Exodus 11:1-10 is about God demonstrating His power and sovereignty over earthly rulers and displaying His favor and protection towards His people.
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.
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.
Setting the Scene for Exodus 11:1-10
The scene in Exodus 11 takes place in the land of Egypt, specifically in the royal palace of Pharaoh. Moses and Aaron, the two brothers chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, are standing before Pharaoh. The room is grand and opulent, adorned with gold and precious jewels, reflecting the wealth and power of the Egyptian ruler. Pharaoh, a proud and stubborn man, is seated on a magnificent throne, surrounded by his advisors and courtiers.
Moses, a humble and determined man, is delivering a final warning to Pharaoh on behalf of God. He is urging Pharaoh to let the Israelites go, warning of the final plague that will befall Egypt if he refuses. Aaron stands beside Moses, his staff in hand, ready to demonstrate the power of God through the miracles he performs. The tension in the room is palpable as Pharaoh, filled with arrogance and defiance, refuses to heed the warnings of Moses and Aaron.
As the confrontation unfolds, the stage is set for the ultimate display of God’s power and the fulfillment of His promise to deliver the Israelites from bondage. The scene is charged with anticipation and drama, as the fate of an entire nation hangs in the balance.
What is Exodus 11:1-10 about?
God warns of the final plague – the death of the firstborn in Egypt – in this verse, displaying His authority and sovereignty powerfully. Through this act, God is not only asserting His supremacy over the false gods of Egypt, but He is also demonstrating His power to fulfill His promises and execute judgment on those who oppose Him. The death of the firstborn is a devastating consequence that serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of acknowledging God’s ultimate authority. Challenging God’s authority compels us to consider the implications and consequences as we reflect on this verse. We are reminded of the need to acknowledge and honor God as the ultimate source of power and wisdom. Through this warning of the final plague, we are called to reevaluate our own lives and ensure that we are aligning ourselves with God’s will, recognizing His supremacy over all else. This verse serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of humility, obedience, and reverence towards God, lest we too face the consequences of defying His sovereignty.
Understanding what Exodus 11:1-10 really means
In Exodus 11:1-10, we witness a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Israelites’ liberation from Egyptian bondage. This passage unveils the final plague that God will unleash upon Egypt, the death of the firstborn. The gravity of this event underscores God’s ultimate judgment against Pharaoh and his people, culminating in the release of the Israelites from slavery. As God instructs Moses to convey this impending calamity to Pharaoh, we see a clear distinction between the Egyptians and the Israelites, emphasizing God’s protective hand over His chosen people.
The phrases within this passage carry profound meanings that illuminate God’s power and sovereignty. The declaration, “One more plague I will bring upon Pharaoh and upon Egypt,” signifies the culmination of divine judgment, showcasing God’s unwavering justice. The mention of God going out in the midst of Egypt at midnight underscores the sudden and inevitable nature of His intervention, highlighting the imminent display of His authority. The prediction of a great cry throughout Egypt emphasizes the unprecedented magnitude of the impending disaster, leaving an indelible mark on the Egyptian nation.
Contrasting the impending doom of the Egyptians, the assurance that “not a dog shall growl against any of the people of Israel” symbolizes the complete protection and peace that God promises to His chosen ones. This divine safeguarding echoes throughout related biblical passages, such as Exodus 12:12-13, where the Passover lamb’s blood shields the Israelites from harm, foreshadowing Christ’s sacrificial protection. Psalm 91:5-7 further reinforces the theme of God’s protective care, while John 1:29 links the Passover lamb to Jesus, the ultimate sacrificial Lamb of God.
The relevance of Exodus 11:1-10 extends to contemporary believers, reminding us of God’s sovereignty and His ability to deliver us from seemingly insurmountable challenges. Just as the Israelites were rescued from bondage, we are encouraged to trust in God’s timing and plans, even in the face of daunting circumstances. The distinction between the Egyptians and the Israelites underscores the significance of faith and obedience in God’s redemptive work in our lives.
Consider a modern-day scenario where a family grapples with a severe financial crisis, praying earnestly for divine intervention. In a moment of despair, unexpected provision arrives—a job offer materializes, or a generous friend extends a helping hand, mirroring the Israelites’ deliverance. This anecdote illustrates that God continues to intervene in our lives, offering hope and deliverance in our times of need.
In conclusion, Exodus 11:1-10 stands as a testament to God’s power, justice, and faithfulness. It assures us that amidst life’s trials, God remains in control, orchestrating deliverance in His perfect timing. This passage calls us to unwavering faith and trust in God’s sovereign plan, echoing the enduring message of hope and redemption found in the biblical narrative.
How can we trust in God’s promises despite hardship?
We can trust in God’s promises despite hardship by understanding that God’s promises are certain and sure, regardless of our current circumstances. Even when facing challenges and difficulties, we can hold onto the knowledge that God’s plans cannot be thwarted. Our trust in God should not be based on outward appearances or temporary setbacks, but on the unfailing nature of His word. God’s promises are not dependent on our own strength or abilities, and it is important to remember that in times of hardship. We can find comfort in knowing that God works all things for the good of those who love Him, even when we cannot see how our current situation fits into His larger plan. We can find hope and encouragement to persevere through difficult times by keeping our faith anchored in the truth of God’s promises, knowing that God is faithful to fulfill what He has promised.
Application
Let’s tap into the power of the Divine CEO overseeing every aspect of our lives. Trusting in His plan, let’s navigate the challenges like a tight-knit team, secure in the knowledge that He’s got our back. Time to clock in faith, and witness His promises unfold in our careers and homes. Will you roll up your sleeves with confidence today, knowing the Captain is guiding our ship through every storm?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.