Thus saith the LORD, The people [which were] left of the sword found grace in the wilderness; [even] Israel, when I went to cause him to rest.
Ver. 2. The people that were left of the sword.] Of Pharaoh's sword, who pursued them; and though he smote them not, because the Lord kept him off, yet he is said to have done it: a like as Balak afterwards "arose and fought against Israel," Jos 24:9 he had a mind so to have done, but that he was overawed: he did not indeed, because he dared not.
When I went to bring him to rest,] i.e., To the land of Canaan, after so long trouble and travel. I effected that then, though it were held improbable or impossible: so will I do this promised reduction of my people from Babylon.
a Fieri dicitur quod tentatur aut intenditur.