They spoiled the Egyptians— So long ago as in the time of Abraham, this event had been foretold, Genesis 15:14. See Psalms 105:37. See also Waterland's Scripture vindicated, par. 2: p. 9.
REFLECTIONS.—Observe,
1. Heavy the dreadful stroke descends. At midnight the destroyer comes: one awful groan awakens every family, and one united dolorous cry echoes through the land. What guilty sinner need not tremble at the thought of such a dread surprise? He that closes his eyes each night upon his bed in unrepented sin, is in danger of lifting them up before morning in the torments of hell.
2. Pharaoh hastens to thrust them out. Death is at his door: he trembles for himself; at midnight they must be gone; he cannot rest till they have departed: and now he seeks their blessing, whom late with imprecations he had driven from his presence on pain of death. Note; The day is coming, when men will value the prayers of those whom once they reviled. Pharaoh's people are in the same mind. The death which had begun, strikes them with a panic, lest it should be universal. Note; Nothing shocks a sinner so much, as near views of death: but whether they see it or no, every impenitent sinner is a dead man.
3. To get rid of their company, the Egyptians are glad to part with their gold, their jewels, and vessels. When life is at stake, our goods appear insignificant things. Israel thus, as servants, receive their wages; and, as conquerors, divide the spoil. It was a high act of justice from God, and they had his special order for their proceedings.