“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.”
Context:The book of Exodus recounts the story of the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt. The initial chapters of Exodus describe the oppression and hardship faced by the Israelites under Pharaoh’s rule. God raised up Moses as their deliverer, and through a series of miraculous plagues, He compelled Pharaoh to let the Israelites go. The tenth and final plague was the death of the firstborn in Egypt, which is the context for Exodus 12:33.
Biblical Analysis:
- Urgency for the Israelites’ departure:The verse describes the Egyptians as being “urgent upon the people” to leave the land quickly. This sudden urgency arose because the Egyptians witnessed the devastating effects of the tenth plague, which resulted in the death of every firstborn in Egypt, including Pharaoh’s own son. The Egyptians recognised that the God of the Israelites had brought about this judgment and realised the gravity of the situation. They were fearful and desperate for the Israelites to leave their land.
- Acknowledgment of impending death:The Egyptians express their fear by saying, “We be all dead men.” They believed that if the Israelites did not leave promptly, they too would experience the same fate as their firstborn children. This acknowledgment indicates their recognition of the Israelites’ God as a powerful and just deity capable of executing severe judgments.
- Fulfillment of God’s promise:The urgency displayed by the Egyptians serves as a fulfillment of God’s promise to free the Israelites from their bondage in Egypt. In Exodus 3:20-22, God had foretold that the Israelites would plunder the Egyptians before their departure, and now the Egyptians, desperate to see the Israelites leave, offered them valuables and provisions as a way of hastening their departure. This fulfillment highlights God’s sovereignty and faithfulness to His promises.
Spiritual Application:
The passage teaches us several spiritual lessons:
- God’s power and judgment:Exodus 12:33 reminds us of the awesome power of God and His ability to execute judgments. The Egyptians’ recognition of impending death signifies the consequences of rebellion against God. It serves as a reminder that God’s justice will prevail, and His judgments are righteous.
- God’s faithfulness:The fulfillment of God’s promise to free the Israelites demonstrates His unwavering faithfulness. God keeps His word and remains true to His covenant. We can trust in God’s promises, knowing that He will fulfil them in His perfect timing.
- Urgency to respond to God’s call:Just as the Egyptians urgently wanted the Israelites to depart, we should also respond with urgency to God’s call. When God beckons us to follow Him or fulfil a specific purpose, we should not delay or procrastinate. Instead, we should heed His call promptly and wholeheartedly.
- God’s deliverance from bondage:The Israelites’ liberation from slavery serves as a symbol of God’s deliverance. It reminds us that God can set us free from any form of bondage, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. We can trust in His power to bring about liberation and provide a way to escape our circumstances.
In summary, Exodus 12:33 portrays the urgency for the Israelites to leave Egypt following the tenth plague. The Egyptians, fearing further consequences, recognised the severity of the situation and hastened the Israelites’ departure. This passage reminds us of God’s power, His faithfulness to His promises, and the importance of responding promptly to His call. It also emphasises God’s ability to deliver us from bondage.
