Exodus 12:33

33 And the Egyptians pressed the people to go forth out of the land speedily, saying: We shall all die.

Exodus 12:33 Meaning and Commentary

Exodus 12:33

And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people
The people of Israel; not using force, but strong entreaties, the most powerful arguments, and importunate language they were masters of:

that they might send them out of the land in haste:
this looks as if it was the people about Pharaoh, his ministers and courtiers, they were pressing upon to dismiss the Israelites at once, and to hasten their departure; or else Moses and Aaron, and the elders of the people, to stir them up to a quick dispatch of their affairs, that they might be soon rid of them; unless the sense is, that they were very solicitous and earnest with the people, that they would get away out of the land as fast as they could:

for they said, we [be] all dead [men];
for their firstborn being all slain, they expected that they themselves, and the rest of their families, would be struck with death next; and this they feared would be the case in a very little time, if they did not depart;

for they had sufficient reason to convince them,
that it was purely on their account, and because they had not leave to go out of the land, that all the above judgments, and particularly the last, were inflicted on them.

Exodus 12:33 In-Context

31 And Pharao calling Moses and Aaron, in the night, said: Arise and go forth from among my people, you and the children of Israel: go, sacrifice to the Lord as you say.

32 Your sheep and herds take along with you, as you demanded, and departing bless me.

33 And the Egyptians pressed the people to go forth out of the land speedily, saying: We shall all die.

34 The people therefore took dough before it was leavened; and tying it in their cloaks, put it on their shoulders.

35 And the children of Israel did as Moses had commanded: and they asked of the Egyptians vessels of silver and gold, and very much raiment.