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
The LORD said to Moses, “Yet one plague more will I bring on Pharaoh, and on Egypt; afterwards he will let you go. When he lets you go, he will surely thrust you out altogether. ​
2
Speak now in the ears of the people, and let them ask every man of his neighbor, and every woman of her neighbor, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold.” ​
3
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. ​

Moses Delivers the Judgment

4
Moses said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘About midnight I will go out into the midst of Egypt, ​
5
and all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne, even to the firstborn of the female servant who is behind the mill; and all the firstborn of livestock. ​
6
There shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there has not been, nor shall be any more. ​
7
But against any of the children of Israel a dog won’t even bark or move its tongue, against man or animal; that you may know that the LORD makes a distinction between the Egyptians and Israel. ​
8
All these your servants shall come down to me, and bow down themselves to me, saying, “Get out, with all the people who follow you”; and after that I will go out.’” He went out from Pharaoh in hot anger. ​

God's Purpose in Pharaoh's Hardening

9
The LORD said to Moses, “Pharaoh won’t 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 didn’t let the children of Israel 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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