Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Exodus 12:29. It’s a really important story about God’s protection and judgment. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: A Problem Was Created: God was worried about the Israelites (a group of people who were being enslaved) being vulnerable to harm. God Intervenes: He decided to protect them. He sent Moses to lead them out of slavery in Egypt. A Sudden Strike: At midnight, while the Israelites were sleeping, God miraculously struck down all the firstborn sons of Pharaoh – the ruler of Egypt – from the highest positions (like their throne) to the lowest (like the prisoners). It was a very sudden and powerful event. Impact on the Israelites: This also affected all the firstborn cattle - the animals owned by the Israelites, too. What it Means in Simple Terms: God showed His power and care by killing off the firstborn sons of Pharaoh – essentially making them vulnerable to being killed. This was a deliberate act to demonstrate his control and protect the Israelites from harm. Important Context (a little background): The Covenant: This event happened after God had made a covenant (a promise) with Abraham, promising him descendants who would be blessed. It’s like a deal between God and the people. The Promised Land: The Israelites were being held captive in Egypt, which was a difficult situation for them. Why is this important? This story is often seen as a symbol of God's protection over his chosen people. It shows that God is always watching over us and will intervene to defend those he loves. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of the story in more detail? Discuss the symbolism behind this event (like it being a sign of God's power)? Connect this passage to other Bible stories or themes?