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.

Announcement of the Final Plague

1
ADONAI said to Moshe, "I'm going to bring still one more plague on Pharaoh and Egypt, and after that he will let you leave here. When he does let you go, he will throw you out completely! ​
2
Now tell the people that every man is to ask his neighbor and every woman her neighbor for gold and silver jewelry." ​
3
ADONAI made the Egyptians favorably disposed toward the people. Moreover, Moshe was regarded by Pharaoh's servants and the people as a very great man in the land of Egypt. ​

Moses Delivers the Judgment

4
Moshe said, "Here is what ADONAI says: 'About midnight I will go out into Egypt, ​
5
and all the firstborn in the land of Egypt will die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh sitting on his throne to the firstborn of the slave-girl at the handmill, and all the firstborn of the livestock. ​
6
There will be a horrendous wailing throughout all the land of Egypt - there has never been another like it, and there never will be again. ​
7
But not even a dog's growl will be heard against any of the people of Isra'el, neither against people nor against animals. In this way you will realize that ADONAI distinguishes between Egyptians and Isra'el. ​
8
All your servants will come down to me, prostrate themselves before me and say, "Get out! - you and all the people who follow you!" and after that, I will go out!'"And he went out from Pharaoh in the heat of anger. ​

God's Purpose in Pharaoh's Hardening

9
ADONAI said to Moshe, "Pharaoh will not listen to you, so that still more of my wonders will be shown in the land of Egypt." ​
10
Moshe and Aharon did all these wonders before Pharaoh, but ADONAI had made Pharaoh hardhearted, and he didn't let the people of Isra'el leave 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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