Commentary on Harmony of the Law Volume 1 Complete John Calvin
HARMONY OF THE LAW · VOLUME 1
Red Sea. By the Hebrews it is calledסוף,123 suph, either from the reeds or rushes with which it abounds, or from its whirlwinds; since this word is used in Scripture in both senses.124 If, therefore, you choose to translate it into Latin it must be called "Mare algosum et junceum," or "turbinosum." (The weedy and rushy sea, or the tempestuous sea.) But, since there is something monstrous and incredible in such raving obstinacy, it is expressly stated that his heart was hardened by God; that we may learn to tremble at that terrible judgment, when the wicked, seized by a spirit of madness, do not hesitate to provoke more and more that God whose name overwhelms them with terror.
Exodus 10:21-29
21. And the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt.
21. Tunc dixit Jehova ad Mosen, Extende manum tuam in coelum, ut sint tenebrae super terram Aegypti, et palpet tenebras, (vel, et palpentur tenebrae.)
22. And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days:
22. Et extendit Moses manum suam in coelum: et fuerunt tenebrae caliginosae in tota terra Aegypti tribus diebus.
23. They saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days: but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.
23. Non videbat alter alterum, neque surrexerunt quisque e loco suo tribus diebus: at omnibus filiis Israel erat lux in habitaculis suis.
סוף, sea-weed,סופה, or tempest. In Luther's German, Schilfmeer preserves the original meaning of the Hebrew name for the Red Sea. — W.
Addition in Fr., "C'est par ou les enfans d' Israel ont depuis passe comme nous verrons;" the children of Israel afterwards passed through it, as we shall see.