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Commentary on Exodus 12 verses 29–36
Here we have, I. The Egyptians' sons, even their first-born, slain, Exo 12:29, Exo 12:30. If Pharaoh would have taken the warning which was given him of this plague, and would thereupon have released Israel, what a great many dear and valuable lives might have been preserved! But see what obstinate infidelity brings upon men. Observe, 1. The time when this blow was given: It was at midnight, which added to the terror of it. The three preceding nights were made dreadful by the additional plague of darkness, which might be felt, and doubtless disturbed their repose; and now, when they hoped for one quiet night's rest, at midnight was the alarm given. When the destroying angel drew his sword against Jerusalem, it was in the day-time (Sa2 24:15), which made it the less frightful; but the destruction of Egypt was by a pestilence walking in darkness, Psa 91:6. Shortly there will be an alarming cry at midnight, Behold, the bridegroom cometh. 2. On whom the plague fastened - on their first-born, the joy and hope of their respective families. They had slain the Hebrews' children, and now God slew theirs. Thus he visits the iniquity of the fathers upon the children; and he is not unrighteous who taketh vengeance. 3. How far it reached - from the throne to the dungeon. Prince and peasant stand upon the same level before God's judgments, for there is no respect of persons with him; see Job 34:29, Job 34:20. Now the slain of the Lord were many; multitudes, multitudes, fall in this valley of decision, when the controversy between God and Pharaoh was to be determined. 4. What an outcry was made upon it: There was a great cry in Egypt, universal lamentation for their only son (with many), and with all for their first-born. If any be suddenly taken ill in the night, we are wont to call up neighbours; but the Egyptians could have no help, no comfort, from their neighbours, all being involved in the same calamity. Let us learn hence, (1.) To tremble before God, and to be afraid of his judgments, Psa 119:120. Who is able to stand before him, or dares resist him? (2.) To be thankful to God for the daily preservation of ourselves and our families: lying so much exposed, we have reason to say, "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed."
II. God's sons, even his first-born, released; this judgment conquered Pharaoh, and obliged him to surrender at discretion, without capitulating. Men had better come up to God's terms at first, for he will never come down to theirs, let them object as long as they will. Now Pharaoh's pride is abased, and he yields to all that Moses had insisted on: Serve the Lord as you have said (Exo 12:31), and take your flocks as you have said, Exo 12:32. Note, God's word will stand, and we shall get nothing by disputing it, or delaying to submit to it. Hitherto the Israelites were not permitted to depart, but now things had come to the last extremity, in consequence of which, 1. They are commanded to depart: Rise up, and get you forth, Exo 12:31. Pharaoh had told Moses he should see his face no more; but now he sent for him. Those will seek God early in their distress who before had set him at defiance. Such a fright he was now in that he gave orders by night for their discharge, fearing lest, if he delayed any longer, he himself should fall next; and that he sent them out, not as men hated (as the pagan historians have represented this matter), but as men feared, is plainly discovered by his humble request to them (Exo 12:32): "Bless me also; let me have your prayers, that I may not be plagued for what is past, when you are gone." Note, Those that are enemies to God's church are enemies to themselves, and, sooner or later, they will be made to see it. 2. They are hired to depart by the Egyptians; they cried out (Exo 12:33), We be all dead men. Note, When death comes into our houses, it is seasonable for us to think of our own mortality. Are our relations dead? It is easy to infer thence that we are dying, and, in effect, already dead men. Upon this consideration they were urgent with the Israelites to be gone, which gave great advantage to the Israelites in borrowing their jewels, Exo 12:35, Exo 12:36. When the Egyptians urged them to be gone, it was easy for the to say that the Egyptians had kept them poor, that they could not undertake such a journey with empty purses, but, that, if they would give them wherewithal to bear their charges, they would be gone. And this the divine Providence designed in suffering things to come to this extremity, that they, becoming formidable to the Egyptians, might have what they would, for asking; the Lord also, by the influence he has on the minds of people, inclined the hearts of the Egyptians to furnish them with what they desired, they probably intending thereby to make atonement, that the plagues might be stayed, as the Philistines, when they returned the ark, sent a present with it for a trespass-offering, having an eye to this precedent, Sa1 6:3, Sa1 6:6. The Israelites might receive and keep what they thus borrowed, or rather required, of the Egyptians, (1.) As justly as servants receive wages from their masters for work done, and sue for it if it be detained. (2.) As justly as conquerors take the spoils of their enemies whom they have subdued; Pharaoh was in rebellion against the God of the Hebrews, by which all that he had was forfeited. (3.) As justly as subjects receive the estates granted to them by their prince. God is the sovereign proprietor of the earth, and the fulness thereof; and, if he take from one and give to another, who may say unto him, What doest thou? It was by God's special order and appointment that the Israelites did what they did, which was sufficient to justify them, and bear them out; but what they did will by no means authorize others (who cannot pretend to any such warrant) to do the same. Let us remember, [1.] That the King of kings can do no wrong. [2.] That he will do right to those whom men injure, Psa 146:7. Hence it is that the wealth of the sinner often proves to be laid up for the just, Pro 13:22; Job 27:16, Job 27:17.
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SUMMARY
Exodus 12:32 marks the dramatic and climactic turning point in the narrative of Israel's liberation from Egypt, where a defeated Pharaoh, reeling from the devastating tenth plague, finally capitulates to God's demands. In a desperate plea, he commands Moses and Aaron to depart immediately with all their requested possessions, including their livestock, and, remarkably, implores them to invoke a blessing upon him from their God, signaling the immediate and irreversible commencement of the long-awaited exodus from centuries of Egyptian bondage.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Exodus 12:32 is rich with Dramatic Irony and a profound Reversal of Power. Pharaoh, who once arrogantly declared, "Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the Lord, neither will I let Israel go" (Exodus 5:2), is now utterly broken, reduced to pleading for a blessing from that very God. This stark shift from stubborn defiance to desperate supplication underscores the overwhelming efficacy of God's judgment and the ultimate futility of human resistance against divine will. The verse also employs Understatement in Pharaoh's concise command, which belies the immense suffering and divine power that led to his surrender.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates several core theological truths. First, it is a profound testament to God's absolute sovereignty and irresistible power over all creation, including the most powerful earthly rulers. Pharaoh's forced submission demonstrates that no human will, political empire, or pagan deity can ultimately thwart God's redemptive plans. Second, it highlights God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises. Centuries earlier, God had promised Abraham that his descendants would be enslaved but then brought out with great possessions (Genesis 15:13-14). This verse marks the climactic fulfillment of that promise, demonstrating God's long-term commitment to His covenant people. Third, it underscores the consequences of persistent rebellion against God's will. Pharaoh's hardened heart brought ruin upon his nation, culminating in the death of the firstborn and his abject surrender. This serves as a stark warning about the futility and danger of defying the Almighty, emphasizing that God's justice will ultimately prevail.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 12:32 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that no matter how formidable or entrenched the opposition, God's purposes will ultimately prevail. When we face seemingly insurmountable obstacles in our lives—whether personal struggles, societal injustices, spiritual battles, or the stubborn resistance of others—this verse assures us that God is sovereign and capable of breaking even the most hardened resistance. It encourages us to trust in His perfect timing and His omnipotent power, knowing that He is utterly faithful to His promises. Furthermore, Pharaoh's desperate plea for a blessing, even from a place of fear and pragmatism, highlights a universal human recognition of a higher power and the innate desire for divine favor. It challenges us to consider our own posture before God: Do we truly seek His blessing and guidance in all circumstances, acknowledging His sovereignty and goodness, or do we only turn to Him in moments of desperation, seeking merely to avert negative consequences? Our response to God's revealed power should be one of humble submission and genuine worship, not merely pragmatic appeasement.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why would Pharaoh, a pagan king, ask for a blessing from the God of Israel?
Answer: Pharaoh's request was not likely a genuine conversion or an act of worship in the sense of embracing Yahweh as his sole God. Instead, it was a desperate, pragmatic plea born out of terror and self-preservation. Having witnessed the overwhelming and destructive power of Yahweh through the ten plagues, culminating in the death of his own firstborn, Pharaoh recognized that this God possessed immense power to both destroy and, presumably, protect or grant peace. He sought to appease this powerful deity and avert further calamity, hoping for protection or relief from the devastating judgments. It was an acknowledgment of Yahweh's undeniable supremacy and power, even if grudging and fear-driven, demonstrating that even the most hardened heart can be broken by divine judgment.
Does "bless me also" imply that Pharaoh believed in Yahweh?
Answer: Not necessarily in the sense of a saving faith or exclusive devotion to Yahweh. It implies a profound recognition of Yahweh's immense power and influence, specifically His demonstrated ability to bring about devastating judgment and, by extension, to withhold it. In the ancient Near East, it was common for rulers to acknowledge the power of other nations' gods, especially if those gods demonstrated superior power over their own deities, as Yahweh clearly had over the Egyptian pantheon. Pharaoh's request is more akin to a desperate attempt to mitigate a perceived threat and gain favor from a powerful entity, rather than a genuine theological shift or conversion to monotheism. His subsequent pursuit of the Israelites at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:5-9) confirms that his "blessing" request was born of fear, not a change of heart.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 12:32, marking the dramatic beginning of the Exodus, serves as a profound type or foreshadowing of the greater, ultimate liberation accomplished by Jesus Christ. The Exodus event, with Israel's deliverance from the physical bondage of Egypt, points to Christ's work in freeing humanity from the spiritual bondage of sin and death. Just as the blood of the Passover lamb secured Israel's deliverance from the angel of death on that fateful night, so the precious blood of Jesus, the ultimate and perfect Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7), secures eternal salvation and deliverance from spiritual death for all who believe. Pharaoh's forced surrender to God's overwhelming power foreshadows the ultimate triumph of Christ over all spiritual powers and authorities, disarming them and leading them captive in His victory (Colossians 2:15). The journey of Israel from slavery to the Promised Land prefigures the Christian's spiritual journey from the slavery of sin to new life in Christ (Romans 6:4) and the promise of eternal rest and inheritance in God's presence (Hebrews 4:9-11). Thus, the liberation initiated in Exodus 12:32 finds its ultimate and complete fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus, who brings about a spiritual exodus for all who trust in Him, leading them to true freedom and an eternal inheritance.