Exodus11

The LORD informs Moses of one final plague, the death of all firstborn in Egypt, after which Pharaoh will expel the Israelites. Before this, the Israelites are instructed to request jewels from their Egyptian neighbors, finding favor in their sight. Moses declares this impending judgment, emphasizing that Israel will be spared, demonstrating the LORD's distinction between the two peoples.
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Announcement of the Final Plague

1
Then the LORD said to Moses, “I will bring upon Pharaoh and Egypt one more plague. After that, he will allow you to leave this place. And when he lets you go, he will drive you out completely. ​
2
Now announce to the people that men and women alike should ask their neighbors for articles of silver and gold.” ​
3
And the LORD gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover, Moses himself was highly regarded in Egypt by Pharaoh’s officials and by the people. ​

Moses Delivers the Judgment

4
So Moses declared, “This is what the LORD says: ‘About midnight I will go throughout Egypt, ​
5
and every firstborn son in the land of Egypt will die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne, to the firstborn of the servant girl behind the hand mill, as well as the firstborn of all the cattle. ​
6
Then a great cry will go out over all the land of Egypt. Such an outcry has never been heard before and will never be heard again. ​
7
But among all the Israelites, not even a dog will snarl at man or beast.’ Then you will know that the LORD makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel. ​
8
And all these officials of yours will come and bow before me, saying, ‘Go, you and all the people who follow you!’ After that, I will depart.” And hot with anger, Moses left Pharaoh’s presence. ​

God's Purpose in Pharaoh's Hardening

9
The LORD said to Moses, “Pharaoh will not listen to you, so that My wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt.” ​
10
Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh, but the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart so that he would not let the Israelites go out of his land. ​

Study Notes for Exodus 11

Verse 1

This verse establishes the inevitability of Israel’s departure. The phrase 'thrust you out hence altogether' signifies a complete and urgent expulsion, marking the final defeat of Pharaoh's sovereignty.

Verse 2

The instruction to 'borrow' (Heb. *sha’al*, meaning to ask or demand) was a form of divine recompense. The Israelites were essentially claiming back wages for centuries of forced servitude, fulfilling God’s promise to Abraham (Gen. 15:14).

Verse 3

God preparing the hearts of the Egyptians to favor Israel underscores His control over the enemy's disposition. Moses' greatness, acknowledged even by Pharaoh's court, validates the authority behind the coming judgment.

Verse 4

Moses delivers this prophecy with specific detail, including the timing ('About midnight'), lending credibility and prophetic weight to the imminent catastrophe.

Verse 5

The plague targets the firstborn across all social strata—from the royal heir to the lowest slave—and even the animals. This demonstrates the comprehensiveness of God’s judgment over all of Egypt's life and power structure.

Verse 6

The promise of an unparalleled 'great cry' highlights the devastating and universal nature of the loss. This judgment specifically targets the heart of Egyptian society and religion, striking at their future lineage.

Verse 7

The detail that 'not a dog move his tongue' emphasizes the precise and sovereign protection afforded to Israel. This serves the explicit theological purpose 'that ye may know how that the LORD doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.'

Verse 8

The prophecy culminates in the utter humiliation of Pharaoh's officials, who will be forced to bow before Moses and beg for Israel's departure. Moses' departure 'in a great anger' reflects the righteous indignation against Pharaoh's persistent rebellion.

Verse 9

This verse acts as a divine commentary, reaffirming that Pharaoh’s refusal was integrated into God’s larger plan. The persistence of hardening was necessary so that God's power could be fully displayed ('multiplied') for all nations to witness.

Verse 10

This serves as a summary conclusion to the first nine plagues. The repetition of 'the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart' reinforces the theological truth that God was in complete control of the conflict, ensuring the fulfillment of the Exodus.

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