For I spoke not unto your fathers, nor commanded them in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, concerning burnt offerings or sacrifices:
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George Leo Haydock
AD 1849
I commanded them not: viz., such sacrifices as the Jews at this time offered without obedience; which was the thing principally commanded: so that in comparison with it, the offering of the holocausts and sacrifices was of small account. (Challoner)
The observance of the decalogue would suffice. Victims were to teach internal piety, Leviticus i. (Worthington)
God "brought them out of Egypt, not for the sake of their sacrifices, but that they might. Hear his word. "(St. Iren us, iv. 17.)
This was the principal design. See Matthew ix. 13., and Osee vi. 6., and 1 Corinthians i. 17. (Maldon at) (Menochius) (Calmet)
The rules for sacrifices were given after the adoration of the calf, as necessary preservatives against idolatry. (St. Thomas Aquinas, i. 2. q. 102. a. 3.)
Yet the paschal lamb, had been already commanded. (Calmet)
Many such absolute expressions imply a condition or comparison. (Gloss.) (Proverbs viii. 10.)
I brought. Several manuscripts read thus more accurately than the Hebrew, "He brought "(Kennicott) which Protestants abandon, (Haydock) though the present reading may stand. (Chappel.) (Crat.)
Every variation should be noticed, as this and the former verse "seem greatly corrupted; perhaps the Syriac version will be the best guide to their true meaning. "(Kennicott)
Yet the passage is sufficiently intelligible in the Vulgate and Septuagint.
