Exodus 12:33

And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We [be] all dead [men].

And the Egyptians {H4714} were urgent {H2388} upon the people {H5971}, that they might send {H7971} them out of the land {H776} in haste {H4116}; for they said {H559}, We be all dead {H4191} men.

The Egyptians pressed to send the people out of the land quickly, because they said, "Otherwise we'll all be dead!"

And in order to send them out of the land quickly, the Egyptians urged the people on. โ€œFor otherwise,โ€ they said, โ€œwe are all going to die!โ€

And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, to send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We are all dead men.

Commentary

Context

Exodus 12:33 describes the immediate, panicked reaction of the Egyptians following the devastating tenth and final plague, the death of the firstborn throughout Egypt. This verse is part of the climactic narrative of the Passover event and the subsequent liberation of the Israelites from centuries of bondage. After repeatedly refusing to let God's people go, and even after God had hardened Pharaoh's heart against earlier pleas, the Egyptians themselves, from the common people to Pharaoh, now urgently compelled the Israelites to leave their land in haste.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Power: The verse powerfully illustrates the overwhelming impact of God's judgment. The Egyptians, who had enslaved Israel, now fear for their very existence, recognizing the hand of God against them.
  • Urgency and Haste: The phrase "urgent upon the people" underscores the extreme desperation of the Egyptians. Their fear was so profound that they wanted Israel gone immediately, without delay.
  • Liberation and Exodus: This moment marks the definitive turning point for Israel, as they are literally pushed out of slavery into freedom, fulfilling God's ancient promises.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: It fulfills God's earlier promise to Abraham that his descendants would be afflicted but then come out with great substance (Genesis 15:14).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "urgent" (ื—ึธื–ึทืง, chazaq) implies a strong, compelling force. While it can mean "to strengthen" or "to be firm," here it vividly portrays the Egyptians' forceful insistence, virtually pushing Israel out of their country. Their cry, "We be all dead men," reflects not just fear of individual death but a profound sense of national impending doom, believing that God would continue to strike them down if Israel remained. This fear directly contrasts Pharaoh's earlier hardened heart and stubborn resistance.

Significance and Application

Exodus 12:33 highlights God's absolute sovereignty and His ability to turn the hearts of even His enemies to accomplish His purposes. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of resisting God's will and the ultimate triumph of His divine plan. For believers, it's a powerful testament to God's faithfulness in delivering His people, even when circumstances seem insurmountable. The hasty departure also foreshadows the need for immediate obedience to God's call, sometimes requiring us to leave behind familiar comforts in faith, trusting in His provision as Israel did when they quickly departed for their journey towards the Red Sea.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 105:38 (7 votes)

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

  • Exodus 11:1 (6 votes)

    ยถ And the LORD said unto Moses, Yet will I bring one plague [more] upon Pharaoh, and upon Egypt; afterwards he will let you go hence: when he shall let [you] go, he shall surely thrust you out hence altogether.

  • Genesis 20:3 (2 votes)

    ยถ But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou [art but] a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she [is] a man's wife.

  • Numbers 17:12 (1 votes)

    And the children of Israel spake unto Moses, saying, Behold, we die, we perish, we all perish.

  • Numbers 17:13 (1 votes)

    Whosoever cometh any thing near unto the tabernacle of the LORD shall die: shall we be consumed with dying?