Numbers 33:4
For the Egyptians buried all their firstborn, which the LORD had smitten among them: upon their gods also the LORD executed judgments.
Original Language Analysis
וּמִצְרַ֣יִם
For the Egyptians
H4714
וּמִצְרַ֣יִם
For the Egyptians
Strong's:
H4714
Word #:
1 of 13
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
אֵת֩
H853
אֵת֩
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הִכָּ֧ה
had smitten
H5221
הִכָּ֧ה
had smitten
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
5 of 13
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
יְהוָ֖ה
also the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
also the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
8 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
וּבֵאלֹ֣הֵיהֶ֔ם
among them upon their gods
H430
וּבֵאלֹ֣הֵיהֶ֔ם
among them upon their gods
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
10 of 13
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
עָשָׂ֥ה
executed
H6213
עָשָׂ֥ה
executed
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
11 of 13
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Cross References
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.Isaiah 19:1The burden of Egypt. Behold, the LORD rideth upon a swift cloud, and shall come into Egypt: and the idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence, and the heart of Egypt shall melt in the midst of it.Exodus 18:11Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them.Zephaniah 2:11The LORD will be terrible unto them: for he will famish all the gods of the earth; and men shall worship him, every one from his place, even all the isles of the heathen.
Historical Context
Each plague had targeted specific Egyptian deities—the Nile (Hapi), the sun (Ra), etc. The death of the firstborn struck at Pharaoh himself, considered a god. The plagues demonstrated that Egypt's gods were powerless before Israel's God. While Egyptians buried their sons and mourned their gods' impotence, Israel marched free, vindicated by the true God's power.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's judgment on false gods demonstrate His exclusive claim to worship?
- What does simultaneous judgment and redemption teach about God's holiness?
- In what ways does the gospel include both deliverance for believers and judgment for unbelief?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The Egyptians burying their firstborn 'whom the LORD had smitten' while Israel departed demonstrates that God's judgment and redemption occur simultaneously. While Egypt mourned, Israel celebrated. The additional note that God 'executed judgments also upon their gods' teaches that the plagues were not just natural disasters but theological judgments against Egypt's false deities. The Reformed understanding that God's salvation inherently involves judgment on sin and falsehood is powerfully illustrated here.