The Night to Be Much Observed
In the 12th chapter of Exodus, there is an unusual observance given without much in the way of explanation, generally called “the “Night to Be Much Observed””.
For those who observe Yahweh’s Holy Days, this “Night to Be Much Observed” has often been overlooked, or at least not looked at closely. Is there any value to this particular observance? Is it for us today?
Exodus 12:40 Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years. 41 And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of Yahweh went out from the land of Egypt. 42 It is a “Night to Be Much Observed” unto Yahweh for bringing them out from the land of Egypt: this is that night of Yahweh to be observed of all the children of Israel in their generations.
Exodus 13:3 And Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand Yahweh brought you out from this place: there shall no leavened bread be eaten. 4 This day came ye out in the month Abib.
Deuteronomy 16:1 Observe the month of Abib, and keep the passover unto Yahweh thy Elohim: for in the month of Abib Yahweh thy Elohim brought thee forth out of Egypt by night.
Let’s note a few points based on the above Scriptures:
- All the hosts (both Israelite and Egyptian) went out from the land of Egypt
- They went specifically at night
- It is a “Night to Be Much Observed”
When is this “Night to Be Much Observed” when all the hosts went out from the land of Egypt? Let’s begin with a process of elimination. This event to be much observed could not be the “night” of Abib 14th (Passover) because this is the night the death angel appeared.
Exodus 12:12 For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the mighty-ones of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am YAHWEH.
Also, on Passover night, the Israelites were to remain in their homes all night and were not permitted to come out until the morning.
Exodus 12:22 And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning.
So the ““Night to Be Much Observed”” was not the 14th of Abib!
In order to discover what night it was, we need to follow the sequence of events to see just when Israel WENT OUT OF THE LAND of Egypt.
After Passover, Pharaoh ordered the Israelites out of Egypt. The children of Israel then looted the Egyptians and journeyed from Rameses to Succoth. To find out if Succoth was still in Egypt, we need to do some detective work and look at many Scriptures.
Exodus 12:35 And the children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: 36 And Yahweh gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians. 37 And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot that were men, beside children. 38 And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks, and herds, even very much cattle.
7486 Ra`m@cec {rah-mes-ace’} or Ra`amcec {rah-am-sace’} • of Egyptian origin;; n pr loc • AV – Rameses 4, Raamses 1; 5 • Raamses or Rameses = “child of the sun” 1) a city in lower (1) Egypt built by Hebrew slaves; probably in Goshen
Exodus 1:11 says that Rameses was one of the great treasure cities of Pharaoh. “Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses.”
Genesis 47:27 And Israel dwelt in the land of Egypt, in the country of Goshen; and they had possessions therein, and grew, and multiplied exceedingly.
From the above Scriptures and definitions we find that Rameses was in lower Egypt in the “country of Goshen”, with Goshen being a broader area within Egypt like our county system.
- A note about “lower and upper” Egypt: The land of Egypt was divided in half, horizontally, and the terms upper and lower are in terms of the direction of the flow of the Nile River, which flows south to north. Because of the northward flow of the Nile River, which first goes through southern Egypt, southern Egypt is called “upper’, and northern Egypt where the Nile flows to the Mediterranean is called “lower” Egypt. Think of it in terms of a topographical map where southern Egypt is at a higher elevation, and northern Egypt is at a lower elevation on a descent to the Mediterranean.
The city of Rameses, then, would be north of the division between upper and lower Egypt, and apparently was in the eastern delta region not far from the Mediterranean.
Now that the geography is taken care of, we should note one other thing about the beginning of the Exodus.
Oddly enough, Scripture doesn’t say that the Israelites left Rameses (Goshen) at night. In fact, quite to the contrary.
Numbers 33:3 And they departed from Rameses in the first month, on the fifteenth day of the first month; on the morrow after the passover the children of Israel went out with an high hand in the sight of all the Egyptians.
Numbers 33:3 is very clear. When the Israelites left Rameses, they left in daylight “in the sight of all the Egyptians”, not under the cover of darkness.
As a side note, Exodus 12:38 states there were 600,000 men, plus women and children. That could be anywhere from 1.5 million to 3.0 million people, on foot. To move a group this large must have been a very slow process. How far could they go in a day?
To find out if Succoth was located in Egypt we need to continue our detective work. And we see that after they camped at Succoth they traveled to and camped at Etham. And after leaving Etham they turned towards and camped near Pihahiroth, before Baalzephon.
Numbers 33:5 And the children of Israel removed from Rameses, and pitched in Succoth. 6 And they departed from Succoth, and pitched in Etham, which is in the edge of the wilderness. 7 And they removed from Etham, and turned again unto Pihahiroth, which is before Baalzephon (1189): and they pitched before Migdol.
Exodus 14:1 And YAHWEH spake unto Moses, saying, 2 Speak unto the children of Israel, that they turn and encamp before Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, over against Baalzephon (on the other side) before it shall ye encamp by the sea.
Note that Baalzephon is “in Egypt”.
1189 Ba`al Ts@phown {bah’-al tsef-one’} • from 01168 and 06828;; n pr loc • AV – Baalzephon 3; 3 • Baal Tsphon or Baal-zephon = “lord of the north” 1) a place in Egypt near the Red Sea where Pharaoh and his army were destroyed during the Exodus
What land was “Succoth” in? Rameses was in the land of Egypt. Baalzephon was in the land of Egypt. There was 1.5 to 3.0 million people on foot not moving very fast. Why would anyone assume, without any evidence to the contrary, that the first stop after leaving Rameses (Goshen) would not still be within the land of Egypt?
So, just when did Israel leave the land of Egypt?
Exodus 14:9 But the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pihahiroth, before Baalzephon.
Let’s ask another question. Did the Egyptian army cross any national boundaries in their pursuit of the Israelites? None are mentioned, which would make us think that they were still in their own territory during all their travels.
If Israel had already left Egypt when they departed Rameses (Goshen) on the 15th, and that is the night to be observed, then the continued journey from Succoth would not be in Egypt. Exodus 13:18 clearly shows the Israelites and mixed multitude leaving Egypt after traveling through the wilderness which is after Succoth. Therefore the journey from Succoth through the wilderness was still in the land of Egypt!
Exodus 13:17 Then it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that Elohim did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for Elohim said, “Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt.” 18 So Elohim led the people around by way of the wilderness of the Red Sea. And the children of Israel went up in orderly ranks out of the land of Egypt. (NKJ)
Israel had observed Yahweh’s Passover…looted the Egyptians…left Rameses (Goshen) during the day on the 15th of Abib…journeyed to Succoth and camped…journeyed to Etham and camped…. journeyed to before Migdol and camped….and journeyed near Pihahiroth, which is before Baalzephon and camped, but nothing memorable at night occurs worthy of special note. Also, it seems clear that at this point the Israelites had not gone out of the land of Egypt.
What is so special about “This Night” that Yahweh makes it an observance to all generations?
Let us continue in Exodus 14 as the children of Israel cried out to Yahweh (not in faith … but out of fear).
Exodus 14:10 And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto YAHWEH. 11 And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt? 12 Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.
And Moses tells the people to stand still and wait upon Yahweh.
13 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of YAHWEH, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. 14 YAHWEH shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.
Maybe something momentous is about to happen and we are getting closer to solving our mystery.
15 And the Sovereign said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward: 16 But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea. 17 And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them: and I will get me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen. 18 And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Sovereign, when I have gotten me honour upon Pharaoh, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen. 19 And the angel of Elohim (Yahweh, note verse 24 below), which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them: 20 And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them (i.e. Egyptians) , but it gave light by night to these (i.e. Israelites): so that the one came not near the other all the night.
We are starting to see a truly momentous event…at night…when Yahweh delivers Israel from the land of Egypt!
21 And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Sovereign caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. 22 And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.
Finally, here is an absolutely outstanding event…at night…where Israel is delivered OUT OF THE LAND of Egypt!
In the morning, we find Israel on the other side…and the Egyptians still trying to pursue.
23 And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. 24 And it came to pass, that in the morning watch Yahweh (Angel, note verse 19 above) looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud (see verse 19), and troubled the host of the Egyptians, 25 And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for YAHWEH fighteth for them against the Egyptians.
And when the morning appeared, Yahweh destroys Pharaoh and his army!
26 And the Sovereign said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen. 27 And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and YAHWEH overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. 28 And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them.
And Yahweh saves Israel!
29 But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left. 30 Thus the Sovereign saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore. 31 And Israel saw that great work which YAHWEH did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared YAHWEH, and believed the Sovereign, and his servant Moses.
A runaway slave is not free until the running ends. Israel was not truly free when they left Rameses, but when their enemy no longer pursued them, they were truly free!
We return to Exodus 12:40.
Exodus 12:40 Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years. 41 And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of YAHWEH went out from the land of Egypt. 42 It is a “Night to Be Much Observed” unto YAHWEH for bringing them out from the land of Egypt: this is that night of YAHWEH to be observed of all the children of Israel in their generations.
So clearly this “Night to Be Much Observed” was the night Yahweh was a cloud of darkness to the Egyptians, a light to the Israelites, guiding them across the divided Red Sea OUT OF EGYPT. This event culminates at the crack of dawn with the utter destruction of Pharaoh and his army. Israel was truly set free from the bondage of Egypt. This was the “Night to Be Much Observed”.
What does this have to do with us today?
Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
1 Corinthians 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
Let us back up to verse one in 1 Corinthians 10 to see what examples Paul was talking about.
1 Corinthians 10:1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat; 4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Messiah. 5 But with many of them Yahweh was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. 6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. 8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 9 Neither let us tempt Messiah, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. 10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.
Paul makes a couple of very interesting comments. The first interesting comment was that “all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; and were all baptized”. The act of water baptism is linked to the “Night to Be Much Observed”.
Another interesting comment Paul makes is that the spiritual Rock that followed Israel was Messiah. This clearly shows that the Yahweh who spoke to Moses and was with the Israelites during the Exodus was Messiah.
Psalm 18:2 YAHWEH is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my El, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
Psalm 95:1 O come, let us sing unto YAHWEH: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.
The “Night to Be Much Observed” was given to us as an example for our lives today. So when should we celebrate the “Night to Be Much Observed”?
First of all, we know that Passover starts at the evening of the 14th of Abib and represents our faith toward Elohim in that He sent His son to die for our sins. Messiah was our perfect Passover lamb. This correlates to the Israelites who had faith towards Yahweh by sacrificing an unblemished lamb and putting that blood on their door posts.
We also know that Unleavened Bread, including the first high day (15th of Abib), symbolizes our repentance with the removal of leavening (i.e. sin) from our households and the eating of unleavened bread (i.e. the righteousness of Messiah). This correlates to the Israelites leaving their home of Rameses and only eating unleavened bread during their journey out of Egypt.
The second High Day of Unleavened Bread (21st of Abib) represents our water baptism, which is the remission of sins to prepare the new convert for the infilling of the Holy Spirit. Again this correlates to the Israelites’ crossing of the Red Sea (1 Corinthians 10:3). Therefore we observe the “Night to Be Much Observed” on the 21st of Abib, the second High Day of Unleavened Bread. For more on water baptism, see “Does a believer need to be water baptized for salvation?”
Hebrews 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
Titus 3:4 But after that the kindness and love of Yahweh our Saviour toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Spirit; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Yahwehshua Messiah our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
HalleluYah
(3/13e)
Addendum:
Below is a possible timeline of the Exodus.
| 14th Passover | 15th UB-1 Exodus begins morning @ Rameses/ Goshen | 16th UB-2 Camp @ Succoth | 17th UB-3 Camp @ Etham |
18th UB-4 | 19th UB-5 Camp before Migdol |
20th UB-6 Pihahiroth – before Baalzephon night/crossing Red Sea |
21st UB-7 continued night crossing Red Sea. Morning Egyptians drown In Red Sea | 1st wk |
Why are there only four stops in six days before the crossing of the Red Sea out of the land of Egypt on the seventh day?
Exodus 13:21 And YAHWEH went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: 22 He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.
It is clear that Yahweh provided shade to travel by day and light to travel by night and that the Israelites and others did not need to stop and camp to rest everyday.
It is roughly 200 miles from Rameses to the Red Sea. The Israelites and mixed multitude with their elderly, children, sick, livestock, and all their possessions made the journey in only six days! How could they do this? Of course it had to be with Yahweh’s help.
Isaiah 40:28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting Elohim, Yahweh, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. 29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. 30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: 31 But they that wait upon Yahweh shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.