Exodus 12:29 - Frederick Brotherton Meyer's Commentary

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the First-born of Egypt Slain

Exodus 12:29-36

It was night, the time for peace, rest and silence. None anticipated evil, unless some few among the Egyptians had begun to believe in the veracity of Moses, that man of God. Suddenly, without warning, there was death everywhere. Death can enter the palace, elude the sentinels, pass locked doors, and smite the son of Pharaoh; while the lowly obscurity of the woman grinding corn and the captive in the dungeon, will not save them from his blow. There is no difference between us all in the fact of our sinnership, or the inevitableness of penalty, unless redeemed, as Israel was, by sacrifice.

Pharaoh's surrender was complete. Children? Yes! Flocks and herds? Yes! There was also a great popular uprising, and the people readily supplied the Israelites with whatever they asked-their wages for long unpaid servitude. They went forth as a triumphant host, “more than conquerors” through Him who loved them.

Related Commentaries of Exodus 12:29

Exodus 12:29-36

29 And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon;g and all the firstborn of cattle.

30 And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for there was not a house where there was not one dead.

31 And he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, Rise up, and get you forth from among my people, both ye and the children of Israel; and go, serve the LORD, as ye have said.

32 Also take your flocks and your herds, as ye have said, and be gone; and bless me also.

33 And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We be all dead men.

34 And the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneadingtroughsh being bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders.

35 And the children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment:

36 And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians.