Moses Canaan. In the case of Moses it is the more startling, because
heights of Kirjath-Arba in the distance, and perhaps the rising tablelands around Beersheba. Eastward, he sees the forests and pastures of Ammon, already, in part, under the dominion of Israel. The whole compass of the land he is permitted to gaze upon, that he may have a taste of Israel's long-promised inheritance. And Oh, with what intensity of gaze and yearning of spirit must he have viewed that fair expanse of scene!
Thus far grace condescends, shewing us to what lengths God can go, in answering prayer, even when a purpose of his own stands in the way. How rich must have been that taste of grace to Moses, after the refusal he had received! How deep his sense of the parental tenderness, the loving condescension, indicated in this! The denial of the request seems only to furnish a new opportunity for a manifestation of love, tenderer and more indulgent, than could have been given by the granting of the prayer. What an indulged and favoured child does Moses seem, even in this very scene of apparent sternness! O love that passeth knowledge! O condescension of God, to what depths of indulgent tenderness wilt thou not stoop!
Take these three closing lessons.
1. What one sin can do.—One sin cost Adam Paradise; one sin costs Moses Canaan. In the case of Moses it is the more startling, because it is a forgiven sin, and he is a forgiven sinner. His sin is forgiven, yet it leaves a stain behind it; it traces a testimony to its unutterable evil on the person of the sinner. It could not cost him the heavenly inheritance; the everlasting covenant and God's electing love had secured that unconditionally and indefeasibly. But it costs him the earthly: for God must give public testimony against a sin publicly committed. O saint, give heed to thy ways! Thy inconsistencies may cost thee dear. They cannot close the kingdom on you; the blood that bought you has bought the kingdom for you: but they may bring you down to a lower level; they may dim the lustre of your raiment; they may take out some of the gems of your diadem. O man of God,