same thing is meant by both and so the Jews say (z), that "the pillar of cloud, encompassed the camp of Israel, as a wall encompasses a city, nor could the enemy come at them.'' Hence those allusions to it in Isa 4:5. The Jews indeed speak of several clouds of glory; nor are they agreed about the number of them: "when the people of Israel were travelling in the wilderness, they say (a), they had clouds of glory, "that surrounded them", four at the four winds of the world, that the evil eye might not rule over them, "and one above them", that the heat and sun, as also the hail and rain, might not have power over them; and one below them, which carried them as a nurse carrieth her sucking child in her bosom; and another ran before them at the distance of three days' journey, to level the mountains, and elevate the plains, and it slew all the fiery serpents and scorpions in the wilderness.'' And elsewhere (b) it is said, "how many were the clouds of glory, "that encompassed Israel" in the wilderness? R. Hoshea and R. Josiah are divided. R. Josiah says five, four at the four winds, and one went before them. R. Hoshea says seven, four at the four winds of the heavens, and one "above them", and one below them, and one ran before them;'' to which he ascribes the above effects: but the Scripture speaks but of one cloud, which departed at the death of Moses: and all passed through the sea; the Red sea, in a very miraculous manner; Moses by a divine order lift up his rod, and stretched out his hand over it, and the Lord by a strong east wind caused it to go back, and made it dry land; the waters were divided, and rose up as a wall, on the right hand, and on the left, so that the children of Israel passed through it on dry ground, and all came safe to shore, and not one perished; and yet but two of these entered into the land of Canaan. Origen (c) says, "he had heard it as a tradition from the ancients, that in the passage through the sea, to every tribe of Israel were made separate divisions of water, and that every tribe had its own way open in the sea.'' And indeed this is a tradition of the Jews, whom he means by the ancients, or at least such who had received it from them; by which it appears to be a very ancient one. "R. Eliezer says (d), that in the day in which the waters flowed, and were congealed together, there were twelve paths made, according to the twelve tribes, and the waters became a wall.'' The same is related, by others (e): Mahomet has it in his Alcoran (f), in which he was assisted by a Jew, and from whom he doubtless had it. He observes, it was said to Moses, "smite the sea with thy rod, and when he had smitten it, it became divided into twelve parts, between which were as many paths, and every part was like a vast mountain.'' But be this as it will, it is certain that they all passed through it, and came safe to shore. (z) Pirke Eliezer, c. 44. (a) Targum in Cant. 2. 6. (b) Bemidbar Rabba, sect. 1. fol. 177. 1, 2. (c) Homil. 5. in Exod. fol. 37. col. 3. E. (d) Pirke Eiiezer, c. 42. (e) Maimon. & Bartenora in Pirke Abot, c. 5. sect. 4. (f) C. 26. p. 304. Ed. Sale.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
In order to dissuade the Corinthians from communion with idolaters, and security in any sinful course, he sets before them the example of the Jews, the church under the Old Testament. They enjoyed great privileges, but, having been guilty of heinous provocations, they fell under very grievous punishments. In these verses he reckons up their privileges, which, in the main, were the same with ours. I. He prefaces this discourse with a note of regard: "Moreover, brethren, I would not that you should be ignorant. I would not have you without the knowledge of this matter; it is a thing worthy both of your knowledge and attention. It is a history very instructive and monitory." Judaism was Christianity under a veil, wrapt up in types and dark hints. The gospel was preached to them, in their legal rites and sacrifices. And the providence of God towards them, and what happened to them notwithstanding these privileges, may and ought to be warnings to us. II. He specifies some of their privileges. He begins, 1. With their deliverance from Egypt: "Our fathers, that is, the ancestors of us Jews, were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea. They were all under the divine covering and conduct." The cloud served for both purposes: it sometimes contracted itself into a cloudy pillar, shining on one side to show them their way, dark on the other to hide them from their pursuing enemies; and sometimes spread itself over them as a mighty sheet, to defend them from the burning sun in the sandy desert, Psa 105:39. They were miraculously conducted through the Red Sea, where the pursuing Egyptians were drowned: it was a lane to them, but a grave to these: a proper type of our redemption by Christ, who saves us by conquering and destroying his enemies and ours. They were very dear to God, and much in his favour, when he would work such miracles for their deliverance, and take them so immediately under his guidance and protection. 2. They had sacraments like ours. (1.) They were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud, and in the sea (Co1 10:2), or into Moses, that is, brought under obligation to Moses's law and covenant, as we are by baptism under the Christian law and covenant. It was to them a typical baptism. (2.) They did all eat of the same spiritual meat, and drink of the same spiritual drink, that we do. The manna on which they fed was a type of Christ crucified, the bread which came down from heaven, which whoso eateth shall live forever. Their drink was a stream fetched from a rock which followed them in all their journeyings in the wilderness; and this rock was Christ, that is, in type and figure. He is the rock on which the Christian church is built; and of the streams that issue from him do all believers drink, and are refreshed. Now all the Jews did eat of this meat, and drink of this rock, called here a spiritual rock, because it typified spiritual things. These were great privileges. One would think that this should have saved them; that all who ate of that spiritual meat, and drank of that spiritual drink, should have been holy and acceptable to God. Yet was it otherwise: With many of them God was not well pleased; for they were overthrown in the wilderness, Co1 10:5. Note, Men may enjoy many and great spiritual privileges in this world, and yet come short of eternal life. Many of those who were baptized unto Moses in the cloud and sea, that is, had their faith of his divine commission confirmed by these miracles, were yet overthrown in the wilderness, and never saw the promised land. Let none presume upon their great privileges, or profession of the truth; these will not secure heavenly happiness, nor prevent judgments here on earth, except the root of the matter be in us.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
10:1-22 After illustrating from his own life the key principle of giving up one’s rights for the sake of others (ch 9), Paul turns back to the specific question of eating meat sacrificed to idols (8:1-13). He warns believers of God’s wrath on those who sin, especially on those who engage in idolatry. 10:1-11 Even though the Israelites were God’s people and experienced his salvation and provision (see Exod 13:21-22; 14:21-29), they still came under his judgment because of their disobedience.
1 Corinthians 10:1
Warnings from Israel’s Past
1I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud, and that they all passed through the sea.2They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Immersed in the Holy Spirit - Part 1
By Derek Prince34K27:001CO 10:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the experiences of the Israelites in the wilderness and how they serve as examples for believers today. The presence of God was symbolized by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, guiding and protecting the Israelites. The speaker shares a personal anecdote of crossing the Sinai Desert and emphasizes the importance of relying on the Lord for deliverance. The sermon also highlights the significance of two baptisms - in the cloud and in the sea - as additional experiences that freed God's people from the dominion of evil forces.
Cheating
By David Wilkerson4.1K57:43Cheating1CO 10:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being faithful to the Lord and not turning to other loves in life. He references Hosea 2:4, which speaks about God's people turning to harlotry and not receiving mercy. The preacher also shares personal encounters with individuals who are not fully committed to the Lord, including a teenager who is still "thinking about" their relationship with God and professionals who attend church but seem distracted. The sermon concludes with a call to prayer for men to surrender their lives to Jesus and be faithful to Him.
(Exodus) Exodus 15:1-3
By J. Vernon McGee3.8K10:08Expositional1CO 10:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of songs in conveying stories and experiences. He specifically focuses on the song of Moses, which recounts the crossing of the Red Sea and the deliverance of the Israelites. The speaker suggests that contemporary songs also have the power to convey meaningful episodes, although they may not necessarily be praising God. He emphasizes the importance of being joined to Christ through the Holy Spirit and highlights the assurance of salvation that comes from being in His hand. The sermon draws parallels between the redemption of the Israelites and the redemption offered through Jesus Christ.
The Cross and the Battle for Sonship
By T. Austin-Sparks1.9K1:03:02Sonship1CO 10:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a different mindset and spirit when it comes to serving God. He contrasts the attitude of a servant, who works only during appointed hours and with personal interest in mind, with the attitude of a son, who works out of love and goes beyond the call of duty. The speaker relates this concept to the letter to the Galatians and the tragedy of Israel in the wilderness, highlighting the consequences of unbelief and the need for a must life of devotion to God. The sermon encourages listeners to adopt the spirit of a son and to serve God wholeheartedly without considering personal gain or limitations.
(1 Corinthians) Christ the Rock
By Brian Brodersen1.8K47:581CO 10:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Moses and the rock in the wilderness. The speaker explains that the people of Israel, like their parents before them, were complaining about being thirsty in the wilderness. Moses goes to God for guidance, and God instructs him to speak to the rock instead of striking it as he had done before. However, Moses disobeys God's command and strikes the rock, causing water to flow forth. The speaker emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's instructions and highlights the miraculous power of God to provide for His people.
The Tabernacle of David
By Carter Conlon1.8K51:31Tabernacle1CO 10:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking God and His will in our lives. He uses the example of the Hebrew boys who had a song of praise even in the midst of difficulty. The preacher encourages the listeners to determine in their hearts to learn who God is and to walk with Christ wholeheartedly. He warns against being consumed by worldly pursuits and self-seeking, urging the listeners to instead show love and compassion to the needy and support the widow. The sermon also highlights the consequences of turning away from God, including a famine of hearing the words of the Lord. The preacher calls for a revival in society and for people to be able to hear and respond to God's message.
The Glory of the Impossible
By Devern Fromke1.5K1:14:07God's FaithfulnessImpossibilitiesFaith in Trials1CO 10:1Devern Fromke shares the profound truth that God often leads His people into impossible situations to reveal His glory. He reflects on the Israelites' journey from Egypt through the wilderness, emphasizing that their challenges were not punishments but opportunities for growth and deeper relationship with God. Fromke encourages believers to recognize the difference between mere provision and true blessing, urging them to seek God's purpose in their trials. He highlights the importance of being sensitive to God's voice rather than relying solely on principles or past experiences. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper understanding of God's faithfulness and the transformative power of trusting Him in the midst of the impossible.
God's Testing
By Manley Beasley1.1K49:29Testing1CO 10:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses four distinct points related to the children of Israel. The first point is redemption, highlighting the significance of God's redemption of the Israelites. The second point is identification, emphasizing the importance of believers embracing their identity in Christ. The third point is temptation or testing, emphasizing the purpose of testing in proving one's faith. The fourth point is the failure of the Israelites to pass the test they were prepared for, drawing parallels to believers facing their final test. The preacher also mentions a personal story of a young lady seeking the glory of God and the purpose of testing in turning to Him. The sermon concludes with a plea for listeners to actively engage with the tape ministry and to pray for those who receive the tapes.
Complaining
By Jim Cymbala1.1K28:14ComplainingGratitudeOvercoming Complaining1CO 10:1Jim Cymbala emphasizes the dangers of complaining and grumbling, drawing parallels between the Israelites' discontent in the wilderness and the modern believer's tendency to focus on hardships rather than God's faithfulness. He warns that such attitudes can lead to spiritual stagnation and a loss of joy, reminding the congregation that God is always present and provides a way out of temptation. Cymbala encourages believers to replace complaints with praise, highlighting that gratitude can transform our perspective and strengthen our faith. He concludes by urging the church to be vigilant against negativity and to trust in God's promises.
Christian Hope: Warning From God's Word
By Rolfe Barnard67139:53Warning1CO 10:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of finding a true and abiding hope in the word of God. He emphasizes that our complacency and false assurance can hinder us from experiencing this hope. The preacher refers to the parable of the sower in Luke 8 to illustrate the different responses people have to the word of God. He warns against presuming on the goodness of God and allowing our old selves to take precedence over Christ.
False Motives
By George Verwer66953:391CO 10:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the shocking passage of Scripture in 1 Corinthians where 23,000 people fell into immorality in one day. He emphasizes that these were God's people who had experienced His presence and victory in the past. The preacher then highlights three areas that the devil uses to tempt ministers of the gospel: money, pride, and sex. He urges young people to count the cost of following Christ and warns of the dangers of not realizing the power and impact of a committed life for Christ. The sermon concludes with a call to repentance and a plea to continually seek the Lord and not become complacent in our faith.
Church History of Revival
By Richard Sipley5291:00:41Revival1CO 10:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the life of a young man named Francis Bernardon, who lived a life of sin and vice. As a result, he became physically sick and depressed. However, his life took a dramatic turn when he encountered the preaching of George Whitfield, a powerful and dramatic preacher of the word of God. Whitfield's preaching led to the salvation of thousands of people, and his ability to captivate his audience was evident in an incident where Lord Chesterfield was so moved by his sermon that he shouted out in response. The sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding and learning from scriptural and church history as a foundation for believing in revival.
They Drank From the River, Died in the Wilderness, Part 1
By David Ravenhill4344:38OvercomingSelf-ControlSpiritual Longevity1CO 10:1David Ravenhill emphasizes the importance of spiritual longevity over mere fervency in his sermon 'They Drank From the River, Died in the Wilderness, Part 1.' He reflects on the Israelites who experienced God's provision yet failed to reach their promised purpose, drawing parallels to the modern church's need for self-control and purpose. Ravenhill warns that drinking from the spiritual river does not guarantee success, urging believers to move from privilege to purpose. He highlights the necessity of discipline and self-control in the Christian race, reminding the congregation that it is not how one starts but how one finishes that matters.
Is the Blessing Waiting on You?
By Shane Idleman1948:10ObedienceGod's Blessings1CO 10:1Shane Idleman emphasizes that God's blessings often come with conditions, urging the congregation to recognize the importance of obedience in their relationship with God. He highlights that while God's promises are gracious, they require a response from His people, particularly in the context of salvation and spiritual growth. Idleman warns against the dangers of disobedience, which can nullify the blessings God intends for us, and calls for a return to holiness and a deep hunger for righteousness. He encourages believers to seek the filling of the Holy Spirit and to confront sin in their lives, asserting that the blessings of God are waiting for those who are willing to obey. Ultimately, he challenges the church to embrace the truth of God's Word and to live in a way that reflects their commitment to Him.
Caleb the Wholehearted and the Land of Promise
By Tom Macartney0DEU 6:23MAT 13:24ROM 8:171CO 9:241CO 10:1EPH 1:18PHP 3:14PHP 4:192PE 1:10Tom Macartney preaches about the deep concern running through Paul's letters for Christians to realize the greatness of their salvation, the glorious destiny they have been called to, and the infinite resources available to them. Paul's concern includes the challenge that Christians may fail to fully enter into their glorious inheritance, both in the present and future aspects. The sermon emphasizes the importance of learning key spiritual lessons to make progress in the Christian life and to fully possess the inheritance in Christ, drawing parallels between Israel's journey to the Promised Land and the believer's journey to spiritual maturity.
Contrasts Between Law and Grace Teachings
By Lewis Sperry Chafer0ISA 57:15MAT 7:12LUK 24:27JHN 5:24JHN 16:24ROM 12:171CO 10:1GAL 3:26EPH 2:8EPH 4:321PE 5:7Lewis Sperry Chafer preaches about the distinct differences between the principles of law and grace as applied to divine government in humanity, emphasizing the separate and complete systems of divine rule in the law of Moses, teachings of grace, and teachings of the kingdom. He highlights the importance of understanding the unity and continuity of the Scriptures, revealing God's revelation concerning Himself, prophecy fulfillment, union between type and antitype, revelation concerning Satan and evil, doctrine of man and sin, requirement of holiness, and continuity of purpose in God's program throughout the ages.
1 Corinthians 10
By John Nelson Darby0Faith and AssuranceUnity in Christ1CO 10:1John Nelson Darby expounds on 1 Corinthians 10, emphasizing that while the Israelites experienced God's blessings, many were ultimately lost due to disobedience. He warns that outward participation in Christian practices does not guarantee salvation, as true faith must be accompanied by a life that pleases God. Darby illustrates the importance of maintaining assurance in one's faith and the dangers of complacency, drawing parallels between the early church and the Israelites in the wilderness. He highlights the significance of communion and the need for believers to identify with Christ rather than the world, urging a commitment to holiness and unity within the body of Christ.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I would not that ye should be ignorant - It seems as if the Corinthians had supposed that their being made partakers of the ordinances of the Gospel, such as baptism and the Lord's Supper, would secure their salvation, notwithstanding they might be found partaking of idolatrous feasts; as long, at least, as they considered an idol to be nothing in the world. To remove this destructive supposition, which would have led them to endless errors both in principle and practice, the apostle shows that the Jews had sacramental ordinances in the wilderness, similar to those of the Christians; and that, notwithstanding they had the typical baptism from the cloud, and the typical eucharist from the paschal lamb, and the manna that came down from heaven, yet, when they joined with idolaters and partook of idolatrous feasts, God was not only displeased with them, but signified this displeasure by pouring out his judgments upon them, so that in one day 23,000 of them were destroyed. Under the cloud - It is manifest from Scripture that the miraculous cloud in the wilderness performed a three-fold office to the Israelites. 1. It was a cloud in the form of a pillar to direct their journeyings by day. 2. It was a pillar of fire to give light to the camp by night. 3. It was a covering for them during the day, and preserved them from the scorching rays of the sun; and supplied them with a sufficiency of aqueous particles, not only to cool that burning atmosphere, but to give refreshment to themselves and their cattle; and its humidity was so abundant that the apostle here represents the people as thoroughly sprinkled and enveloped in its aqueous vapour. See the note on Exo 13:21.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant,.... The apostle having suggested his own fears and jealousies, lest, notwithstanding all his gifts and grace, he should be left to do anything that might be a means of laying him aside, and rendering him useless in his ministerial work; and which he hints for the use of these Corinthians, who boasted of their knowledge, and made an imprudent use of their Christian liberty, to the hurt of weak minds; he proceeds to lay before them the case of the Jewish fathers, who, notwithstanding the many favours and privileges they were blessed with, yet falling into lust, fornication, intemperance, and idolatry, their carcasses fell in the wilderness, and entered not into the land of rest; wherefore the apostle would not have them be ignorant, or unmindful, or take no notice of these things, since they were for ensamples to them, and written for their admonition, and were warnings to them to take care lest they should also fall: particularly the apostle's view is to dissuade from the eating of things offered to idols, though a thing indifferent, and from their imprudent use of their Christian liberty with respect unto it; since it was not only doing an injury to weak believers, but it likewise exposed themselves to danger, who, by using such freedom as to sit in an idol's temple, and there publicly eat, might be drawn into idolatry itself; nor should they depend upon their knowledge, and gifts, and attainments, since it is clear, from these instances, that the highest external privileges, favours, and enjoyments, cannot secure men from falling: for which purpose it was proper to call to mind, how that all our fathers were under the cloud; which was a symbol of the divine presence with the Israelites, as it was on Mount Sinai, and in the tabernacle and temple; was a protection of them, being in the daytime as a pillar of cloud to screen them from the scorching heat of the sun, and in the night time as a pillar of fire to preserve them from beasts of prey, as well as in both to guide and direct them in the way; and was a type of Christ, who is a covert from the heat, as well as the wind and storm; a protection of his people from the vindictive justice and wrath of God, and from the rage and fury of men and devils. This also might express the state and condition of the former dispensation, which was dark and obscure in comparison of the present one, in which saints, with open face, behold the glory of the Lord; and likewise the state of the people of God in this world, even under the present dispensation, who, in comparison of the heavenly glory, and the beatific vision the saints enjoy there see but through a glass darkly. This cloud, which is sometimes represented as a pillar, was not an erect solid body, which was at some distance before the Israelites, and merely as a guide, but was all around them; it was before them, and behind them, and on each side, and was over them; see Num 14:14 so that the apostle rightly says they were under it. And to distant beholders in the daytime it looked like a pillar of cloud; and in the nighttime, the sun being down, it looked like a pillar of fire; for one and the same thing is meant by both and so the Jews say (z), that "the pillar of cloud, encompassed the camp of Israel, as a wall encompasses a city, nor could the enemy come at them.'' Hence those allusions to it in Isa 4:5. The Jews indeed speak of several clouds of glory; nor are they agreed about the number of them: "when the people of Israel were travelling in the wilderness, they say (a), they had clouds of glory, "that surrounded them", four at the four winds of the world, that the evil eye might not rule over them, "and one above them", that the heat and sun, as also the hail and rain, might not have power over them; and one below them, which carried them as a nurse carrieth her sucking child in her bosom; and another ran before them at the distance of three days' journey, to level the mountains, and elevate the plains, and it slew all the fiery serpents and scorpions in the wilderness.'' And elsewhere (b) it is said, "how many were the clouds of glory, "that encompassed Israel" in the wilderness? R. Hoshea and R. Josiah are divided. R. Josiah says five, four at the four winds, and one went before them. R. Hoshea says seven, four at the four winds of the heavens, and one "above them", and one below them, and one ran before them;'' to which he ascribes the above effects: but the Scripture speaks but of one cloud, which departed at the death of Moses: and all passed through the sea; the Red sea, in a very miraculous manner; Moses by a divine order lift up his rod, and stretched out his hand over it, and the Lord by a strong east wind caused it to go back, and made it dry land; the waters were divided, and rose up as a wall, on the right hand, and on the left, so that the children of Israel passed through it on dry ground, and all came safe to shore, and not one perished; and yet but two of these entered into the land of Canaan. Origen (c) says, "he had heard it as a tradition from the ancients, that in the passage through the sea, to every tribe of Israel were made separate divisions of water, and that every tribe had its own way open in the sea.'' And indeed this is a tradition of the Jews, whom he means by the ancients, or at least such who had received it from them; by which it appears to be a very ancient one. "R. Eliezer says (d), that in the day in which the waters flowed, and were congealed together, there were twelve paths made, according to the twelve tribes, and the waters became a wall.'' The same is related, by others (e): Mahomet has it in his Alcoran (f), in which he was assisted by a Jew, and from whom he doubtless had it. He observes, it was said to Moses, "smite the sea with thy rod, and when he had smitten it, it became divided into twelve parts, between which were as many paths, and every part was like a vast mountain.'' But be this as it will, it is certain that they all passed through it, and came safe to shore. (z) Pirke Eliezer, c. 44. (a) Targum in Cant. 2. 6. (b) Bemidbar Rabba, sect. 1. fol. 177. 1, 2. (c) Homil. 5. in Exod. fol. 37. col. 3. E. (d) Pirke Eiiezer, c. 42. (e) Maimon. & Bartenora in Pirke Abot, c. 5. sect. 4. (f) C. 26. p. 304. Ed. Sale.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
In order to dissuade the Corinthians from communion with idolaters, and security in any sinful course, he sets before them the example of the Jews, the church under the Old Testament. They enjoyed great privileges, but, having been guilty of heinous provocations, they fell under very grievous punishments. In these verses he reckons up their privileges, which, in the main, were the same with ours. I. He prefaces this discourse with a note of regard: "Moreover, brethren, I would not that you should be ignorant. I would not have you without the knowledge of this matter; it is a thing worthy both of your knowledge and attention. It is a history very instructive and monitory." Judaism was Christianity under a veil, wrapt up in types and dark hints. The gospel was preached to them, in their legal rites and sacrifices. And the providence of God towards them, and what happened to them notwithstanding these privileges, may and ought to be warnings to us. II. He specifies some of their privileges. He begins, 1. With their deliverance from Egypt: "Our fathers, that is, the ancestors of us Jews, were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea. They were all under the divine covering and conduct." The cloud served for both purposes: it sometimes contracted itself into a cloudy pillar, shining on one side to show them their way, dark on the other to hide them from their pursuing enemies; and sometimes spread itself over them as a mighty sheet, to defend them from the burning sun in the sandy desert, Psa 105:39. They were miraculously conducted through the Red Sea, where the pursuing Egyptians were drowned: it was a lane to them, but a grave to these: a proper type of our redemption by Christ, who saves us by conquering and destroying his enemies and ours. They were very dear to God, and much in his favour, when he would work such miracles for their deliverance, and take them so immediately under his guidance and protection. 2. They had sacraments like ours. (1.) They were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud, and in the sea (Co1 10:2), or into Moses, that is, brought under obligation to Moses's law and covenant, as we are by baptism under the Christian law and covenant. It was to them a typical baptism. (2.) They did all eat of the same spiritual meat, and drink of the same spiritual drink, that we do. The manna on which they fed was a type of Christ crucified, the bread which came down from heaven, which whoso eateth shall live forever. Their drink was a stream fetched from a rock which followed them in all their journeyings in the wilderness; and this rock was Christ, that is, in type and figure. He is the rock on which the Christian church is built; and of the streams that issue from him do all believers drink, and are refreshed. Now all the Jews did eat of this meat, and drink of this rock, called here a spiritual rock, because it typified spiritual things. These were great privileges. One would think that this should have saved them; that all who ate of that spiritual meat, and drank of that spiritual drink, should have been holy and acceptable to God. Yet was it otherwise: With many of them God was not well pleased; for they were overthrown in the wilderness, Co1 10:5. Note, Men may enjoy many and great spiritual privileges in this world, and yet come short of eternal life. Many of those who were baptized unto Moses in the cloud and sea, that is, had their faith of his divine commission confirmed by these miracles, were yet overthrown in the wilderness, and never saw the promised land. Let none presume upon their great privileges, or profession of the truth; these will not secure heavenly happiness, nor prevent judgments here on earth, except the root of the matter be in us.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
10:1-22 After illustrating from his own life the key principle of giving up one’s rights for the sake of others (ch 9), Paul turns back to the specific question of eating meat sacrificed to idols (8:1-13). He warns believers of God’s wrath on those who sin, especially on those who engage in idolatry. 10:1-11 Even though the Israelites were God’s people and experienced his salvation and provision (see Exod 13:21-22; 14:21-29), they still came under his judgment because of their disobedience.