And the children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment:
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
Rameses lay in Goshen, and from there to Succoth was but eight miles. The Israelites who came out numbered about six hundred thousand men of twenty years and upward, fit for war, besides women, children, and the aged who could not be easily reckoned. This figure is confirmed by Josephus and Philo, and matches exactly with the census taken two years later.
AI summary
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