Exodus 12:33 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The Egyptians were urgent with the people to send them out of the land in haste. For they said, "We shall all be dead."

NIV: The Egyptians urged the people to hurry and leave the country. "For otherwise," they said, "we will all die!"

NASB: The Egyptians urged the people, to send them out of the land in a hurry, for they said, 'We will all be dead.'

CSB: Now the Egyptians pressured the people in order to send them quickly out of the country, for they said, "We’re all going to die!"

NLT: All the Egyptians urged the people of Israel to get out of the land as quickly as possible, for they thought, 'We will all die!'

KJV: 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.

NKJV: And the Egyptians urged the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste. For they said, “We shall all be dead.”

God struck Egypt by killing every one of the nation's firstborn (Exodus 11:4–6; 12:29). This resulted in an immediate flood of mourning (Exodus 12:30). Rather than negotiate, the Egyptian king has granted Israel an immediate release from slavery (Exodus 12:31–32). Here, we see that the people share his sense of urgency. They are already intimidated by Israel and their leaders (Exodus 11:1–3) due to the series of supernatural plagues. Now they realize that to hold the Hebrews in captivity will eventually result in total annihilation.

This fulfills the Lord's predictions and preparations for the night of the first Passover. The people were instructed to eat a ceremonial meal while dressed for travel (Exodus 12:11). Their food was to include unleavened bread: quick to prepare, and easy to transport (Exodus 12:8). Now the people will be rushed to leave, with only enough time to put unrisen dough into bowls (Exodus 12:34, 39).

Exodus 12:33–42 depicts the moment for which this book is named. This is the literal "exodus," or "exit" of Israel from Egyptian slavery (Exodus 1:8–14). After more than four centuries, Jacob's descendants are finally free (Genesis 47:5–6). After the horrific tenth plague (Exodus 12:29–32), the Egyptians want the Israelites gone as soon as possible. The former slaves quickly gather everything they own and leave in a single group. This event is remembered each year during the Jewish holiday of Passover.

Israel is to realign their calendar to begin with the current month. They receive instructions to prepare a special meal. This includes sacrificing lambs and applying their blood to the doorway of each home. Following these instructions will cause God's wrath to "pass over" that house. Egypt's firstborn are killed and they demand Israel leave immediately. The people quickly gather their belongings and march out in a single massive group. These events are to be remembered with festivals to be celebrated for all time.

Moses was sent to lead Israel into freedom (Exodus 3:10). This meant announcing the Lord's supernatural judgments on Egypt (Exodus 3:19–21). After nine such disasters (Exodus 7:21; 8:6, 17, 24; 9:6, 10, 24; 10:14, 23), a tenth was promised (Exodus 4:21–23; 11:4–6). In this chapter, God provides instructions for Israel to both survive and commemorate this first Passover night. Egypt reels from the death of its firstborn and demands Israel leave that very night. More directions about the future are to come (Exodus 13). Then Pharaoh will once again change his mind and confront the Hebrews on the shores of the Red Sea (Exodus 14).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

Accessed 6/17/2025 5:21:29 AM