The LORD made not this covenant with our fathers, but with us, even us, who are all of us here alive this day.
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Eusebius of Caesarea
AD 339
See how distinctly he alludes to this [Mosaic] covenant when he says God did not give the same covenant to their fathers [Abraham and Noah]. For if he had said that absolutely no covenant was given to their fathers it would have been a false statement. For Holy Scripture testifies that a covenant of some kind was given both to Abraham and Noah. And so Moses adds that one “not the same” was given to their fathers. This points to that other greater and glorious covenant, by which all of these were shown forth as friends of God.
Fathers, the ancient patriarchs, who were not favoured in such a signal manner. (Menochius)
Though many of those who had heard the words of God at Horeb, were dead, and had not enjoyed the full benefit of the covenant, some still remained, and the children of the deceased were about to enter the land which had been there promised. (Haydock)
God did not make a covenant with the Patriarchs only, but also with their posterity at Horeb. (Du Hamel)
