THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
The relationship between God's justice and the death of the firstborn is outlined in Isaiah 38:5. God initiated this execution not as a first resort, but to guide them through the actions of others, and it was sent with prior knowledge. The intent was to awaken them with warnings, so they would not have to endure the actual consequences. As they remained unrepentant, He ensured that the execution was clear and definitive. He intended to prevent any misconception that it was merely a natural disaster or disease, given the unique circumstances: first, it occurred in a single night; second, it affected only the firstborn. If it had been a contagious disease, it would have impacted all individuals indiscriminately rather than solely the firstborn, while others would have been spared.
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Moreover, if it had been a contagion, it would not strictly target the Egyptians, leaving the Jews unscathed; for it would more likely strike those whose bodies were already weakened by labor and hardship. If it were indeed a natural affliction, there would have been warning signs prior to its sudden arrival, which occurred so that the hard-heartedness of the Egyptians would be revealed. Once they recognized that this was a divine judgment, they persecuted the Israelites who had left, revealing their severe hardness of heart and further justifying God's actions.
As the signs came to a conclusion, the last sign was meant to affirm His actions in the eyes of those willing to observe. Some might have questioned why all were punished while the Jews were spared and the king remained in sin. This final judgment resolved the dilemma. The Egyptians, after suffering the loss of their firstborn, forcibly expelled the Israelites, acting contrary to the will of their ruler. They could have overcome the king initially, had they chosen to do so, but their earlier failures stemmed not from inability but from a lack of will. The ensuing persecution only deepened their guilt.
This scenario mirrors that under King Saul, where, to save his son, the people' consent led to the sparing of a guilty man (1 Sam. 14:45), while during Saul's effort to murder innocent priests, they remained silent and unresisting (1 Sam. 22:17). While nature offered reprieve in the past, in this instance, divine justice was clear; those meant to be priests incurred great calamities due to negligence. Such neglect was punished severely, illustrating that iniquity demands vigilance and awareness to prevent escalating evil.
The phrase "from man to cattle" (Psalm 134:8) implies a broad scope of God’s judgment, encompassing everything created for man's benefit. God’s purpose in punishing cattle serves to intensify fear and calamity, affirming that this was a divine act and the suffering came from heaven. "He has sent down signs and wonders among you, O Egypt, upon Pharaoh and upon all his servants" (Psalm 134:9) indicates God's manifest presence, either in a geographical sense or a more evident one, demonstrating His miracles. These events were designed to correct and chastise those who should have learned from them, manifesting through a series of extraordinary occurrences.
The striking of the Egyptians benefited the Jews, just as divine favor on the Israelites brought positive outcomes even in difficult situations. This duality illustrates how God distributed punishments and blessings, ensuring that even in suffering, His sovereignty was recognized. God’s reluctance to bring punishment affirms His desire for reform; multiple opportunities for repentance were granted, knowing full well that the Egyptians would not change even after witnessing various judgments.
Here we witness the profound nature of His might, diligence, wisdom, and goodness: His might in striking down the offenders, His diligence since He withheld further executions, and His wisdom as He executed His plans whilst respecting human free will. The unfolding events began with the lowest of creatures, ultimately revealing His might through the king’s downfall, illustrating that while personal struggles may be overlooked, the misfortunes of leaders are quickly spread and noticed.
In discussing the cause of their misfortune, the prophet touches on the plagues without recounting every detail, succinctly stating, "He sent down signs and wonders among you, O Egypt."