When the plague of the firstborn descended upon Egypt, Pharaoh hastened to search for Moses and Aaron in order to expel the Israelites. The Sages relate that he did not find them easily.

“He summoned Moses and Aaron” (Exodus 12:31). Pharaoh walked and called during the night in all the marketplaces, saying: Where is Moses? Where does he reside? The children of the Israelites mocked him and said to him: Pharaoh, where are you going? Pharaoh said to them: I am seeking Moses. They said to him: He resides here [giving an incorrect place of residence]. They mocked Pharaoh until he finally located Moses. Pharaoh said to Moses: “Rise and go out from among my people” (12:31). Moses said to him: Are we thieves, who seek to escape under the cover of darkness? The Holy One, blessed be He, said to us: “And no man shall emerge from the entrance of his house until morning” (12:22). Pharaoh said to him: I entreat you, rise and leave. Moses said to him: Why are you so adamant? Pharaoh said to him: I am a firstborn, and I fear that I will die. Moses said to him: Have no fear from that, you are destined for a much greater punishment than that. (Tanĥuma [Buber], Bo)