Topical Bible: Israel: Urged by the Egyptians to Depart

◄ Israel: Urged by the Egyptians to Depart ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The event of Israel being urged by the Egyptians to depart is a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative of the Exodus, marking the culmination of God's deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. This event is primarily recorded in the Book of Exodus, specifically in chapters 11 and 12.

Context and Background

The Israelites had been enslaved in Egypt for several centuries, suffering under harsh conditions imposed by Pharaoh. God raised up Moses as a leader to confront Pharaoh and demand the release of His people. Despite a series of plagues sent by God to persuade Pharaoh, he repeatedly hardened his heart and refused to let the Israelites go.

The Tenth Plague

The final and most devastating of the plagues was the death of the firstborn in Egypt. God instructed Moses to have the Israelites mark their doorposts with the blood of a lamb, so that the angel of death would pass over their homes. This event is commemorated as the Passover. The Berean Standard Bible records God's instructions: "For I will pass through the land of Egypt on that night, and I will strike down every firstborn male, both man and beast, and I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD" (Exodus 12:12).

The Egyptians' Urgency

The impact of the tenth plague was immediate and profound. Pharaoh, whose own firstborn son was struck down, finally relented. The Egyptians, in their grief and fear, urgently pressed the Israelites to leave. The BSB recounts this urgency: "The Egyptians urged the people to send them out of the land quickly, for they said, 'We are all going to die!'" (Exodus 12:33). This urgency was not only a result of the immediate loss but also a recognition of the power of the God of Israel.

The Exodus

In response to the Egyptians' urging, the Israelites prepared to leave in haste. They took their unleavened dough, as there was no time to let it rise, and gathered their belongings. The BSB describes the scene: "So the people took their dough before it was leavened, carrying it on their shoulders in kneading bowls wrapped in clothing" (Exodus 12:34). The Israelites also received silver, gold, and clothing from the Egyptians, fulfilling God's promise that they would not leave empty-handed (Exodus 3:21-22).

Significance

This moment of departure is significant for several reasons. It marks the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that his descendants would be delivered from bondage (Genesis 15:13-14). It also demonstrates God's sovereignty and power over the gods of Egypt, as He executed judgment upon them. The urgency of the Egyptians underscores the fear and recognition of God's might, contrasting with Pharaoh's earlier obstinance.

The departure from Egypt set the stage for the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land, a journey that would define their identity as God's chosen people. The event is a testament to God's faithfulness and His ability to deliver His people from oppression, serving as a foundational narrative for the faith and identity of Israel.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 12:31-39
And he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, Rise up, and get you forth from among my people, both you and the children of Israel; and go, serve the LORD, as you have said.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

"He Hardened his Heart"
... A sudden impulse urged him to consult his scribe ... to pray for that which all Egyptians
crave at ... much contrary persuasion was possible before Israel could depart ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxx he hardened his.htm

The Traitors
... Say on," the prince urged. ... We approached, and when the tumult had died and the Egyptians
were so ... Far be it from me to bring misfortune upon Israel's one friend ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxxviii the traitors.htm

The First-Born
... wholly that the older brother had urged the passage ... Israel shall depart, before they
make me sink the ... Egyptians in all attitudes of entreaty cumbered their path ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xl the first-born.htm

Carried Captive into Babylon
... be hidden from the people of Israel and Judah ... Babylonians, to whom he had repeatedly
urged the men ... Nebuchadnezzar turned south to meet the Egyptians, were soon ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 37 carried captive into.htm

At the Well
... following the passing of the darkness, four Egyptians, lank, big ... A daughter of Israel,"
the warrior ... The warrior urged his camel and, rounding the stela-guarding ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxxvii at the well.htm

"The Pharaoh Drew Nigh"
... of many winded trumpets arose over the encampment of the Egyptians. ... yet, for vengeance
and chastisement hast thou urged the king to follow after Israel. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xliii the pharaoh drew.htm

John Chapter ii. 23-25; iii. 5-Jan
... them, being slain, as all the Egyptians perished in ... in twelve tribes pertaining to
the twelve sons of Israel. ... observe the morals which they hear urged in the ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xi john chapter ii.htm

The Sovereignty of God in Reprobation
... skilled in all the wisdom of the Egyptians but also ... by a vindictive spirit as he
saw Israel's archenemy "cut ... Is not this the very objection which is urged today ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter five the sovereignty of.htm

"The Time of Trouble. "
... destroyed all the first-born of the Egyptians, and filled ... but held fast the Angel,
and urged his petition ... when God was about to deliver Israel, were similar in ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /39 the time of trouble.htm

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
... in particular, or the tribes of Israel, but the ... this explanation it may be further
urged, not only that ... household," and whom the grateful Egyptians called "the ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the blessing of jacob upon.htm