Exodus 12:12
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On that night I will pass through the land of Egypt and strike down every firstborn male, both man and beast, and I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
This chapter gives an account of one of the most memorable ordinances, and one of the most memorable providences, of all that are recorded in the Old Testament. I. Not one of all the ordinances of the Jewish church was more eminent than that of the passover, nor is any one more frequently mentioned in the New Testament; and we have here an account of the institution to it. The ordinance consisted of three parts: - 1. The killing and eating of the paschal lamb (Exo 12:1-6, Exo 12:8-11). 2. The sprinkling of the blood upon the door-posts, spoken of as a distinct thing (Heb 11:28), and peculiar to this first passover (Exo 12:7), with the reason for it (Exo 12:13). 3. The feast of unleavened bread for seven days following; this points rather at what was to be done afterwards, in the observance of this ordinance (Exo 12:14-20). This institution is communicated to the people, and they are instructed in the observance, (1.) Of this first passover (Exo 12:21-23). (2.) Of the after passovers (Exo 12:24-27). And the Israelites' obedience to these orders (Exo 12:28). II. Not one of all the providences of God concerning the Jewish church was more illustrious, or is more frequently mentioned, than the deliverance of the children of Israel out of Egypt. 1. The firstborn of the Egyptians are slain (Exo 12:29, Exo 12:30). 2. Orders are given immediately for their discharge (Exo 12:31-33). 3. They begin their march. (1.) Loaded with their own effects (Exo 12:34). (2.) Enriched with the spoils of Egypt (Exo 12:35, Exo 12:36). (3.) Attended with a mixed multitude (Exo 12:37, Exo 12:38). (4.) Put to their shifts for present supply (Exo 12:39). The event is dated (Exo 12:40-42). Lastly, A recapitulation in the close, [1.] Of this memorable ordinance, with some additions (Exo 12:43-49). [2.]…
Open source ↗12:12 The plagues were primarily the Lord’s judgment against all the gods of Egypt (see also Num 33:4).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
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who were burying all their firstborn, whom the LORD had struck down among them; for the LORD had executed judgment against their gods.
I have said, ‘You are gods; you are all sons of the Most High.’
When the LORD passes through to strike down the Egyptians, He will see the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe and will pass over that doorway; so He will not allow the destroyer to enter your houses and strike you down.
The LORD will be terrifying to them when He starves all the gods of the earth. Then the nations of every shore will bow in worship to Him, each in its own place.
God presides in the divine assembly; He renders judgment among the gods:
This is the burden against Egypt: Behold, the LORD rides on a swift cloud; He is coming to Egypt. The idols of Egypt will tremble before Him, and the hearts of the Egyptians will melt within them.
He will demolish the sacred pillars of the temple of the sun in the land of Egypt, and he will burn down the temples of the gods of Egypt.’”
God also told Moses, “I am the LORD.
But I will spare a few of them from sword and famine and plague, so that in the nations to which they go, they can recount all their abominations. Then they will know that I am the LORD.”
There will be wailing in all the vineyards, for I will pass through your midst,” says the LORD.