What is the meaning of Exodus 12:29? Now at midnight - Scripture pinpoints the moment: “Now at midnight” (Exodus 12:29). - Midnight often marks decisive divine intervention (Exodus 11:4; Job 34:20; Matthew 25:6; Acts 16:25–26). - The hour underscores God’s sovereignty; while Egypt slept, He acted in perfect timing. the LORD struck down every firstborn male - The verb is deliberate—“the LORD struck down” (Psalm 78:51; 105:36; Hebrews 11:28). - “Every firstborn” shows totality; no Egyptian household escaped. - The firstborn symbolized future strength and inheritance (Genesis 49:3); God judged what Egypt treasured most. in the land of Egypt - Judgment was national, not localized (Exodus 7:5; 9:14). - God answered Pharaoh’s defiance with a sign all Egypt could not ignore. - Israel, sheltered under the blood of the lamb (Exodus 12:13), witnessed a clear distinction between covenant people and oppressor. from the firstborn of Pharaoh, who sat on his throne - The highest authority could not shield himself (Exodus 4:22–23; 11:5). - Pharaoh, worshiped as a deity, learned that the LORD alone rules (Isaiah 46:9–10). - Loss of an heir shattered Egypt’s political future and false theology. to the firstborn of the prisoner in the dungeon - God’s reach extended to the lowest social rung (Job 3:18–19; Lamentations 3:34). - Justice was impartial; status offered no refuge (Romans 2:11). - The entire social order stood accountable before the LORD. as well as all the firstborn among the livestock - Even animals were included (Exodus 9:6; Numbers 3:13). - Creation groans under human sin (Romans 8:20–22); Egypt’s land felt the weight of its ruler’s rebellion. - Economic blow: livestock were assets; their loss crippled Egypt’s agrarian economy. summary Exodus 12:29 records God’s climactic act of judgment: at His chosen hour, the LORD personally struck down every firstborn—human and animal—throughout Egypt, from palace to prison. The verse underscores His unmatched authority, total justice, and covenant faithfulness, preparing the way for Israel’s deliverance and affirming that His word is both literal and sure. |
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