Holly Bible - KJV with Concise Commentaries by Z Selam - HTML preview
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The Death of the Firstborn
29 And 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.
The Egyptians' sons, even their first-born, slain, Ex 12:29, 30. If Pharaoh would have taken the warning which was given him of this plague, and would thereupon have released Israel, what a great many dear and valuable lives might have been preserved! But see what obstinate infidelity brings upon men. Observe,
1 The time when this blow was given: It was at midnight, which added to the terror of it. The three preceding nights were made dreadful by the additional plague of darkness, which might be felt, and doubtless disturbed their repose; and now, when they hoped for one quiet night's rest, at midnight was the alarm given. When the destroying angel drew his sword against Jerusalem, it was in the day-time (2Sa 24:15), which made it the less frightful; but the destruction of Egypt was by a pestilence walking in darkness, Ps 91:6. Shortly there will be an alarming cry at midnight, Behold, the bridegroom cometh.
2. On whom the plague fastened--on their first-born, the joy and hope of their respective families. They had slain the Hebrews' children, and now God slew theirs. Thus he visits the iniquity of the fathers upon the children; and he is not unrighteous who taketh vengeance.
3. How far it reached--from the throne to the dungeon. Prince and peasant stand upon the same level before God's judgments, for there is no respect of persons with him; see Job 34:19, 20. Now the slain of the Lord were many; multitudes, multitudes, fall in this valley of decision, when