Topical Encyclopedia The narrative of the Egyptians sending the Israelites away is a pivotal event in the biblical account of the Exodus, marking the culmination of a series of divine interventions that compelled Pharaoh to release the Hebrew people from bondage. This event is primarily chronicled in the Book of Exodus, where the Israelites, under the leadership of Moses, are liberated from centuries of slavery in Egypt.Background and Context The Israelites had settled in Egypt during a time of famine, as recounted in Genesis, when Joseph, a son of Jacob, rose to prominence in the Egyptian government. Over time, the Israelites multiplied and became a significant population within Egypt. A new Pharaoh, who did not know Joseph, perceived the Israelites as a threat and subjected them to harsh slavery (Exodus 1:8-14). The Plagues of Egypt God appointed Moses and his brother Aaron to confront Pharaoh and demand the release of the Israelites. Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he refused to let the people go. In response, God unleashed a series of ten plagues upon Egypt, each demonstrating His power and sovereignty over the Egyptian gods and Pharaoh himself. The plagues included turning the Nile to blood, infestations of frogs, gnats, and flies, the death of livestock, boils, hail, locusts, darkness, and finally, the death of the firstborn (Exodus 7-12). The Tenth Plague and the Passover The tenth and final plague, the death of the firstborn, was the most devastating. God instructed the Israelites to sacrifice a lamb and mark their doorposts with its blood, so the angel of death would "pass over" their homes, sparing their firstborn (Exodus 12:1-13). This event established the Passover, a lasting ordinance for the Israelites. The Egyptians Urge the Israelites to Leave The death of the firstborn struck a severe blow to Egypt, affecting every household, including Pharaoh's. In the aftermath, Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron during the night and urged them to leave Egypt immediately. He said, "Up, leave my people, you and the Israelites! Go, worship the LORD as you have requested. Take your flocks and herds, as you have said, and go. And also bless me" (Exodus 12:31-32). The Egyptian people, fearing further destruction, also pressed the Israelites to depart quickly. They gave the Israelites silver, gold, and clothing, fulfilling God's promise that the Israelites would not leave empty-handed (Exodus 3:21-22; 12:33-36). The Exodus The Israelites left Egypt in haste, taking with them unleavened bread, as there was no time to let the dough rise. This departure marked the beginning of their journey to the Promised Land, a journey that would last forty years due to subsequent disobedience and lack of faith (Exodus 12:37-39). Significance The sending away of the Israelites by the Egyptians is a testament to God's faithfulness and power. It underscores the theme of deliverance and redemption that runs throughout the Bible. The Exodus event is foundational to Israel's identity as God's chosen people and serves as a foreshadowing of the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 12:29-36And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne to the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle. Nave's Topical Index Library The Cost of Being Cruel and Stubborn The Sick Person Ought Now to Send for Some Godly and Religious ... How Nebuzaradan Set Gedaliah Over the Jews that were Left in Judea ... On the Holy Ghost and his Descent Upon the Apostles Nineveh. The Report of the Hebrew Spies Elisha's Way of Treating Enemies The Call of Moses The Rod that Troubled Egypt. The Plagues of Egypt Resources What does it mean that God is Jehovah-Rapha? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the purpose of the biblical sign gifts? | GotQuestions.org What is Passover? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Egyptians: Aid the Israelites Against the Chaldeans Egyptians: Alliances With, Forbidden to the Israelites Egyptians: An Enthusiastic Egyptian Instigated Rebellion Against Roman Government Egyptians: Conversion of, Foretold Egyptians: Descendants of the Mizraim Egyptians: Eligible to Membership in Israelite Congregation in the Third Generation Egyptians: Firstborn of Destroyed Egyptians: Hospitality of, to Abraham Egyptians: Intermarry With the Jews Egyptians: Invade the Land of Israel: Under Pharaoh-Necho Egyptians: Invade the Land of Israel: Under Shishak Egyptians: Oppress the Israelites Egyptians: Prophecies of Dispersion and Restoration of Egyptians: Pursue Israelites, and the Army of, Destroyed Egyptians: Refuse to Release the Israelites Egyptians: Refused to Eat With Hebrews Egyptians: Send the Israelites Away Egyptians: The Art of Embalming the Dead Practiced By Related Terms |
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