52:12 not . . . haste. The contrast is with the exodus from Egypt. Ex. 12:11 and Deut. 16:3 are the only other passages where this phrase occurs.

before you . . . rear guard. An allusion to the pillar of cloud and fire that protected Israel in their flight from Egypt (42:16; 58:8; Ex. 13:21, 22; 14:19, 20). God’s presence guides His people into the fullness and brilliance of His everlasting kingdom (4:5, 6; 49:10).