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29) In the middle of the night Adonai struck down all the first-born in the land of Egypt, from the first-born of Pharaoh who sat on the throne to the first-born of the captive who was in the dungeon, and all the first born of the cattle. 30) And Pharaoh arose in the night, with all his courtiers and all the Egyptians- because there was a loud cry in Egypt; for there was no house where there was not someone dead. 31) He summoned Moses and Aaron in the middle and said, "Up, depart from among my people, you and the Israelites with you! Go, worship Adonai as you said! 32) Take also your flocks and your herds, as you said, and begone! And may you bring a blessing upon me also!" 33) The Egyptians urged the people on, impatient to have them leave the country, for they said, "We shall be dead." 34) So the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneading bowls wrapped in their cloaks upon their shoulders. 35) The Israelites had done Moses' bidding and borrowed from the Egyptians objects of silver and gold, and clothing. 36) And Adonai had disposed the Egyptians favorably toward the people, and they let them have their request; thus they stripped the Egyptians. [JPS translation]

1. Why did God kill all the first-born Egyptians?
2. In the second to last verse, it states that the Israelites "borrowed" Egyptian silver, gold, and clothing. Was this ethical or just? Could these be considered reparations?
3. What does this text indicate about collective punishment for the Egyptians? What questions does this raise?