For I didn’t speak to your fathers or command them in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt concerning burnt offerings or sacrifices;
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 22. I commanded them not: that is such sacrifices as the Jews at this time offered without obedience; which was the thing principally commanded: so that in comparison with it, the offering of the holocausts and sacrifices was of small account. Challoner.—The observance of the decalogue would suffice. Victims were to teach internal piety. Leviticus 1. Worthington.—God “brought them out of Egypt, not for the sake of their sacrifices, but that they might … hear his word.” S. Iræn. iv. 17.—This was the principal design. See Matthew 9:13. Os. 6:6 and 1 Corinthians 1:17. Maldon. Menochius. Calmet.—The rules for sacrifices were given after the adoration of the calf, as necessary preservatives against idolatry. Saint Thomas Aquinas i. 2. q. 102. a. 3.—Yet the paschal lamb, and so forth had been already commanded. Calmet.—Many such absolute expressions imply a condition or comparison. Gloss. Proverbs 8:10.—I brought. Several MSS. read thus more accurately than the Hebrew “He brought,” (Ken.) which Prot. abandon, ( Bible.) though the present reading may stand. Chappel. Crat.—Every variation should be noticed, as this and the former verse “seem greatly corrupted; perhaps the Syr. version will be the best guide to their true meaning.” Kennicott.—Yet the passage is sufficiently intelligible in the Vulg. and Sept.