“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.”
This verse is part of the account of the final plague and the subsequent deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt. To understand the significance of Exodus 12:31, it is helpful to provide some context.
In the book of Exodus, the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt for many years. God raised up Moses as their leader and sent him to confront Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, with a demand to let the people go. Pharaoh repeatedly refused to release the Israelites, and as a result, God sent ten devastating plagues upon Egypt.
Exodus 12 describes the final and most severe plague, known as the plague of the firstborn. God announced that He would strike down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both among humans and animals. However, the Israelites were instructed to take a lamb, sacrifice it, and apply its blood to the doorposts of their homes. This act of faith would signify their trust in God’s protection and spare their firstborn from death.
In Exodus 12:31, after the plague of the firstborn struck Egypt, Pharaoh finally called for Moses and Aaron. It was a moment of urgency and desperation, as the loss of their firstborn had deeply affected the Egyptians. Pharaoh recognized the power of the God of Israel and realised that he could no longer resist His command.
Pharaoh’s command to Moses and Aaron was to “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.” Pharaoh acknowledged the request that Moses had repeatedly made on behalf of the Israelites, asking to be released so they could worship and serve the Lord in the wilderness.
This verse marks a significant turning point in the story of the Israelites’ deliverance from Egypt. Pharaoh, overwhelmed by the devastating plague and the loss it brought upon his people, finally relented and granted permission for the Israelites to leave.
The events following this verse include the Israelites hastily preparing for their departure, observing the Passover feast, and ultimately embarking on their journey toward the Promised Land.
