It's not just about spooky stories! Let's dive into a fascinating explanation from Shemot Rabbah, a collection of rabbinic interpretations of the Book of Exodus, that sheds light on this very question.
The text focuses on the verse “it was at midnight” (Exodus 12:29), connecting it to a verse from Psalms: “At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You because of the ordinances [mishpetei] of Your righteousness” (Psalms 119:62). But what’s the link? The Rabbis saw a direct connection between the plague of the firstborn in Egypt and the inherent justice—the mishpatim—of God's actions.
Here's the picture Shemot Rabbah paints: Moses, acting as God's messenger, announced the impending plague: “I will smite all firstborn” (Exodus 12:12). Understandably, this caused quite a stir. Some Egyptians, fearing for their sons' lives, came up with a desperate plan. They would take their firstborn sons to the homes of Israelites, begging them for protection. “Take this one,” they’d plead, “and let him stay the night with you.”
Can you imagine the scene? Egyptians, humbled by fear, entrusting their most precious possession to the very people they had enslaved. It speaks volumes about the desperation and the awareness, at least in some, that the God of the Israelites was a force to be reckoned with.
But here's where the story takes an even more remarkable turn. When midnight arrived, God, blessed be He, struck down all the firstborn in Egypt. But what about those Egyptian children sheltered in Israelite homes? This is where the "righteousness" of God's ordinances truly shines through.
The text explains that God, in His infinite wisdom, would "step between" the Israelite and the Egyptian child. He would take the soul of the Egyptian firstborn while leaving the Israelite unharmed. Picture it: a divine separation, a precise and unwavering act of justice carried out in the darkest hour.
The result? The Israelites would awaken to find a dead Egyptian child lying between them and their own sons, a stark reminder of God's protection. As it says in Exodus 12:13, “I will pass over you, and there will be no plague upon you.”
This profound experience, this clear demonstration of divine justice and salvation, prompted the Israelites to proclaim: “At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You.” It was a moment of profound gratitude, recognizing not only their deliverance but also the unwavering righteousness behind God's actions. It was a time to give thanks "because of the ordinances of Your righteousness.”
So, the next time you hear about the significance of midnight in Jewish tradition, remember this story. It's a powerful reminder that even in the face of immense suffering, divine justice prevails, and that even in the darkest of nights, there is always reason to give thanks. It’s a time to reflect on the mishpatim, the judgments, and the tzedek, the righteousness, that guide the universe.