Commentary on Harmony of the Law Volume 1 Complete John Calvin (continued)
JOHN CALVIN
up the hand, means to swear; a similitude taken from men, who, by this gesture, testify that they speak in the sight of God, as if they would call Him down as a witness from heaven. This is not applicable to God, who swears by Himself, because there is none greater to whom He may lift His hand, (Hebrews 6:13;) but, metaphorically, the custom of men is transferred to Him. As to the insertion, that "they should know that He was the Lord," after they had been brought forth, it contains an indirect rebuke; since that knowledge is too late which comes after the event. But at the same time, He promises that He would cause them openly to experience how true He is in all His sayings, that the Israelites may more constantly expect their redemption. Repeating at the close that He is Jehovah, He magnifies (as He had just before done) His invincible power, which easily surmounts all impediments; whilst this expression also contains a testimony to His truth, as if He had said that He alone can be safely trusted to, because He is both faithful in His promises and possessed of infinite power.
Exodus 6:9-13
9. And Moses spake so unto the children of Israel: but they hearkened not unto Moses for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage.
9. Et ita loquutus est Moses ad filios Israel: sed non audierunt Mosen prae angustia spiritus, et prae dura servitute.
10. And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,
10. Loquutus autem est Jehova ad Mosen, dicens,
11. Go in, speak unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, that he let the children of Israel go out of his land.
11. Ingredere et Ioquere ad Pharaonem regem Aegypti, ut dimittat filios Israel e terra sua.
12. And Moses spake before the Lord, saying, Behold, the children of Israel have not hearkened unto me; how then shall Pharaoh hear me, who am of uncircumcised lips?
12. Tunc loquutus est Moses coram Jehovah, dicendo, Ecce, filii Israel non audierunt me: et quomodo audiet me Pharao qui sum incircumcisus labiis?