Exodus 12:29 At midnight the Lord struck down all the firstborn in Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh, who sat on the throne, to the firstborn of the prisoner, who was in the dungeon, and the firstborn of all the livestock as well.
The very end of verse 32, where Pharaoh tells the Israelites to go, “and also bless me” has caught my attention this morning. At first I thought Pharaoh was asking Moses and Aaron to bless him before they leave Egypt. Commentary supports this reading, saying that Pharaoh finally has a softened heart and realizes God is the One True God.
Exodus 12:30 Pharaoh and all his officials and all the Egyptians got up during the night, and there was loud wailing in Egypt, for there was not a house without someone dead.
However, looking at both the Literal and the Catholic translations of this verse, Pharaoh implies that by leaving Egypt, the Israelites will bless him. Their departure will be the blessing. The Literal Standard Translation of verse 32 is “…take both your flock and your herd as you have spoken, and go; then you have also blessed me.”
Exodus 12:31 During the night Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, “Up! Leave my people, you and the Israelites! Go, worship the Lord as you have requested.
Precious Savior, Thank You for Your Word. Fine shades of meaning are possible, depending on how you read the text. That means that we have to be intentional about reading, studying, and trying to draw closer to You. There is no translation that allows us to say we know it all. We have to keep reading, keep studying, keep searching in order to know You more. Thank You. Amen.
Exodus 12:32 Take your flocks and herds, as you have said, and go. And also bless me.”
Have a blessed day.