Exodus 12:29–42 captures the urgency, awe, and divine faithfulness of that night when God kept vigil over His people and led them out of slavery. In this powerful passage, we witness the climactic moment of God’s judgment and deliverance. At midnight, the Lord strikes down Egypt’s firstborn, breaking Pharaoh’s resistance and setting the stage for Israel’s long-awaited freedom. Our study will follow the outline below:

1. God Judges with Justice and Mercy (v.29-30)
2. God Delivers with Power and Provision (v.31-36)
3. God Fulfils with Precision and Purpose (v.37-42)

Verses 29–36 recount the gripping moment when God brings judgment on Egypt by striking down every firstborn—from Pharaoh’s palace to the humblest home—filling the land with sorrow. At last, Pharaoh lets the Israelites go, urging them to leave without delay. The Egyptians, terrified of what might come next, quickly send them off and even offer gifts of silver, gold, and clothing as they depart.

Verses 37–42 describes the Israelites’ long-awaited departure from Egypt. Around 600,000 men, plus women, children, and even a mixed group of others, set out with their belongings and livestock. They left in such haste that their bread didn’t have time to rise, so they baked unleavened cakes. After 430 years in Egypt, God led them out on that very day—marking it as a special night of watching, one that Israel would remember and honor for generations.

Getting Started

1. If you had to leave your house in a hurry and could only grab one snack, what would it be—and why?

• Read Exodus 12:29-42

2. What insight, principle, or observation from Sunday’s sermon did you find to be the most helpful, eye-opening, or convicting?

Digging Deeper

3. What time did the Lord strike down the firstborn in Egypt, and who was affected? (v. 29)

4. What did the Israelites ask for, and how did the Egyptians respond? (v.35–36)

5. How long had Israel lived in Egypt, and how is the night of their departure described? (v.40-42)

The Heart of the Matter

6. In Exodus 12:29–30, God strikes down all the firstborn in Egypt, fulfilling His warning from Exodus 11:4–6. How does the reality of God's judgment in Egypt challenge the way you think about justice and mercy? Cross-reference: Romans 6:23

7. In verses 31-32, we see Pharaoh urgently thrust out the Israelites. When have you seen God’s power move you out of a situation you wouldn’t have left on your own? Cross reference: Isaiah 43:19

8. What does the “night of watching” in verse 42 teach you about God’s presence in seasons of waiting or fear? Cross-reference: Psalm 121:3–4