lled for Moshe and Aaron during that very night and said to them: "Arise, go out from among my people, both you and the children of Israel; and go, serve God as you have said, and go, and bless me also." At last the pride of the stubborn king was broken and he realized that there indeed was a God. Meanwhile, the Jews had been preparing for their hasty departure. With beating hearts, they had assembled in groups to eat the roasted paschal lamb, together with the unleavened cakes (matzoh). The sun had already risen above the horizon when, at the word of command, the whole nation of the Hebrews poured forth from the land of Egypt. Thus the children of Israel were liberated from the yoke of their oppressors on the 15th day of Nissan, in the year 2448 after the creation of the world. There were 603,550 men between 20 and 60 -- military age -- who, with their wives and children and flocks, crossed the border of Egypt as a free nation. Many Egyptians and other non- Israelites joined the triumphant children of Israel, hoping to share their glorious future. The children of Israel did not leave Egypt destitute. In addition to their own possessions, the terrified Egyptians had bestowed upon them valuables of gold, silver and clothing in an effort to hasten their departure. Thus, God fulfilled in every detail His promise to Abraham that his descendants would leave their exile with great riches. Leading the Jewish people on their journey during the day was a pillar of cloud, and at night there was a pillar of fire, giving them light. These Divine messengers not only guided the children of Israel on their way, but also cleared the way before them, making it both easy and safe. After three days, Pharaoh received word of the progress of the children of Israel. The unexpected direction of their march made him think that they were lost in the desert. Pharaoh now regretted that he had permitted them to leave. He mobilized his army and personally took the ...
