At midnight God strikes every firstborn in Egypt — from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne to the firstborn of the captive in the dungeon, to the firstborn of all livestock. A great cry rises across Egypt. There is not a house without death.
But over the houses marked with blood: the destroyer passes. The night of the tenth plague is also the night of protection. Two things happen simultaneously — judgment on Egypt and shelter for Israel.
Pharaoh rises in the night — he and all his servants and all of Egypt. He sends for Moses and Aaron while it is still dark. Rise up, go out from among my people — you, the children of Israel. Go, serve God as you have said. Take your flocks and herds. Go. And bless me also.
Egypt urges the people to hurry. They are afraid everyone will die. Israel takes their dough before it is leavened — carried on their shoulders, kneaded bowls bound in their cloaks. They do not wait for it to rise. They borrow silver and gold and clothing from the Egyptians, and the Egyptians give it willingly.
The children of Israel had lived in Egypt four hundred and thirty years. On this very day — to the day — they left.
