Then he summoned Moses and Aaron by night and said, “Up, go out from among my people, both you and the people of Israel; and go, serve the LORD, as you have said.
31. And he called for Moses. It is not probable that God’s servants were recalled into the presence of Pharaoh; but the sense of this passage must be sought for in the prediction of Moses. Pharaoh, therefore, is said to have called them, when, by sending to them his chief courtiers, he compelled their departure.
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 the Egyptians were urgent upon the people,.... The people of Israel; not using force, but strong entreaties, the most powerful arguments, and importunate language they were masters of: that they might send them out of the land in haste: this looks as if it was the people about Pharaoh, his ministers and courtiers, they were pressing upon to dismiss the Israelites at once, and...