Exodus 12:31
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Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron by night and said, “Get up, leave my people, both you and the Israelites! Go, worship the LORD as you have requested.
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 ↗12:31–14:31 The Lord delivered on his promises and rescued Israel, bringing them out of Egypt. 12:31-33 The same Pharaoh who had said that Moses would never again see his face and live (see 10:28) now asked for Moses to come and see him. Just as God had predicted, Pharaoh then ordered the Israelites to leave his land. He implicitly recognized the Lord’s power as he asked Moses to bless him. He never formally admitted that the Lord is God and that he, Pharaoh, was not.
Open source ↗Cross-references
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But the LORD said to Moses, “Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh, for because of My mighty hand he will let the people go; because of My strong hand he will drive them out of his land.”
Egypt was glad when they departed, for the dread of Israel had fallen on them.
“We will go with our young and old,” Moses replied. “We will go with our sons and daughters, and with our flocks and herds, for we must hold a feast to the LORD.”
Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, “Pray to the LORD to take the frogs away from me and my people. Then I will let your people go, that they may sacrifice to the LORD.”
And all these officials of yours will come and bow before me, saying, ‘Go, you and all the people who follow you!’ After that, I will depart.” And hot with anger, Moses left Pharaoh’s presence.