Ver. 36. Out of heaven he made thee to hear,—and upon earth he shewed thee— God is said to dwell in light inaccessible, and full of glory: i.e. his throne is encompassed with such splendours, as would be insufferable to mortals, though they constitute a part of the glorious beatific vision of the celestial inhabitants. Now Moses here puts the Israelites in mind, that God had vouchsafed to communicate to them somewhat of this happiness, shewing them even upon earth his great or wonderful fire; some rays or glimpses of that transcendant brightness with which he is said to clothe himself, and which shines out in all its glory to the angels and saints in light.
We must not wonder that mention is so frequently made of their deliverance from Egypt; for this was the highest national benefit, and in some sort the basis and commencement of their republic.