Matthew Henry Commentary Exodus 12:37-42

"And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot that were men, besides children. And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks, and herds, even very much cattle. And they baked unleavened cakes of the dough which they brought forth out of Egypt; for it was not leavened, because they were thrust out of Egypt, and could not tarry, neither had they prepared for themselves any victuals. Now the time that the children of Israel dwelt in Egypt was four hundred and thirty years. And it came to pass at the end of four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of Jehovah went out from the land of Egypt. It is a night to be much observed unto Jehovah for bringing them out from the land of Egypt: this is that night of Jehovah, to be much observed of all the children of Israel throughout their generations." — Exodus 12:37-42 (ASV)

The children of Israel set out without delay. A mixed multitude went with them. Some, perhaps, were willing to leave their country, devastated by plagues; others, out of curiosity; perhaps a few out of love for them and their religion. But there were always those among the Israelites who were not Israelites. Thus, there are still hypocrites in the church.

This great event occurred 430 years after the promise made to Abraham . For so long, the promise of a settlement remained unfulfilled. But though God's promises are not fulfilled quickly, they will be, in due season.

This is that night of the Lord, that remarkable night, to be celebrated in all generations. The great things God does for his people are to be not only a few days' wonder, but to be remembered throughout all ages, especially the work of our redemption by Christ. This first Passover night was a night of the Lord, greatly to be observed; but the last Passover night, in which Christ was betrayed and in which the first Passover, with the rest of the Jewish ceremonies, was abolished, was a night of the Lord, much more to be observed.

Then a yoke, heavier than that of Egypt, was broken from our necks, and a land, better than that of Canaan, was set before us. It was a redemption to be celebrated in heaven, forever and ever.