1 The Lord said to Moses, “Yet one plague more I will bring upon Pharaoh and upon Egypt. Afterward he will let you go from here. When he lets you go, he will drive you away completely.
2 Speak now in the hearing of the people, that they ask, every man of his neighbor and every woman of her neighbor, for silver and gold jewelry.”
3 And the Lord gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover, the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants and in the sight of the people.
4 So Moses said, “Thus says the Lord: About midnight I will go out in the midst of Egypt,
5 And every firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne, even to the firstborn of the slave girl who is behind the handmill, and all the firstborn of the cattle.
6 There shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there has never been, nor ever will be again.
7 But not a dog shall growl against any of the people of Israel, either man or beast, that you may know that the Lord makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel.
8 And all these your servants shall come down to me and bow down to me, saying, ‘Get out, you and all the people who follow you.’ And after that I will go out.” And he went out from Pharaoh in hot anger.
9 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Pharaoh will not listen to you, that my wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt.”
10 Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh, and the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he did not let the people of Israel go out of his land.
The True Meaning of Exodus 11
The book of Exodus was written by Moses, the great prophet and leader of the Israelites. He had a unique perspective, having been raised in the Egyptian royal household before fleeing and encountering God at the burning bush. The climactic events leading up to the Israelites’ dramatic exodus from Egypt are seen in this chapter.
The chapter describes the final plague that God will bring upon the Egyptians – the death of the firstborn. This plague will be the decisive blow that compels Pharaoh to finally let the Israelites go, as foretold in God’s earlier warnings (Exodus 4:22-23). The Israelites are instructed to prepare for their departure by gathering supplies and celebrating the Passover feast, a ritual that will commemorate their deliverance for generations to come (Exodus 12:14).
The gravity of this moment is underscored by God’s declaration, “About midnight I will go throughout Egypt” (Exodus 11:4). This echoes the ominous warning given to Pharaoh earlier: “This is what the Lord says: ‘About midnight I will go throughout Egypt’” (Exodus 11:4). The stage is set for a dramatic confrontation between the Almighty and the stubborn ruler who has refused to heed His commands.
Exodus 11:1-3
The Lord speaks to Moses about the final plague that will be sent upon the land of Egypt in Exodus 11:1-3. The breakdown of this verse into important sections reveals crucial insights into the nature of God and His justice. The Lord informs Moses in verse 1 that He will bring one more plague upon Pharaoh and Egypt. This last plague will be the most severe, leading to the release of the Israelites from their bondage. God instructs Moses to inform the people to ask their Egyptian neighbors for items of silver and gold as a way to prepare for their departure from Egypt. This request for plundering the Egyptians may seem unusual, but it is part of God’s plan to show His power and authority over the false gods of Egypt.
The Lord goes on to explain in verse 2 that He will make the Israelites “favorably disposed” towards the Egyptians, causing them to receive the wealth of the Egyptians willingly. This act not only fulfills God’s promise to Abraham of the Israelites leaving Egypt with great possessions (Genesis 15:14), but it also demonstrates God’s sovereignty and ability to turn hearts according to His will. This divine act of changing attitudes ultimately displays God’s power over both the material and spiritual realms.
Furthermore, in verse 3, Moses is described as being highly esteemed in the land of Egypt, both in the eyes of Pharaoh’s officials and the people. This favor placed upon Moses serves as a testament to his obedience to God and the authority with which he spoke on behalf of the Lord. Moses’ journey from being a hesitant shepherd to a respected leader in the courts of Pharaoh showcases the transformative power of God’s call on an individual’s life. These verses from Exodus 11 emphasize the themes of God’s sovereignty, justice, and provision. They reveal the intricate ways in which God orchestrates events to fulfill His divine purpose and bring about the salvation of His people. The narrative of the plagues in Exodus serves as a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness to His promises and His willingness to intervene on behalf of His chosen ones, even in the face of formidable opposition.
Exodus 11:4-8
A significant moment in the story of the Israelites in Egypt is seen in Exodus 11:4-8. Let’s break down this passage into key sections and explore their meanings in depth:
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“So Moses said, ‘This is what the Lord says: ‘About midnight I will go throughout Egypt. Every firstborn son in Egypt will die, from the firstborn son of Pharaoh, who sits on the throne, to the firstborn son of the female slave, who is at her hand mill, and all the firstborn of the cattle as well. Moses, through God, announces the final plague that will ultimately lead to the liberation of the Israelites from bondage in Egypt in this section. This plague symbolizes God’s judgment on the Egyptians for their oppression and mistreatment of His chosen people. The fact that even Pharaoh’s own son, who was considered divine and protected, was not spared from this judgment highlights the magnitude of God’s power and the severity of His judgment. This event serves as a poignant reminder that no one, regardless of their status or power, is above God’s authority and justice.
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“There will be loud wailing throughout Egypt—worse than there has ever been or ever will be again.”
The impending devastation that will strike Egypt is described vividly here. The death of every firstborn in the land, from the highest to the lowest, is a catastrophic event that will bring unprecedented grief and mourning. This serves as a stark contrast to the earlier plagues that affected the land, as this final plague will cut to the very heart of Egyptian society and power structure. The scale of this judgment underscores the seriousness of God’s intervention on behalf of His people and emphasizes the consequences of resisting His will.
- “But among the Israelites not a dog will bark at any person or animal… Then all the officials of Egypt will come to me and bow down before me, saying, ‘Leave, you and all the people who follow you!’ After that I will leave.’ Then Moses, hot with anger, left Pharaoh.”
This section reveals the aftermath of the final plague, where the Egyptians will be so overcome by the loss and mourning that they will compel the Israelites to leave Egypt. The contrast is clear between the fate of the Egyptians, who will be devastated by the loss of their firstborn, and the Israelites, who will be protected by God’s mercy. The fulfillment of this prophecy not only demonstrates God’s power and sovereignty but also His faithfulness to His covenant with the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Exodus 11:4-8 captures a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Exodus, showcasing God’s ultimate judgment on Egypt and His deliverance of the Israelites. It emphasizes the themes of God’s justice, sovereignty, and faithfulness throughout the Bible. This passage serves as a reminder of the importance of heeding God’s word, the consequences of disobedience, and the assurance of His protection for those who trust in Him. It also foreshadows the ultimate redemption and salvation that God provides through His son, Jesus Christ, for all who believe in Him (John 3:16).
Exodus 11:9-10
The verse in Exodus 11:9-10 reads, “But the Lord said to Moses, Pharaoh will not listen to you, so that my wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt. Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh, but the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he did not let the people of Israel go out of his land. The Lord speaks to Moses in the first part of this passage, informing him that Pharaoh will not heed his warnings or listen to his appeals to free the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. The reason given for Pharaoh’s resistance is that God’s wonders and power may be further displayed through the ongoing plagues and miracles that will escalate in intensity. This demonstrates God’s sovereignty and plan to manifest His glory through these supernatural events.
Moses and Aaron had performed various signs and wonders before Pharaoh as a way to demonstrate God’s power and authority, but despite these miraculous displays, Pharaoh’s heart remained hardened. This hardening of Pharaoh’s heart is significant because it elucidates the notion of free will and divine intervention. Throughout the plagues, Pharaoh had multiple opportunities to release the Israelites, yet his stubbornness and pride kept him from doing so. The hardening of Pharaoh’s heart, facilitated by God, highlights the complex interplay between human choices and God’s sovereignty.
The narrative of Pharaoh’s hardened heart and refusal to let the Israelites go is a recurring theme in the Book of Exodus, showcasing the ultimate triumph of God’s will over human resistance. It sets the stage for the climactic event of the Passover, where the final plague results in the release of the Israelites from bondage. This verse underscores the divine purpose behind the plagues and the redemption of God’s chosen people. It also serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of pride, obstinacy, and the futility of opposing God’s divine plan.
Furthermore, this story connects with other biblical passages that emphasize the importance of heeding God’s commands and warnings. Proverbs 29:1 states, “A man who hardens his neck after much reproof will suddenly be broken beyond healing.” This verse echoes the consequences of obstinate defiance against God’s will, as seen in Pharaoh’s tragic fate. The story of Pharaoh and the plagues in Exodus serves as a powerful reminder of the need for humility, obedience, and submission to God’s authority.
After Exodus 11
The Lord had spoken to Moses, and the final plague was about to descend upon Egypt. The Israelites were instructed to prepare for their departure, for the time had come to leave this land of bondage. A sense of anticipation and trepidation filled the air as the people gathered their belongings. Little did they know that the journey ahead would test their faith and forge a nation, one that would forever be shaped by the hand of the Almighty. The stage was set for the Exodus, a pivotal moment in the history of God’s chosen people.
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.