Exodus 12:32 | Biblical Exposition and Prayer
Speak His Word Only | The Book of Exodus
Exodus 12:32 (KJV)
"Also take your flocks and your herds, as ye have said, and be gone; and bless me also."
Introduction — When Pharaoh Asked for a Blessing
After repeatedly refusing to release the children of Israel, Pharaoh finally commanded Moses and Aaron to depart from Egypt. The tenth plague had brought death to the firstborn throughout the land, including Pharaoh's own household.
The ruler who had hardened his heart against the commandment of the LORD now stood overwhelmed by the judgment that had fallen upon Egypt.
Throughout the preceding plagues, Pharaoh had resisted God's command to let His people go. At times, he requested that Moses intercede for him, only to return to his former resistance when the plague was removed.
But in Exodus 12:32, Pharaoh spoke words that reveal the severity of his circumstances:
"And bless me also."
These words are remarkable because they came from the same ruler who had previously declared:
Exodus 5:2 (KJV)
"Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go."
The man who once questioned the authority of the LORD now requested a blessing as the people of God departed.
Exposition — The Meaning of Pharaoh's Request
1. Pharaoh Recognized That He Could Not Prevail Against God
Pharaoh had witnessed the judgments of the LORD upon Egypt.
The Nile had been turned to blood. Frogs, lice, flies, disease, boils, hail, locusts, and darkness had afflicted the land. Finally, the death of the firstborn brought Egypt into mourning.
Pharaoh's power could not prevent what God had declared.
His request for a blessing came after the devastating final plague.
2. Pharaoh Requested a Blessing from Those He Had Oppressed
The words "bless me also" were directed to Moses and Aaron.
Pharaoh was not speaking as a man who had always honored the LORD. He had repeatedly resisted the divine command and held Israel in bondage.
Yet now he asked for a blessing.
The Hebrew expression conveys a request that Moses and Aaron would bless him as they departed. In context, this may include a desire for divine favor and relief from further judgment.
The verse does not explicitly record Moses praying for Pharaoh at this moment.
Therefore, we should distinguish Pharaoh's request from an actual prayer of intercession recorded in the text.
3. Seeking Relief Is Not Necessarily the Same as Repentance
Pharaoh's request teaches an important lesson.
A person may desire relief from the consequences of disobedience without demonstrating genuine repentance.
Earlier, Pharaoh had asked Moses to entreat the LORD when Egypt was suffering under judgment.
Exodus 8:28 (KJV)
"And Pharaoh said, I will let you go, that ye may sacrifice to the LORD your God in the wilderness; only ye shall not go very far away: intreat for me."
Yet Pharaoh repeatedly hardened his heart.
Exodus 12:32 records his request for a blessing, but it does not declare that Pharaoh experienced spiritual conversion or lasting repentance.
The distinction between seeking God's help and submitting to God's authority is essential.
4. God's Word Was Fulfilled Despite Pharaoh's Resistance
The LORD had declared that He would deliver Israel from Egyptian bondage.
Pharaoh's resistance could not overturn the purpose of God.
When the appointed time came, Israel departed from Egypt according to the Word of the LORD.
Spiritual Insight: Pharaoh's request reminds us that earthly authority cannot overrule divine authority. It also warns us against seeking only the benefits of God's mercy while refusing to submit to His Word.
A Prayer Inspired by Exodus 12:32
Lord, Give Us Hearts That Truly Seek Your Blessing
Heavenly Father,
We come before Your presence in the name of Jesus Christ, acknowledging that You alone are the Almighty God, sovereign over heaven and earth.
You are the LORD who delivered Israel from the bondage of Egypt, who heard the cries of Your people, remembered Your covenant, and brought them forth according to Your mighty power.
Father, as we consider the words of Pharaoh, "And bless me also," we recognize the danger of seeking Your blessings while resisting Your commandments.
Search our hearts, O LORD.
Do not allow us to become like Pharaoh, who repeatedly witnessed Your power yet hardened his heart against Your Word.
Remove stubbornness, pride, rebellion, and unbelief from our hearts.
Give us hearts that are tender toward Your voice, minds that are receptive to Your truth, and spirits willing to obey Your commandments.
Father, teach us not to seek You only when trouble comes.
Let us not wait until judgment, sorrow, or distress overtakes us before we acknowledge Your authority.
May we seek Your face in times of peace as faithfully as we seek Your help in times of adversity.
Your Word declares in Psalm 51:17:
"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise."
Create in us clean hearts, O God, and renew right spirits within us.
Let our desire be more than deliverance from difficult circumstances. Let us desire righteousness, holiness, truth, and fellowship with You.
Father, where we have resisted Your Word, grant us repentance.
Where we have delayed obedience, teach us to respond without rebellion.
Where we have trusted in our own strength, humble us beneath Your mighty hand.
May we never become so attached to earthly power, possessions, or authority that we refuse to acknowledge Your sovereignty.
We thank You that through Jesus Christ, You have made the way of salvation known.
We thank You for Your mercy, Your longsuffering, and Your willingness to receive those who turn to You in genuine repentance and faith.
Father, bless us according to Your will.
Bless us with wisdom to understand Your Word.
Bless us with discernment to recognize truth.
Bless us with courage to obey You.
Bless us with humility to acknowledge our dependence upon You.
Bless us with spiritual understanding so that we may walk worthy of the calling wherewith we are called.
And as we pray for ourselves, we also pray for those who do not yet know You.
Open their understanding to the truth of the Gospel.
May those who have resisted Your Word turn to You with sincere hearts.
Let those who seek only relief come to recognize their need for salvation through Jesus Christ.
May Your mercy lead them to repentance.
Father, we declare that Your Word shall stand and that Your purposes cannot be overturned by the power of man.
Let our lives testify to Your faithfulness.
May we not merely ask, "Bless me also," but sincerely declare, "Lord, teach me to do thy will."
In the mighty name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour, we pray.
Amen.
Closing Spiritual Reflection
Pharaoh asked for a blessing after resisting the LORD through repeated judgments.
His request reminds us that recognizing God's power in a moment of crisis is not necessarily the same as surrendering to His authority.
The greatest blessing is not merely the removal of trouble but reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ.
Psalm 86:11 (KJV)
"Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name."
May our prayer be not only, "Lord, bless me," but also, "Lord, teach me to walk in Your truth."
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