Exodus 12:31
And he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, Rise up, and get you forth from among my people, both ye and the children of Israel; and go, serve the LORD, as ye have said.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּקְרָא֩
And he called
H7121
וַיִּקְרָא֩
And he called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
1 of 19
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
לַ֗יְלָה
by night
H3915
לַ֗יְלָה
by night
Strong's:
H3915
Word #:
4 of 19
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
ק֤וּמוּ
Rise up
H6965
ק֤וּמוּ
Rise up
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
6 of 19
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
צְּאוּ֙
and get you forth
H3318
צְּאוּ֙
and get you forth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
7 of 19
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
עַמִּ֔י
my people
H5971
עַמִּ֔י
my people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
9 of 19
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
10 of 19
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
12 of 19
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
בְּנֵ֣י
both ye and the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
both ye and the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
13 of 19
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
14 of 19
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וּלְכ֛וּ
H1980
וּלְכ֛וּ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
15 of 19
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
עִבְד֥וּ
serve
H5647
עִבְד֥וּ
serve
Strong's:
H5647
Word #:
16 of 19
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
17 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Psalms 105:38Egypt was glad when they departed: for the fear of them fell upon them.Exodus 6:1Then the LORD said unto Moses, Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh: for with a strong hand shall he let them go, and with a strong hand shall he drive them out of his land.Exodus 10:9And Moses said, We will go with our young and with our old, with our sons and with our daughters, with our flocks and with our herds will we go; for we must hold a feast unto the LORD.Exodus 8:8Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, Intreat the LORD, that he may take away the frogs from me, and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may do sacrifice unto the LORD.
Historical Context
This capitulation reverses Pharaoh's earlier refusals (Exodus 5:2, 10:28-29). What diplomacy and plagues 1-9 couldn't accomplish, the tenth plague achieved in one night.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Pharaoh's sudden surrender illustrate that God's timing, though sometimes delayed, is always perfect?
- What hardened resistance in your life has finally broken under the weight of God's persistent working?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Pharaoh's night summons to Moses and Aaron shows desperation—the proud ruler who repeatedly refused now capitulates. His words 'Rise up, and get you forth from among my people' grant exactly what Moses repeatedly requested. Including 'both ye and the children of Israel' acknowledges the whole nation. The permission to 'serve the LORD' and take their flocks represents complete surrender of Egypt's prior demands.