Exodus 11:4
And Moses said, Thus saith the LORD, About midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt:
Original Language Analysis
כֹּ֖ה
H3541
כֹּ֖ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
3 of 11
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יְהוָ֑ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
הַלַּ֔יְלָה
About midnight
H3915
הַלַּ֔יְלָה
About midnight
Strong's:
H3915
Word #:
7 of 11
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
יוֹצֵ֖א
will I go out
H3318
יוֹצֵ֖א
will I go out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
9 of 11
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
Cross References
Exodus 12:29And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle.Psalms 60:10Wilt not thou, O God, which hadst cast us off? and thou, O God, which didst not go out with our armies?Job 34:20In a moment shall they die, and the people shall be troubled at midnight, and pass away: and the mighty shall be taken away without hand.Exodus 12:12For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD.Amos 4:10I have sent among you the pestilence after the manner of Egypt: your young men have I slain with the sword, and have taken away your horses; and I have made the stink of your camps to come up unto your nostrils: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.Isaiah 42:13The LORD shall go forth as a mighty man, he shall stir up jealousy like a man of war: he shall cry, yea, roar; he shall prevail against his enemies.Exodus 12:23For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you.Matthew 25:6And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.Amos 5:17And in all vineyards shall be wailing: for I will pass through thee, saith the LORD.2 Samuel 5:24And let it be, when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt bestir thyself: for then shall the LORD go out before thee, to smite the host of the Philistines.
Historical Context
The midnight hour emphasizes God's sovereign timing and judgment coming in darkness. The scope—from royal palace to prison to barn—demonstrates no earthly status protects from divine judgment. Only the Passover blood will shield.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the universality of this judgment foreshadow universal human sinfulness?
- What does the need for blood protection teach about the coming gospel?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Verse 4 describes Moses's final warning about midnight judgment. God Himself will pass through Egypt, striking every firstborn from Pharaoh's throne to the prisoner in the dungeon, and even livestock firstborn. This universal judgment spares none, revealing sin's comprehensive curse.