SEPTEMBER 20, 2025 – DEATH

READ: Ex. 12:29–40: …and there was a great cry in Egypt…

Then, in the middle of the night, a terrible tragedy occurs: the LORD kills all the firstborn of the Egyptians—wherever they are—and even of their livestock. There is not a single exception. Even Pharaoh’s eldest son, his heir to the throne, is struck. A loud cry rings out across Egypt. It reminds us of the judgment on the Last Day.

Pharaoh realizes this is God’s punishment for his disobedience. He immediately calls for Moses and Aaron and permits them to leave with the people to serve the LORD. He finally understands that. Yet he still sees it as a favor on his part, daring to ask Moses for a blessing from the LORD.

The Egyptian people, in their fear, also urgently press for Israel’s departure. They even hand over their valuables when the Israelites ask—just as Moses had said. It is the LORD who causes this in their hearts (v.36); they are left behind as a poor nation.

The Israelites leave in great haste—an estimated two million people—heading southeast toward Succoth. With their pack animals and flocks, they are an enormous procession. They are the LORD’s people, who have triumphed over Satan and his follower, Pharaoh.

A large group of non-Israelites joins them—some may have come to worship God or simply want to escape Egypt’s slavery. This will later cause problems (see Num. 11:4). From the dough they brought, they bake unleavened cakes for food.

What a liberation! What joy it must have brought! A reason to serve and honor the LORD with their whole lives from now on. A reason to always trust in Him.

Such moments occur more often in biblical redemptive and church history—think of deliverance from the flood. For us, the greatest deliverance is through the cross and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him, we receive true life with the promise of eternal glory!

How do we show our joy as redeemed people?

Sing: Ps. 78:19,20