‘You have seen for yourselves what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself.
God recalled His tremendous power against Egypt and His marvelous care through the wilderness to move the people toward obedience. He had made war on a mighty king and devastated a fertile land for the sake of despised slaves, there was no dignity in them that should have incited Him to act. The eagle figure magnifies their difficulties and commends His grace; eagles lift their young to great heights and teach them to look at the sun, so the people were carried above the clouds on the wings of God.
AI summary
God set up His pavilion on a barren mountaintop in the wilderness, not in any city or palace men had built, and thus put contempt upon all our magnificence. The Israelites reckoned on a three days' journey to sacrifice, yet took nearly two months; we are always miscounting the time such things require.
AI summary
Commenting on Exodus 19:1-8
They were eyewitnesses of the plagues and the Red Sea destruction, so they had certain proof of His power and lay under obligation to obey. When He says He bare them on eagles' wings, He means as on eagles' wings, the eagle excels all birds in strength and is most affectionate to its young, carrying it swiftly and safely where it will. God used this creature's own nature to picture His care for them.
AI summary