Library Theodoret Questions on Exodus
Questions on Exodus 22: Why he killed the Egyptians’ firstborn
Why did he kill the firstborn of the Egyptians?
Because that man enslaved Israel, God’s firstborn, most harshly; for the Lord God himself also said this: “Israel is my firstborn son.” Most justly, then, he consigned the Egyptians’ firstborn to death. One must know, however, that the firstborn also has brothers; for the firstborn or first-begotten is first of many. Let Israel therefore know that he was called God’s first people. But the nations that believed not only obtained salvation but also enjoyed the birthright: “for a people,” it says, “shall surpass a people; and the greater shall serve the lesser.”
Greek: Theodoret of Cyrus, Quaestiones in Octateuchum / Questions on Exodus (CPG 6200.02; cf. Fernández Marcos and Sáenz-Badillos; also PG 80, cols. 225–298). English: study translation for BWAB Library—not the copyrighted Robert C. Hill (CUA Press) translation. The full Questions on Exodus (72 questions) is hosted here.