A prophet. — He is here left nameless, but Jewish legend says that he was Phinehas, the son of Eleazar. Their Hagadah (legendary information) generally enables them to name these nameless prophets. Thus they say that the prophet who came to Bethel was Iddo (1 Kings 13), and that the young man who anointed Jehu was Jonah.
Unto the children of Israel. — Perhaps assembled at some solemn feast, like the Passover.
I brought you up. — With the prophet’s message compare Judges 2:1-3; 2 Kings 17:36-38.
Out of the house of bondage. — A clear reference to Exodus 20:2. (Comp. Psalms 44:1-2.)