Topical Bible: Egypt: Israel in Destruction of the First-Born

◄ Egypt: Israel in Destruction of the First-Born ►

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Historical Context:
The event of the destruction of the first-born in Egypt is a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative of the Exodus. This event is the culmination of a series of ten plagues that God inflicted upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from bondage. The Israelites had been enslaved in Egypt for several centuries, and their cries for deliverance reached God, who appointed Moses as their leader to bring them out of Egypt.

Biblical Account:
The account of the destruction of the first-born is found in the Book of Exodus, specifically in chapters 11 and 12. God, through Moses, warned Pharaoh of the impending final plague, which would be the death of every first-born in the land of Egypt, from the first-born of Pharaoh who sat on the throne to the first-born of the captive in the dungeon, and even the first-born of the livestock (Exodus 11:5).

The Passover:
In preparation for this final plague, God instituted the Passover, a significant event for the Israelites. Each Israelite family was instructed to sacrifice a lamb without blemish and to mark their doorposts with its blood. This sign would cause the Lord to "pass over" their homes, sparing them from the plague of death (Exodus 12:7, 13). The Passover became a lasting ordinance for the Israelites, commemorating their deliverance from slavery and God's protection.

The Plague:
At midnight, the Lord struck down all the first-born in Egypt, fulfilling His warning. "And at midnight the LORD struck down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the captive who was in the dungeon, and the firstborn of all the livestock" (Exodus 12:29). This devastating event led to a great outcry in Egypt, as there was not a house without someone dead (Exodus 12:30).

Pharaoh's Response:
The death of the first-born finally broke Pharaoh's resistance. He summoned Moses and Aaron during the night and urged them to leave Egypt with the Israelites, their flocks, and herds. Pharaoh's command was urgent, as he and his people feared further destruction (Exodus 12:31-32).

Theological Significance:
The destruction of the first-born in Egypt is a profound demonstration of God's sovereignty and justice. It underscores the theme of divine retribution against those who oppose God's will and oppress His people. The event also highlights the concept of substitutionary atonement, as the blood of the Passover lamb spared the Israelites from death, prefiguring the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.

Cultural and Religious Impact:
The Passover became a central observance in Jewish religious life, symbolizing liberation and God's faithfulness. It serves as a reminder of God's power to save and His covenant with Israel. For Christians, the Passover is seen as a foreshadowing of Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection, which brings spiritual deliverance from sin and death.

Legacy:
The destruction of the first-born and the subsequent Exodus from Egypt are foundational events in the history of Israel. They mark the beginning of the nation's journey to the Promised Land and the establishment of their identity as God's chosen people. These events are celebrated annually in the Jewish Passover and are remembered in Christian theology as a testament to God's redemptive plan for humanity.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 12:29,30
And 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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Psalm 135 Part 2 the Works of Creation, Providence, Redemption of ...
... v.5-12 LM. The works of creation, providence, redemption of Israel, and
destruction of enemies. ... O Egypt, through thy stubborn land,. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/psalm 135 part 2 the.htm

Psalm 135:2. 5-12. Second Part. LM The Works of Creation ...
... LM The works of creation, providence, redemption of Israel, and destruction of enemies ...
3 'Twas he those dreadful tokens sent, O Egypt thro' thy stubborn land ...
/.../watts/the psalms of david/psalm 135 2 0 5-12 second part.htm

The Passover: an Expiation and a Feast, a Memorial and a Prophecy
... and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill ... you, when I smite
the land of Egypt.14 ... to preserve the Israelites from the destruction of their ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the passover an expiation and.htm

The First-Born
... Egypt had gone down into famine, pestilence and destruction. ... Israel shall depart,
before they make me sink the ... me wise counsel, I have ruined Egypt, I have ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xl the first-born.htm

Christ's Work of Destruction and Deliverance. Rev. John H. James.
... righteous, and the fulfilment of the promise of redemption; and the destruction
of the first-born of Egypt in order to the deliverance of Israel, are instances ...
/.../the wesleyan methodist pulpit in malvern/christs work of destruction and.htm

God's Controversy with Man. Rev. Charles Prest.
... wage the battle to the end, this destruction must ensue ... find all these things manifest;
you find Israel in Egypt ... and God sent among the people of Egypt signs and ...
/.../king/the wesleyan methodist pulpit in malvern/gods controversy with man rev.htm

The Security of Saints Amidst the Destruction of Sinners.
... 8.7.8.7.7.7 James Montgomery. The Security of Saints amidst the Destruction of Sinners. ...
Egypt's first-born with the dead,. Israel's tribes, unsmitten slumber'd,. ...
/.../montgomery/sacred poems and hymns/hymn ccxxxv the security of.htm

Subjects of Study. Home Education in Israel; Female Education. ...
... The history of Israel would probably have been long before ... 3 John The best of these
came from Egypt; and the ... to the period ending with the destruction of the ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 8 subjects of study.htm

"The Fullness of the Time"
... hosts of the Lord went out from the land of Egypt." Ex.12:41 ... So it was with Israel. ...
salvation of the world, and they became agents of Satan for its destruction. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 3 the fullness of.htm

Light through Darkness
... and burned; but, notwithstanding the fact that destruction was imminent ... them out
of the land of Egypt; which My ... will make with the house of Israel; After those ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 38 light through darkness.htm