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, (Haydock) as the Church is holy, and has always some saints in her society. Out of it there is no sanctity. (Worthington)
Therefore. “Instead of those things, ” (Greek) darkness and complaints, (Haydock) God led away his people in triumph. (Habacuc iii. 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)
Was. Literally, “began.” (Haydock) — 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. (Haydock)
One child. Viz., Moses. (Challoner) — He was preserved to be the leader of the Hebrews, when the Egyptians were drowned (Worthington) in the Red Sea. (Menochius)
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 iv. 22., and xi. 4. (Calmet)
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. (Haydock) — Fathers. Abraham, &c. 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)
Noblest. The first-born (Challoner) of Pharao, and those of slaves and cattle, were slain, Exodus xii. (Calmet)
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 insinuated his coming, when the world should enjoy a profound peace, though buried in the darkness of ignorance. (Worthington)