Exodus 12:41 - Printer Friendly

ESV: At the end of 430 years, on that very day, all the hosts of the Lord went out from the land of Egypt.

NIV: At the end of the 430 years, to the very day, all the Lord’s divisions left Egypt.

NASB: And at the end of 430 years, on this very day, all the multitudes of the Lord departed from the land of Egypt.

CSB: At the end of 430 years, on that same day, all the Lord’s military divisions went out from the land of Egypt.

NLT: In fact, it was on the last day of the 430th year that all the Lord’s forces left the land.

KJV: And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of the Lord went out from the land of Egypt.

NKJV: And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years—on that very same day—it came to pass that all the armies of the Lord went out from the land of Egypt.

When God made a covenant with Abram—later named Abraham (Genesis 17:5)—it included a prophecy about Israel's captivity in Egypt (Exodus 15:13–14). Abraham's grandson, Jacob (Genesis 21:3; 25:26) was also named Israel (Genesis 32:38). He settled in Egypt during a widespread famine (Genesis 47:4–7, 10–11). The prophecy was fulfilled when Egyptian warmth turned into fear, and the Israelites were enslaved (Exodus 1:8–14). After centuries, God sent Moses (Exodus 3:19–20) to lead the people into freedom. Now they make their way to Succoth (Exodus 12:37), having been freed unconditionally (Exodus 12:31–32).

This verse repeats that Israel's time in Egypt was 430 years, then uses the phrase "that very day." This is not likely meant to mean that Israel's freedom was granted on the exact same day of the year as Jacob's entry into Egypt. This is probably meant to emphasize that this was when the prophecies were fulfilled. "On that very day" (Exodus 12:51) resembles phrasing used in modern writing to highlight the significance of an event.

"Hosts" is from the Hebrew root word sābā, a term most often applied to military groups (1 Samuel 12:9; Isaiah 1:24; Jeremiah 33:22) and large numbers.

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.