Things. Septuagint, “therefore by similar things they,” &c. (Haydock) — The Egyptians were punished for their idolatry by beasts, though they worshipped them, (Haydock) being infested with insects, frogs, locusts, &c., (chap. xii. 23., and Exodus viii., and x.; Calmet) and seeing their first-born perish for their cruelty. (Worthington)
Meat. The second time, God gave them in his anger: but still he dealt favourably with his people, (Exodus xvi. 13., and Numbers xi. 7.; Calmet) punishing them as a father, for their amendment. (Worthington)
They indeed desiring food, &c. He means the Egyptians; who were restrained even from that food which was necessary, by the frogs and the flies that were sent amongst them, and spoiled all their meats. (Challoner) — Exodus viii. 3. (Calmet) — These. The Israelites. (Challoner) — New meat. Quails. (Menochius)
Sign of salvation. The brazen serpent, an emblem of Christ our Saviour; (Challoner) and of the obedience which they should shew to God’s commands. (Calmet) — The sign could have no inherent value; but, as a token of God’s favour, was the means of curing the people. (Worthington)
Plaster, malagma. The remedy ordained by God was not naturally efficacious. (Calmet) — “Every wound of the soul has its medicine in the Scriptures.” (St. Augustine, Psalm xxxvi.)
The fire had more force. Viz., When the fire and hail mingled together laid waste the land of Egypt, Exodus ix. (Challoner) — This destroyed the useful cattle, but not such as infested the Egyptians. (Worthington) — The water seemed to nourish the flames, 3 Kings xviii. 39.
Mitigated. The Egyptians could not banish the insects with fire and smoke, (Jansenius) or the storm sent by God, did not exterminate the sciniphs, which had caused the magicians to acknowledge a miracle, Exodus viii. 18. The frogs and flies were already gone, Ibid.[Exodus viii.?] 11., and 31. (Calmet)
Angels. See Exodus xvi. (Worthington) — If angels stood in need of food, they could have nothing more delicious. So water is styled honey, to denote its excellence, Psalm lxxvii. 25., Leviticus xx. 24., and Joel iii. 18. — Taste. These expressions are figurative. (Calmet)