And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for there was not a house where there was not one dead.
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
Also take your flocks and your herds, as ye have said,.... Which they had insisted upon should go with them, but he had refused, but now he is willing they should go with them: and be gone; out of his city and country in all haste: and bless me also; or pray for me, as the Targum of Onkelos; pray the Lord to bestow a...
Seven days of unleavened bread commemorates Israel's hurried departure, when they had no time to leaven their dough. The Jews searched every corner with a candle to remove leaven from their houses. One who eats leaven during those days is cut off from the community and its privileges.
AI summary
Commenting on Exodus 12:15-51