Exodus 12:29 Study Bible: It happened at midnight, that the LORD struck 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 livestock.

◄ Exodus 12:29 ►

Now at midnight the LORD struck down every firstborn male in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh, who sat on his throne, to the firstborn of the prisoner in the dungeon, as well as all the firstborn among the livestock.

Study Bible

At midnight
The phrase "at midnight" signifies a time of deep darkness and stillness, often associated with divine intervention or judgment in the Bible. In Hebrew, the word for midnight is "חֲצוֹת" (chatzot), which literally means "dividing" or "half." This time is significant as it marks a pivotal moment when God acts decisively. Historically, midnight is a time when people are least prepared, emphasizing the suddenness and unexpected nature of God's judgment. In the context of Exodus, it underscores the dramatic and solemn nature of the event about to unfold.

the LORD
The use of "the LORD" here refers to Yahweh, the covenant name of God, emphasizing His sovereignty and faithfulness to His promises. In Hebrew, this is "יְהוָה" (YHWH), the sacred tetragrammaton. This name is deeply significant, as it is the name by which God revealed Himself to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:14). It highlights God's eternal presence and His active role in the deliverance of His people. The LORD's involvement in this event underscores His authority and the fulfillment of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

struck down
The phrase "struck down" indicates a decisive act of judgment. The Hebrew word used here is "נָכָה" (nakah), which means to smite or to kill. This action is not arbitrary but a direct response to Pharaoh's hardened heart and refusal to release the Israelites. It serves as a divine retribution for the oppression and suffering inflicted upon God's people. This act of judgment is both a demonstration of God's power and a fulfillment of His promise to deliver Israel from bondage.

every firstborn
The term "every firstborn" is significant in the ancient Near Eastern context, where the firstborn held a place of prominence and inheritance. In Hebrew, "בְּכוֹר" (bekhor) refers to the firstborn, who was often seen as the family's future and strength. The judgment upon the firstborn of Egypt is a direct challenge to the Egyptian gods and Pharaoh, who was considered a deity himself. This act demonstrates that the God of Israel is supreme over all false gods and human authority.

in the land of Egypt
The phrase "in the land of Egypt" situates the event within a specific geographical and cultural context. Egypt, known in Hebrew as "מִצְרַיִם" (Mitzrayim), was a powerful and influential civilization. The plagues, culminating in this final judgment, serve as a demonstration of God's power over the most powerful nation of the time. It highlights the contrast between the oppressive regime of Egypt and the liberating power of God.

from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne
This phrase emphasizes the extent of the judgment, reaching even the highest echelons of Egyptian society. Pharaoh, considered a god-king, is not exempt from God's judgment. The Hebrew word for throne, "כִּסֵּא" (kisse), symbolizes authority and power. By striking the firstborn of Pharaoh, God demonstrates that no earthly power can withstand His will.

to the firstborn of the captive who was in the dungeon
This phrase illustrates the comprehensive nature of the judgment, affecting all social strata, from royalty to the lowest prisoner. The Hebrew word for dungeon, "בֵּית הַבּוֹר" (beit habbor), refers to a pit or prison, symbolizing the depths of human despair. This universal judgment underscores the impartiality of God's justice and the pervasive reach of His power.

and the firstborn of all the livestock
The inclusion of livestock in the judgment highlights the totality of the plague's impact. In ancient Egypt, livestock were not only economic assets but also held religious significance. The Hebrew word for livestock, "בְּהֵמָה" (behemah), encompasses all domesticated animals. This aspect of the judgment further demonstrates God's supremacy over the natural world and the futility of relying on material wealth or false deities for security.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The God of Israel, who executes judgment on Egypt, demonstrating His power and sovereignty.

2. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt, whose heart was hardened against releasing the Israelites, leading to this final plague.

3. Firstborn of Egypt
The firstborn males of both humans and livestock, representing the strength and future of Egypt, who were struck down.

4. Egypt
The land where the Israelites were enslaved, experiencing God's judgment through the plagues.

5. Midnight
The specific time when the LORD executed this judgment, emphasizing the suddenness and completeness of the act.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty and Justice
This event demonstrates God's ultimate authority over nations and His ability to execute justice. Believers can trust in God's righteous judgment.

The Cost of Disobedience
Pharaoh's refusal to heed God's command led to devastating consequences. This serves as a warning about the dangers of hardening one's heart against God.

The Significance of the Firstborn
In biblical times, the firstborn held a place of honor and responsibility. This plague underscores the seriousness of God's claim over what is rightfully His.

Protection through Obedience
The Israelites were spared through their obedience in applying the blood of the lamb, pointing to the protective power of Christ's sacrifice for believers.

God's Faithfulness to His Promises
The deliverance of Israel from Egypt fulfills God's covenant promises, encouraging believers to trust in His faithfulness.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the event of the firstborn's death in Egypt highlight the importance of obedience to God's commands?

2. In what ways does the concept of the firstborn in Exodus 12:29 connect to the New Testament understanding of Jesus as the "firstborn" over all creation?

3. How can the judgment on Egypt serve as a warning for individuals and nations today regarding the consequences of resisting God's will?

4. What parallels can be drawn between the protection of the Israelites during the Passover and the salvation offered through Jesus Christ?

5. How does this passage encourage believers to trust in God's sovereignty and justice, even when facing difficult circumstances?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 12:3
God's promise to Abraham that He would bless those who bless him and curse those who curse him, showing the fulfillment of God's protection over Israel.

Exodus 4:22-23
God refers to Israel as His firstborn son, highlighting the significance of the firstborn and the reason for this specific judgment.

Numbers 3:13
The consecration of the firstborn to God, showing the importance of the firstborn in Israelite culture and religion.

Hebrews 11:28
The faith of Moses in instituting the Passover, which protected the Israelites from the plague of the firstborn.

Revelation 16:1-21
The plagues in Revelation echo the plagues of Egypt, showing God's continued judgment against sin and rebellion.

Sermons

The Passover	J. Orr	Exodus 12:1-29
The Passover	H.T. Robjohns	Exodus 12:1-28, 43-51
Christ Our Passover	J. Orr	Exodus 12:21-29
A Father's Grief	J. Tinling, B. A.	Exodus 12:29-30
A King's Bereavement	H. O. Mackey.	Exodus 12:29-30
A Picture of the Wrath to Come	S. Robinson, D. D.	Exodus 12:29-30
God's Direct Interference	T. S. Millington.	Exodus 12:29-30
Midnight Terror	H. O. Mackey.	Exodus 12:29-30
Not a House Where There was not One Dead	Essex Remembrancer	Exodus 12:29-30
The Death of the Firstborn of Egypt	J. S. Exell, M. A.	Exodus 12:29-30
The Last Plague, and the Deliverance of the Israelites	P. Fairbairn, D. D.	Exodus 12:29-30
The Marks of Spiritual Death	J. H. Stewart, M. A.	Exodus 12:29-30
The Death of the First-Born	J. Orr	Exodus 12:29-31
Egypt's Sorrow: Israel's Joy	J. Urquhart	Exodus 12:29-42
March At Midnight	H.T. Robjohns	Exodus 12:29-42

People

Aaron, Egyptians, Israelites, Moses, Pharaoh

Places

Egypt, Rameses, Succoth

Topics

Beasts, Births, Captive, Cattle, Child, Death, Dungeon, Egypt, Firstborn, First-born, Livestock, Male, Middle, Midnight, Pass, Pharaoh, Power, Prison, Prisoner, Prison-house, Sat, Seat, Sitting, Smitten, Smote, Struck, Throne

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Exodus 12:29

     5461   prisoners
     5493   retribution
     5581   throne
     5688   firstborn
     7346   death penalty
     8739   evil, examples of

Exodus 12:29-30

4843 plague

Exodus 12:29-36

1416 miracles, nature of

Library

The Passover: an Expiation and a Feast, a Memorial and a Prophecy
'And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying, 2. This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you. 3. Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house: 4. And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Exodus
The land of Egypt is a picture of the house of bondage into which all God's covenant people will, sooner or later, be brought on account of their sin. All those whom God means to give an inheritance in Canaan, he will first take down into Egypt. Even Jesus Christ himself went into Egypt before he appeared publicly as a teacher before the world, that in his instance, as well as in that of every Christian, the prophecy might be fulfilled--"Out of Egypt have I called my Son." Every one who enjoys the …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 2: 1856

A Question for Communicants
"What mean ye by this service?"--Exodus 12:26. IN A SPIRITUAL religion, everything must be understood. That which is not spiritual, but ritualistic, contents itself with the outward form. Under the Jewish dispensation, there was a very strong tendency in that direction; but it was kept to some extent in check. Under the Christian faith, this tendency must not be tolerated at all. We must know the meaning of what we do; otherwise we are not profited. We do not believe in the faith of the man who was …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 38: 1892

The Blood
Now, at the time of which this Book of Exodus speaks, Egypt was exposed to a terrible peril. Jehovah himself was about to march through the streets of all the cities of Egypt. It was not merely a destroying angel, but Jehovah himself; for thus it is written, "I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the first-born in the land of Egypt, both man and beast." No one less than I AM, the great God, had vowed to "cut Rahab" with the sword of vengeance. Tremble, ye inhabitants …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859

The Birthnight of Freedom
(Easter Day.) Exodus xii. 42. This is a night to be much observed unto the Lord, for bringing the children of Israel out of Egypt. To be much observed unto the Lord by the children of Israel. And by us, too, my friends; and by all nations who call themselves FREE. There are many and good ways of looking at Easter Day. Let us look at it in this way for once. It is the day on which God himself set men FREE. Consider the story. These Israelites, the children of Abraham, the brave, wild patriarch …
Charles Kingsley—The Gospel of the Pentateuch

Of the Practice of Piety in Holy Feasting.
Holy feasting is a solemn thanksgiving, appointed by authority, to be rendered to God on some special day, for some extraordinary blessings or deliverances received. Such among the Jews was the feast of the Passover (Exod. xii. 15), to remember to praise God for their deliverance out of Egypt's bondage; or the feast of Purim (Esth. ix. 19, 21), to give thanks for their deliverance from Haman's conspiracy. Such amongst us is the fifth of November, to praise God for the deliverance of the king and …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Of Preparation.
That a Christian ought necessarily to prepare himself before he presume to be a partaker of the holy communion, may evidently appear by five reasons:-- First, Because it is God's commandment; for if he commanded, under the pain of death, that none uncircumcised should eat the paschal lamb (Exod. xii. 48), nor any circumcised under four days preparation, how much greater preparation does he require of him that comes to receive the sacrament of his body and blood? which, as it succeeds, so doth it …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

The Reaction against Egypt
THE XIth DYNASTY: HARMHABI--THE HITTITE EMPIRE IN SYRIA AND IN ASIA MINOR--SETI I. AND RAMSES II.--THE PEOPLE OF THE SEA: MINEPHTAH AND THE ISRAELITE EXODUS. The birth and antecedents of Harmhabi, his youth, his enthronement--The final triumph of Amon and his priests--Harmhabi infuses order into the government: his wars against the Ethiopians and Asiatics--The Khati, their civilization, religion; their political and military constitution; the extension of their empire towards the north--The countries …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 5

The Typical Significance of the Scriptures Declare their Divine Authorship
"In the volume of the Book it is written of Me" (Heb. 10:7). Christ is the Key to the Scriptures. Said He, "Search the Scriptures..they are they which testify of Me." (John 5:39), and the "Scriptures" to which He had reference, were not the four Gospels for they were not then written, but the writings of Moses and the prophets. The Old Testament Scriptures then are something more than a compilation of historical records, something more than a system of social and religious legislation, something …
Arthur W. Pink—The Divine Inspiration of the Bible

Preparation for Passover. Disciples Contend for Precedence.
(Bethany to Jerusalem. Thursday Afternoon and, After Sunset, Beginning of Friday.) ^A Matt. XXVI. 17-20; ^B Mark XIV. 12-17; ^C Luke XXII. 7-18, 24-30. ^c 7 And the day of unleavened bread came, on which the passover must be sacrificed. [See p. 57. Leaven was to the Jew a symbol of corruption and impurity, because it causes bread to become stale. The feast of unleavened bread began properly on the fifteenth of Nisan, and lasted seven days, but this was the fourteenth Nisan, the day on which the paschal …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Bread and Wine
"And as they were eating, He took bread, and when He had blessed, He brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take ye: this is My body. And He took a cup, and when He had given thanks, He gave to them: and they all drank of it. And He said unto them, This is My blood of the covenant, which is shed for many. Verily I say unto you, I will no more drink of the fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God." MARK 14:22-25 (R.V.) HOW much does the Gospel of St. Mark tell us …
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
ONLY those who have made study of it can have any idea how large, and sometimes bewildering, is the literature on the subject of Jewish Proselytes and their Baptism. Our present remarks will be confined to the Baptism of Proselytes. 1. Generally, as regards proselytes (Gerim) we have to distinguish between the Ger ha-Shaar (proselyte of the gate) and Ger Toshabh (sojourner,' settled among Israel), and again the Ger hatstsedeq (proselyte of righteousness) and Ger habberith (proselyte of the covenant). …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Johannine Writings
BY the Johannine writings are meant the Apocalypse and the fourth gospel, as well as the three catholic epistles to which the name of John is traditionally attached. It is not possible to enter here into a review of the critical questions connected with them, and especially into the question of their authorship. The most recent criticism, while it seems to bring the traditional authorship into greater uncertainty, approaches more nearly than was once common to the position of tradition in another …
James Denney—The Death of Christ

Circumcision, Temple Service, and Naming of Jesus.
(the Temple at Jerusalem, b.c. 4) ^C Luke II. 21-39. ^c 21 And when eight days [Gen. xvii. 12] were fulfilled for circumcising him [The rite was doubtless performed by Joseph. By this rite Jesus was "made like unto his brethren" (Heb. ii. 16, 17); that is, he became a member of the covenant nation, and became a debtor to the law--Gal. v. 3] , his name was called JESUS [see Luke i. 59], which was so called by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. [Luke i. 31.] 22 And when the days of their …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Opposition to Messiah in Vain
He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh; the Lord shall have them in derision. T he extent and efficacy [effects] of the depravity of mankind cannot be fully estimated by the conduct of heathens destitute of divine revelation. We may say of the Gospel, in one sense, what the Apostle says of the Law, It entered that sin might abound (Romans 5:20) . It afforded occasion for displaying the alienation of the heart of man from the blessed God, in the strongest light. The sensuality, oppression and …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

Sundry Exhortations.
HEBREWS xiii. Let love of the brethren continue. Forget not to shew love unto strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; them that are evil entreated, as being yourselves also in the body. Let marriage be had in honour among all, and let the bed be undefiled: for fornicators and adulterers God will judge. Be ye free from the love of money; content with such things as ye have: for Himself hath said, I will in no wise fail thee, …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews

Peaceable Principles and True: Or, a Brief Answer to Mr. D'Anver's and Mr. Paul's Books against My Confession of Faith, and Differences in Judgment About Baptism no Bar to Communion.
WHEREIN THEIR SCRIPTURELESS NOTIONS ARE OVERTHROWN, AND MY PEACEABLE PRINCIPLES STILL MAINTAINED. 'Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men?'--Psalm 58:1 SIR, I have received and considered your short reply to my differences in judgment about water baptism no bar to communion; and observe, that you touch not the argument at all: but rather labour what you can, and beyond what you ought, to throw odiums upon your brother for reproving you for your error, …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
or, Gospel Light Fetched out of the Temple at Jerusalem, to Let us More Easily into the Glory of New Testament Truths. 'Thou son of man, shew the house to the house of Isreal;--shew them the form of the house, and the fashion thereof, and the goings out hereof, and the comings in thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the laws thereof.'--Ezekiel 43:10, 11 London: Printed for, and sold by George Larkin, at the Two Swans without Bishopgate, …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
A BRIEF AND FAITHFUL RELATION OF THE EXCEEDING MERCY OF GOD IN CHRIST TO HIS POOR SERVANT, JOHN BUNYAN; WHEREIN IS PARTICULARLY SHOWED THE MANNER OF HIS CONVERSION, HIS SIGHT AND TROUBLE FOR SIN, HIS DREADFUL TEMPTATIONS, ALSO HOW HE DESPAIRED OF GOD'S MERCY, AND HOW THE LORD AT LENGTH THROUGH CHRIST DID DELIVER HIM FROM ALL THE GUILT AND TERROR THAT LAY UPON HIM. Whereunto is added a brief relation of his call to the work of the ministry, of his temptations therein, as also what he hath met with …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Jesus Living at Nazareth and visiting Jerusalem in his Twelfth Year.
(Nazareth and Jerusalem, a.d. 7 or 8.) ^C Luke II. 40-52. ^c 40 And the child grew [This verse contains the history of thirty years. It describes the growth of our Lord as a natural, human growth (compare Luke i. 80); for, though Jesus was truly divine, he was also perfectly man. To try to distinguish between the divine and human in Jesus, is to waste time upon an impracticable mystery which is too subtle for our dull and finite minds], and waxed strong [His life expanded like other human lives. …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Prophet Amos.
GENERAL PRELIMINARY REMARKS. It will not be necessary to extend our preliminary remarks on the prophet Amos, since on the main point--viz., the circumstances under which he appeared as a prophet--the introduction to the prophecies of Hosea may be regarded as having been written for those of Amos also. For, according to the inscription, they belong to the same period at which Hosea's prophetic ministry began, viz., the latter part of the reign of Jeroboam II., and after Uzziah had ascended the …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

The Scriptures
Q-II: WHAT RULE HAS GOD GIVEN TO DIRECT US HOW WE MAY GLORIFY AND ENJOY HIM? A: The Word of God, which is contained in the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him. 2 Tim 3:16. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,' By Scripture is understood the sacred Book of God. It is given by divine inspiration; that is, the Scripture is not the contrivance of man's brain, but is divine in its origin. The image of Diana was had in veneration …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Jesus, My Rock.
When the storm and the tempest are raging around me, Oh! where shall I flee to be safe from their shock? There are walls which no mortal hands built to surround me, A Refuge Eternal,--'Tis JESUS MY ROCK! When my heart is all sorrow, and trials aggrieve me, To whom can I safely my secrets unlock? No bosom (save one) has the power to relieve me, The bosom which bled for me, JESUS MY ROCK! When Life's gloomy curtain, at last, shall close o'er me, And the chill hand of death unexpectedly knock, I will …
John Ross Macduff—The Cities of Refuge: or, The Name of Jesus

Links

Exodus 12:29 NIV
Exodus 12:29 NLT
Exodus 12:29 ESV
Exodus 12:29 NASB
Exodus 12:29 KJV

Exodus 12:29 Commentaries

Bible Hub