Exodus 12:31

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he called {H7121} for Moses {H4872} and Aaron {H175} by night {H3915}, and said {H559}, Rise up {H6965}, and get you forth {H3318} from among {H8432} my people {H5971}, both ye and the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}; and go {H3212}, serve {H5647} the LORD {H3068}, as ye have said {H1696}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He summoned Moshe and Aharon by night and said, "Up and leave my people, both you and the people of Isra'el; and go, serve ADONAI as you said.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

And he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, Rise up, get you forth from among my people, both ye and the children of Israel; and go, serve Jehovah, as ye have said.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 12:31 captures the dramatic and definitive moment of Israel's liberation, as Pharaoh, utterly broken by the devastating tenth plague, urgently summons Moses and Aaron by night. His command for the immediate departure of all Israelites—men, women, and children—signifies his complete capitulation to Yahweh's power and the fulfillment of God's long-standing promise to deliver His people for the purpose of worship. This verse stands as the climax of the plagues, marking the irreversible turning point from centuries of bondage to the dawn of national freedom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse immediately follows the catastrophic tenth and final plague, the [death of the firstborn throughout Egypt](/exodus/12-29 "Exodus 12:29 - The Tenth Plague: Death of the Firstborn"). After nine prior plagues and Pharaoh's persistent defiance and hardening of heart, this ultimate judgment shatters his resistance. The urgency conveyed by "by night" underscores the immediate and overwhelming impact of God's judgment, leaving no room for further negotiation or delay. The narrative then swiftly moves to describe the Israelites' rapid departure, laden with Egyptian wealth, as God had promised, setting the stage for their [journey through the wilderness](/exodus/13 "Exodus 13 - The Beginning of the Exodus Journey"). This verse is the direct answer to God's initial command to Moses to "let my people go, that they may serve me" ([Exodus 7:16](/exodus/7-16 "Exodus 7:16 - God's Command to Pharaoh")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Egypt, the pharaoh was revered as a divine king, the living embodiment of Horus, and the supreme ruler whose word was absolute law. Pharaoh's stubborn refusal to release Israel was not merely a political stance but a profound theological challenge to Yahweh's sovereignty, as he famously declared, "Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go?" ([Exodus 5:2](/exodus/5-2 "Exodus 5:2 - Pharaoh's Defiance")). The plagues, therefore, were not random natural disasters but a series of targeted divine judgments against the specific gods of Egypt, demonstrating Yahweh's absolute supremacy. The culmination in the [Passover](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover Ordinance"), which involved the death of the firstborn, directly challenged the pharaoh's own divine status and his heir's presumed immortality. Pharaoh's desperate command for Israel to leave, particularly the phrase "from among my people," highlights the profound societal disruption and the complete reversal of his imperial will, acknowledging a power far greater than his own, even if begrudgingly.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 12:31 profoundly contributes to several major themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **God's absolute sovereignty and faithfulness** to His covenant promises, particularly those made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding their descendants becoming a great nation and inheriting a land ([Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13-14 "Genesis 15:13-14 - God's Covenant with Abraham")). Secondly, it highlights **divine judgment as a means of deliverance**, showing that God's justice is not merely punitive but redemptive, clearing the way for His people's freedom and the fulfillment of His will. Thirdly, the verse underscores the theme of **freedom for the purpose of worship and service**. Israel's liberation was not an end in itself, but a means to enter into a covenant relationship with Yahweh and serve Him in the wilderness, as repeatedly stated by God to Moses ([Exodus 3:12](/exodus/3-12 "Exodus 3:12 - God's Call to Moses and Promise of Worship")). This sets the stage for the giving of the Law and the establishment of Israel as God's chosen nation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 12:31 captures the definitive moment of Israel's liberation, driven by Pharaoh's desperate command, a direct consequence of God's final, devastating judgment.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **called (Hebrew, _qârâʼ'_ H7121):** From a primitive root meaning "to call out to" or "address by name," used in a wide variety of applications including to "bewray (self)," "call (for, forth, self, upon)," "cry (unto)," "invite," "mention," "name," "preach," "proclaim," "publish," and "read." Here, it signifies Pharaoh's urgent, desperate summons, not a polite invitation, but a command born of overwhelming duress.
* **night (Hebrew, _layil'_ H3915):** Properly meaning "a twist (away of the light)," referring to the time of darkness. Figuratively, it can also denote "adversity." The timing "by night" emphasizes the immediate, chaotic, and desperate nature of Pharaoh's summons, occurring in the wake of the darkest hour for Egypt, literally and figuratively. It signifies the profound shift from Pharaoh's control to God's decisive action.
* **serve (Hebrew, _ʻâbad'_ H5647):** A primitive root meaning "to work (in any sense)," by implication "to serve," "till," or (causatively) "enslave." It encompasses concepts like "keep in bondage," "do," "execute," "labour," and "worshipper." In this context, Pharaoh's reluctant command for Israel to "serve the LORD" acknowledges the very purpose Moses had declared from the beginning, recognizing that Israel's departure is for the purpose of worship, a service to Yahweh that he had previously denied.
* **said (Hebrew, _dâbar'_ H1696):** A primitive root meaning "to arrange," but used figuratively (of words) "to speak." It can also mean "answer," "appoint," "bid," "command," "commune," "declare," "name," "promise," "pronounce," "rehearse," "tell," and "utter." Pharaoh's phrase "as ye have said" is a grudging admission that Israel's stated purpose for leaving—to worship Yahweh—was genuine and had now been forcefully validated by divine intervention.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he called for Moses and Aaron by night,"**: This clause immediately establishes the dramatic context. Pharaoh's summons is not a planned diplomatic meeting but an urgent, panicked reaction to the devastating tenth plague. The timing "by night" underscores the immediacy and desperation of his situation, as the cries of death filled Egypt.
* **"and said, Rise up, and get you forth from among my people, both ye and the children of Israel;"**: Pharaoh's words are a series of forceful imperatives ("Rise up," "get you forth"). This is not permission but an expulsion, a complete reversal of his previous stance. The inclusion of "both ye and the children of Israel" signifies an unconditional release of the entire nation, encompassing every man, woman, and child, a stark contrast to his earlier attempts to negotiate partial departures or leave certain groups behind (e.g., [Exodus 8:25-28](/exodus/8-25-28 "Exodus 8:25-28 - Pharaoh's Partial Offers")). This demonstrates the absolute triumph of God's will over Pharaoh's hardened heart.
* **"and go, serve the LORD, as ye have said."**: This final clause is Pharaoh's reluctant but explicit acknowledgment of the very purpose Moses had declared from the beginning. The command to "serve the LORD" echoes God's initial instructions to Moses (e.g., [Exodus 3:12](/exodus/3-12 "Exodus 3:12 - God's Call to Moses to Serve Him")). Pharaoh's grudging admission, "as ye have said," confirms that he finally understands that Israel's departure is not a political maneuver but a divine imperative for worship, forced upon him by the God of Israel. This marks the culmination of the divine struggle, where God's stated purpose for His people is finally realized through the humbling of the most powerful ruler on earth.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 12:31 is rich with **Dramatic Irony**, as Pharaoh, who once defiantly asked, "Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go?" ([Exodus 5:2](/exodus/5-2 "Exodus 5:2 - Pharaoh's Initial Defiance")), is now the one issuing the command to "go, serve the LORD." This reversal highlights the complete subjugation of his will to Yahweh's. The verse also employs a series of **Imperative Verbs** ("Rise up," "get you forth," "go," "serve"), which underscore the urgency, force, and immediacy of Pharaoh's command, reflecting his panicked state and the irreversible nature of Israel's departure. The phrase "by night" functions as a **Symbolic Setting**, emphasizing not only the literal timing but also the darkness of judgment that has fallen upon Egypt and the sudden, overwhelming nature of their defeat. This verse serves as the **Climax** of the plague narrative, representing the ultimate victory of God over Egypt and the definitive turning point for Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 12:31 powerfully illustrates several core theological truths that resonate throughout biblical revelation. It demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over all human rulers and nations, proving that no earthly power can ultimately thwart His divine purposes. Despite Pharaoh's prolonged and defiant resistance, God's plan for Israel's deliverance could not be stopped; His faithfulness to His covenant promises prevailed, showcasing His power to bring about His will through decisive judgment. This judgment, while severe, was redemptive in its outcome, clearing the way for His people's freedom and the establishment of their unique relationship with Him. The ultimate reason for Israel's liberation was not merely freedom from oppression, but freedom *for* a higher purpose: to "serve the LORD," emphasizing that true deliverance always leads to devoted worship and obedience to God.

* [Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13-14 "God's Promise of Deliverance from Bondage")
* [Psalm 105:26-27](/psalm/105-26-27 "God's Sending of Moses and Aaron")
* [Isaiah 43:1-3](/isaiah/43-1-3 "God's Deliverance and Sovereignty")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 12:31 offers profound lessons for believers today, reminding us of God's unwavering power, His perfect timing, and the ultimate purpose of our freedom in Christ. Just as God's plan for Israel's deliverance was unstoppable, we can trust that God's purposes for our lives and for the world will ultimately prevail, even in the face of formidable opposition, seemingly insurmountable obstacles, or prolonged periods of waiting. Our struggles are never beyond His control or outside His sovereign plan. Furthermore, the primary reason for Israel's liberation was to "serve the LORD," which challenges us to consider the profound purpose of our own spiritual freedom in Christ. Are we using our liberty to pursue self-interest, or are we actively living lives of worship, obedience, and dedicated service to God, reflecting His character and advancing His kingdom? This verse also encourages patience and unwavering trust in God's perfect timing; while Israel's bondage seemed endless, God's deliverance came at the precise, divinely appointed moment, bringing about a complete and irreversible change that transformed their destiny forever.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in your life do you need to trust God's "unyielding purpose" to prevail, even when circumstances seem resistant or impossible?**
* **How does your understanding of "serving the LORD" shape your daily choices, priorities, and the way you utilize the freedom you have in Christ?**
* **In what ways might God be orchestrating an "urgent departure" from an old way of life, a hindering habit, or a challenging situation in your own spiritual journey?**

### FAQ
**Why did Pharaoh suddenly change his mind after so much resistance?**

Answer: Pharaoh's change of heart was not a genuine repentance or a willing conversion but a forced capitulation born out of overwhelming and personal devastation. The death of his own firstborn, the heir to his throne, combined with the death of every firstborn in Egypt, broke his will completely. This was God's final, decisive act of judgment, demonstrating His absolute power over all human authority, the gods of Egypt, and even the natural order. Pharaoh's command was a desperate, panicked reaction to an unbearable loss, not a newfound faith in Yahweh.

**Does "by night" have any special significance beyond urgency?**

Answer: Yes, the phrase "by night" carries significant weight beyond merely indicating urgency. It emphasizes the immediate, desperate, and chaotic nature of Pharaoh's command, occurring in the dead of night when the cries of anguish were loudest throughout Egypt. More profoundly, it connects directly to the timing of the Passover itself, which was observed and completed at night ([Exodus 12:8](/exodus/12-8 "Exodus 12:8 - Eating the Passover Lamb at Night")). This specific night became known as "[a night of solemn observance to the LORD](/exodus/12-42 "Exodus 12:42 - The Night of the Lord's Vigilance")" for all generations of Israelites, marking the dramatic, divinely orchestrated turning point from centuries of slavery to the dawn of national freedom and the beginning of their journey as God's covenant people.

**Was Pharaoh truly converted or did he just give in?**

Answer: Pharaoh's actions and subsequent behavior clearly indicate forced submission rather than genuine conversion or repentance. While he commanded Israel to "serve the LORD," this was an admission of defeat and a desperate attempt to stop the plagues, not an embrace of Yahweh as his God. His heart remained hardened, as evidenced by his immediate regret and subsequent pursuit of Israel to bring them back into bondage, which ultimately led to his destruction at the Red Sea ([Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Red Sea Crossing")). His "permission" to leave was born of fear and desperation, not faith or a desire to truly worship the God of Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 12:31, marking Israel's dramatic exodus from Egyptian bondage, serves as a profound Old Testament type and shadow of the greater spiritual exodus accomplished by Jesus Christ. Just as Israel was delivered from physical slavery and the oppressive rule of Pharaoh, believers are delivered from the spiritual slavery of sin and the dominion of Satan through Christ's redemptive work. The "going forth" from Egypt foreshadows our "going forth" from the kingdom of darkness into the glorious kingdom of God's beloved Son ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness into Light")). The ultimate reason for Israel's freedom was the shed blood of the Passover lamb, which averted God's judgment. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is revealed as the true "Passover Lamb" ([1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ, Our Passover Lamb")), whose sacrificial death on the cross delivers us from the judgment of sin and grants us eternal freedom. His precious blood is the sign that causes God's wrath to "pass over" us, securing our redemption ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Christ's Precious Blood")). Furthermore, Israel was freed to "serve the LORD" in the wilderness; similarly, Christ's deliverance frees us not for licentiousness, but to live lives of devoted worship and obedient service to the living God. We are redeemed from a futile way of life to serve Him with a cleansed conscience ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Cleansing Our Consciences to Serve the Living God")). The forced submission of Pharaoh in this verse powerfully points to the ultimate triumph of Christ over all hostile powers, enabling His people to truly worship and obey God without hindrance, now and forever.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 6:1

¶ Then the LORD said unto Moses, Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh: for with a strong hand shall he let them go, and with a strong hand shall he drive them out of his land.

Exodus 8:8

Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, Intreat the LORD, that he may take away the frogs from me, and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may do sacrifice unto the LORD.

Exodus 10:9

And Moses said, We will go with our young and with our old, with our sons and with our daughters, with our flocks and with our herds will we go; for we [must hold] a feast unto the LORD.

Psalms 105:38

Egypt was glad when they departed: for the fear of them fell upon them.

Exodus 3:19

And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand.

Exodus 3:20

And I will stretch out my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof: and after that he will let you go.

Exodus 10:29

And Moses said, Thou hast spoken well, I will see thy face again no more.