Definition: And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We [be] all dead [men].

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Exodus 12:33. It’s a really important and somewhat surprising verse! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: The Egyptians were worried about the Israelites leaving their land. They were desperate to get them out so they could rebuild their own temples and continue worshipping God. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people…” – This tells us that the Egyptians were feeling anxious and stressed about the Israelites' departure. “…that they might send them out of the land in haste…” - They wanted to quickly get the Israelites moving away from Egypt. "...for they said, We [be] all dead men.” – This is the key part. The Egyptians believed that all the Israelites were dead! They thought God had commanded them to die. It’s a very dramatic and unsettling statement. What's the significance? This verse is often interpreted as a sign of divine punishment or judgment. It highlights the fear and desperation of the Egyptians, who were facing a powerful and potentially threatening group of people. It also speaks to the deep-seated prejudice and anxieties that existed in ancient times. Important Note: This is a very old text, and it's important to understand that the meaning was likely intended to be a symbolic representation of judgment rather than a literal statement about death. It’s a powerful moment in history! --- Would you like me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context surrounding this passage (e.g., why it's important for understanding ancient Egypt)? Talk about its symbolic meaning?