At midnight the LORD struck down all the 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 all the firstborn of the livestock.
29. And it came to pass, that at midnight. Lest the hand of God should be hidden in this miracle, as well in the preservation of the people as in taking vengeance upon the Egyptians, Moses sets forth its power by many circumstances.
Midnight added terror to terror: the three nights of darkness had already robbed them of rest, and now when they hoped for quiet, the destroying angel struck. God slew their firstborn as judgment for slaying Hebrew children. Prince and peasant fell alike, for He respects no persons; the obstinate infidelity of Pharaoh brought this calamity upon thousands of dear lives.
AI summary
Commenting on Exodus 12:29-36
And he called for Moses and Aaron by night,.... Not that Pharaoh went in person, but he sent his servants to call them; for they never saw his face more after he had drove them from his presence; but now was fulfilled what Moses told him, that his servants should come to him in a very suppliant manner, and entreat him and his people to...