Exodus 12:32

Exodus 12:32 captures the climactic moment of Pharaoh's utter surrender to God's power, marking the turning point for the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. After the devastating tenth plague, the death of the firstborn throughout Egypt, Pharaoh's stubborn will is finally broken, and he urges Moses and Aaron to leave immediately, taking everything they had requested.

Context

This verse immediately follows the horrific death of the firstborn in every Egyptian household, including Pharaoh's own son. This final, most severe of the ten plagues, orchestrated by God, brought Egypt to its knees. For months, Pharaoh had resisted God's command to "Let My people go," repeatedly hardening his heart despite escalating divine judgments. He had previously offered partial concessions, suggesting the men go without their families or their livestock (see Exodus 10:26), but Moses consistently refused, insisting that not a hoof would be left behind, as their flocks and herds were essential for sacrifices to the Lord.

Key Themes

• Divine Sovereignty and Judgment: This verse is a powerful testament to God's absolute control over history and His ability to humble even the most powerful rulers. Pharaoh's capitulation demonstrates that no human will can ultimately thwart God's plans.
• Pharaoh's Forced Submission: The words "take your flocks and your herds, as ye have said, and be gone" reflect Pharaoh's complete and desperate surrender. His earlier defiance is replaced by an urgent plea for their departure, fulfilling God's promise to Moses that Pharaoh would not just let them go, but would "drive them out altogether" (Exodus 11:1).
• The Beginning of the Exodus: This command from Pharaoh is the official start of the Israelites' long-awaited journey to freedom, the foundational event of their national identity.
• A Desperate Plea for Blessing: Pharaoh's final request, "and bless me also," is remarkably poignant. Despite his paganism and antagonism towards Israel's God, he recognizes the immense power at play and seeks divine favor or protection from further judgment. It's a pragmatic request born of fear and a grudging acknowledgment of the God of Israel's supremacy.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "bless" here is barak (בָּרַךְ), which carries the meaning of invoking divine favor, prosperity, or protection. Pharaoh's request for blessing is not necessarily a conversion or an act of worship, but rather a desperate attempt to mitigate the terrifying consequences he has just experienced. He recognizes that the power that has brought such devastation can also bring peace or protection, and he seeks to be on the right side of it, if only for his own survival.

Practical Application

Exodus 12:32 reminds us that God's purposes will always prevail, even against the most formidable opposition. It teaches us about:

• God's Unyielding Faithfulness: God fulfills His promises, even when the path seems impossible. The liberation of Israel, promised centuries earlier, finally comes to pass.
• The Consequences of Resistance: Persistent rebellion against God's will ultimately leads to severe consequences. Pharaoh's hardened heart brought ruin upon his nation.
• The Power of Prayer/Blessing: Even a desperate, self-serving plea for blessing from a pagan ruler highlights the universal human recognition of a higher power and the desire for divine favor. It underscores the importance of seeking God's blessing in all circumstances.