Historical chapter commentary
Verse 1. Their. The Hebrews’ ( Menochius.) or rather the Egyptians’ voice. The land of Gossen was preserved from these horrors, ( Calmet.) though such Egyptians as might be found there, were exposed to them; and their dismal lamentations made the people of God appreciate their own happiness. They are styled saints, ( Bible.) as the Church is holy, and has always some saints in her society. Out of it there is no sanctity. Worthington.
Verse 3. Therefore. “Instead of those things,” (Gr.) darkness and complaints, ( Bible.) God led away his people in triumph. Habakkuk 3:3.—A harmless sun. A light that should not hurt or molest them; but that should be an agreeable guest to them; ( Challoner.) or the desert should receive them, where they should be provided with food. Menochius.
Verse 4. Was. Lit. “began.” Bible.—In Egypt, the Hebrews themselves were unacquainted with the law, which was given at their arrival at Sinai, and by means of the Greek version, and the propagation of the gospel, it was more divulged. Calmet.—The unwritten law was, however, better preserved in that nation, than in any other: and the Jews were selected, in order that they might communicate the treasure to all. Bible.
Verse 5. One child. that is Moses. Challoner.—He was preserved to be the leader of the Hebrews, when the Egyptians were drowned ( Worthington.) in the Red Sea. Menochius.
Verse 6. Fathers. God had assured the patriarchs, that he would visit his people, and Moses had told them what would take place, during the night of their deliverance. Exodus 4:22 and 11:4. Calmet.
Verse 9. Men. The patriarchs. Their children, the Israelites, offered in private the sacrifice of the paschal lamb; and were regulating what they were to do in their journey, when that last and most dreadful plague was coming upon their enemies. Challoner.—Alike. The feast was a bond of union with God and their neighbour, ( Calmet.) and the Hebrews resolved to be always true to one another both in prosperity and adversity. Bible.—Fathers. Abraham, and so forth Songs usually accompanied feasts, and the promises made to the patriarchs filled the Hebrews with confidence that they would shortly take possession of Chanaan. Calmet.
Verse 12. Noblest. The first-born ( Challoner.) of Pharao, and those of slaves and cattle, were slain. Exodus 12. Calmet.
Verse 14. Course. This description of the decree, or angel of the Lord, is most magnificent. The Church applies it to Christ’s nativity, who is thought to have been born at midnight. Calmet.—It insinuates his coming, when the world should enjoy a profound peace, though buried in the darkness of ignorance. Worthington.
Verse 17. Visions. These informed the Egyptians, that their miseries were not to be attributed to any natural cause. The dying proclaimed the same, as Moses had done. Exodus 11:4.
Verse 23. Living. Whom the angel was prevented from attacking. Numbers 16:47. Calmet.
Verse 24. Priestly. Lit. robe of the poderis, ( Bible.) “reaching down to the feet,” and made of sky-blue linen, with pomegranates and bells at the bottom. Calmet.—The colours represented the four elements. Bible.—See Saint Jerome ep. cxxviii. Joseph. iii. 8.—Fathers. The twelve descendants of Jacob, whose names appeared in the stones of the breast-plate. Exodus 28:17.—Majesty. On a golden plate worn by the high priest on his forehead, was inscribed “Holiness to the Lord.” Ib. 36. Calmet.—Sanctitas Jehova. Menochius.
Verse 25. Afraid. Or shewed a regard for them. Bible.—Great is the power of a saint, of holy vestments, and of prayer. Menochius.—Enough. God did not intend to exterminate his people, as he had done the first-born of Egypt. Calmet.