Exodus 11:4

KJV

¶ And Moses said, Thus saith the LORD, About midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt:

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} said {H559}, Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, About midnight {H3915}{H2676} will I go out {H3318} into the midst {H8432} of Egypt {H4714}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe said, "Here is what ADONAI says: 'About midnight I will go out into Egypt,

Berean Standard Bible

So Moses declared, “This is what the LORD says: ‘About midnight I will go throughout Egypt,

American Standard Version

And Moses said, Thus saith Jehovah, About midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 11:4 records Moses delivering a precise and ominous prophetic oracle directly from the LORD to Pharaoh, declaring that "about midnight" the LORD Himself would "go out into the midst of Egypt." This divine pronouncement sets the stage for the tenth and final plague—the death of the firstborn—which would ultimately compel Pharaoh to release Israel, thereby demonstrating Yahweh's absolute sovereignty over all Egyptian powers and idols and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a critical turning point following nine escalating plagues that have progressively demonstrated God's power and Pharaoh's hardened defiance. Moses has just received Pharaoh's final, furious command never to see his face again, under threat of death ([Exodus 10:28-29](/exodus/10-28-29 "Pharaoh's final threat and Moses's response")). In response, Moses delivers this chilling, precise prophecy, which serves as God's definitive and unyielding word before the execution of the climactic judgment. It immediately precedes the detailed instructions for the Passover in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "The Passover and the Tenth Plague"), highlighting the interconnectedness of judgment and salvation. The subsequent verses in [Exodus 11:5-8](/exodus/11-5-8 "The details and scope of the tenth plague") elaborate on the devastating scope and impact of this midnight judgment, emphasizing its universality within Egypt and its distinct absence among the Israelites.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was a polytheistic society where Pharaoh was not merely a king but considered a divine being, often seen as the son of the sun god Ra, and the embodiment of national well-being and prosperity. The firstborn son held immense significance in ancient Near Eastern cultures, representing the family's future, inheritance, honor, and continuation of the lineage. For the Egyptians, the death of the firstborn was thus not merely a personal tragedy but a direct assault on the very foundation of their society, their religious beliefs, and the perceived power of their gods associated with life, fertility, and protection (e.g., Osiris, Ra, Min, Heket). This tenth plague was the ultimate demonstration of Yahweh's absolute supremacy over the entire Egyptian pantheon and Pharaoh himself, dismantling the core of their worldview and forcing their submission to the God of Israel.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 11:4 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. It underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating that Yahweh is the supreme ruler over all creation, nations, and even the timing of events, in stark contrast to the impotent gods of Egypt. It highlights **God's Justice** against oppression and idolatry, showcasing His active intervention in human history to execute righteous judgment. Furthermore, it reinforces the theme of **God's Covenant Faithfulness** to Israel, as this final plague is the decisive act that secures their promised deliverance from bondage, fulfilling the promises made to Abraham ([Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13-14 "God's prophecy of Israel's affliction and deliverance")). Finally, it sets the stage for the theme of **Redemption and Salvation** through the foreshadowing of the Passover, where a sacrificial lamb's blood provides a means of escape from divine judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 11:4 is a concise yet profoundly impactful prophetic declaration, delivered by Moses as a direct oracle from Yahweh.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, covenantal name of God (H3068), derived from the root "to be," signifying "the self-Existent or Eternal." Its use here emphasizes that the speaker is not just any deity, but the personal, unchanging, and all-powerful God who is actively involved in the affairs of humanity and is faithful to His covenant promises. It underscores His unique identity as the God of Israel, distinct from the fleeting gods of Egypt.
* **midnight (Hebrew, _châtsôwth'_ + _layil'_):** The term _châtsôwth_ (H2676) denotes "the middle (of the night)," while _layil_ (H3915) refers to "night" itself, often figuratively representing adversity. The combination "about midnight" conveys precise timing, highlighting God's meticulous control and foreknowledge. It signifies that this judgment is not a random occurrence but a precisely timed, inevitable act, adding dramatic tension and emphasizing the sudden, inescapable nature of the coming catastrophe.
* **go out (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ'_):** This primitive root (H3318) means "to go (causatively, bring) out" or "to proceed," used in a wide variety of applications. In this context, "I will go out" signifies God's direct, personal, and active involvement in executing the judgment. It underscores that this is not a delegated task or a natural phenomenon, but a sovereign act of God Himself, who will personally intervene to bring about the final, decisive plague.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses said":** Moses acts as the faithful and courageous messenger, delivering God's terrifying and specific word directly to the defiant Pharaoh, even after being threatened with death. This highlights Moses's obedience and the divine authority of the message he conveys.
* **"Thus saith the LORD":** This classic prophetic formula immediately establishes the divine authority behind the message, leaving no doubt that these are God's own words, not Moses's personal threat or speculation. It indicates an unadulterated, authoritative oracle from the sovereign God.
* **"About midnight":** This temporal marker underscores God's precise timing and absolute control over events. It heightens the tension, demonstrating that the judgment is imminent, unavoidable, and will occur at a specific, divinely appointed moment, leaving no room for Pharaoh to prepare or escape.
* **"will I go out into the midst of Egypt":** This clause reveals the direct, personal, and pervasive nature of God's judgment. The personal pronoun "I" emphasizes God's direct agency in executing the plague, while "into the midst of Egypt" conveys that the judgment will affect the entire land, from its highest to its lowest strata, demonstrating that no one is beyond God's reach.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily functions as a **Prophetic Oracle**, a direct divine declaration delivered through a human agent, Moses. This form lends immense authority and gravitas to the pronouncement. The phrase "Thus saith the LORD" is a classic **Formulaic Expression** that immediately signals divine speech. The specific timing ("About midnight") creates intense **Dramatic Irony** and **Suspense**, as the audience knows the exact moment of the impending doom, while Pharaoh remains ignorant of the precise hour until it strikes. The use of the first-person pronoun "I" ("I will go out") is a powerful **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like action to God to emphasize His direct, personal, and active involvement in executing the judgment, rather than delegating it. This direct language creates a sense of imminent and inescapable divine intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 11:4 powerfully teaches several core theological truths, demonstrating God's character and His interaction with humanity. It reveals God as an active, sovereign, and just ruler who intervenes decisively in human history. His precise timing underscores His perfect knowledge and unyielding will, showcasing that He is not reactive but acts according to His predetermined plan. While judgment falls on Egypt, this act is ultimately for the deliverance of Israel, fulfilling God's ancient promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This climactic plague is the ultimate demonstration that Yahweh is supreme over all the gods of Egypt and Pharaoh himself, a direct assault on the very foundations of Egyptian religion and Pharaoh's perceived divinity. Pharaoh's persistent hardening of his heart leads to the most severe and widespread judgment, illustrating the principle that prolonged defiance against God's will ultimately results in devastating consequences.

* [Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13-14 "God's Promise of Deliverance from Affliction")
* [Exodus 12:12](/exodus/12-12 "The LORD's Judgment on Egyptian Gods")
* [Romans 9:17-18](/romans/9-17-18 "God Raises up Pharaoh and Hardens Whom He Wills")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 11:4 serves as a potent reminder that God is a God of both immense patience and unwavering justice. While He is long-suffering and gracious, there are ultimate, severe consequences for persistent rebellion against His will and the oppression of His people. This verse compels us to consider our own hearts and responses to God's commands and warnings. It calls us to cultivate a deep trust in God's perfect timing, recognizing that He works according to His sovereign plan, even when His purposes seem delayed or His justice appears slow. His meticulous control ensures that His ultimate purposes will be fulfilled. Furthermore, understanding the gravity of Pharaoh's hardened heart should prompt us to examine our own lives, discerning areas where we might be resisting God's Spirit or ignoring His truth, knowing that persistent sin can lead to spiritual hardening. Finally, even amidst the severity of judgment, the underlying narrative points to God's provision of salvation and protection for His people, foreshadowed by the Passover, encouraging us to seek refuge and deliverance in Him alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's precise timing in judgment, as seen in "about midnight," deepen your understanding of His sovereignty and control over all circumstances in your life today?**
* **What are contemporary forms of "hardening one's heart" against God's will, and what spiritual consequences might arise from such resistance?**
* **In what ways does the assurance of God's direct involvement in bringing justice and deliverance for His people encourage your faith when facing challenging or oppressive circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Was God literally "going out" into Egypt?**

Answer: The phrase "I will go out" is an **anthropomorphism**, a literary device where human characteristics or actions are attributed to God. It signifies God's direct, personal, and active intervention in human terms. While God is omnipresent and does not "move" in a physical sense, the language emphasizes that this plague was not a natural disaster or a random event, but a direct, sovereign act of God Himself. It conveys His intentional and inescapable presence in the execution of judgment throughout the land of Egypt, impacting every household.

**Why was "midnight" chosen as the specific time for the plague?**

Answer: The specificity of "midnight" serves several significant purposes. First, it heightens the drama and tension, making the warning more impactful and memorable. Second, it signifies the suddenness and unexpected nature of the judgment, leaving no time for escape or preparation for the Egyptians. Third, it powerfully demonstrates God's absolute control over time and events, showing that He is not reactive but acts according to His precise, predetermined plan. The darkness of midnight would also amplify the terror and despair of the event, making the cries of the Egyptians ([Exodus 12:30](/exodus/12-30 "Great cry in Egypt")) even more stark and chilling.

**Is the judgment of the firstborn fair or just?**

Answer: This is a profound and difficult question. Within the biblical narrative, the death of the firstborn is presented as the culmination of Pharaoh's persistent, hardened rebellion against God and his cruel oppression of God's people. Pharaoh had previously enslaved and murdered Israelite firstborn male infants by ordering them thrown into the Nile ([Exodus 1:22](/exodus/1-22 "Pharaoh's decree to kill Israelite male infants")). Therefore, the death of Egypt's firstborn can be understood as a form of *lex talionis* (law of retaliation) or a just recompense for Pharaoh's own actions and the systemic injustice he perpetuated. Furthermore, it was the ultimate demonstration that the God of Israel was supreme over all Egyptian deities and Pharaoh himself, who was considered a living god and whose own firstborn was seen as the heir to divinity. It was a decisive judgment against a system of idolatry and oppression that refused to acknowledge Yahweh's authority and release His "firstborn son," Israel ([Exodus 4:22-23](/exodus/4-22-23 "Israel, God's firstborn son")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 11:4, with its announcement of the climactic plague and the subsequent deliverance of Israel, finds profound fulfillment and amplification in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The impending judgment on Egypt, which necessitated the institution of the Passover, directly foreshadows the ultimate judgment on sin and the means of salvation through Christ. The divine pronouncement "I will go out into the midst of Egypt" points to God's direct intervention, which culminates in Christ's own "going out" to bear the judgment for humanity. The judgment "about midnight" would only pass over those homes marked by the blood of a lamb ([Exodus 12:13](/exodus/12-13 "The sign of the blood for Passover")). This Passover lamb serves as a powerful type of Jesus Christ, who is identified by John the Baptist as **"the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"** ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God")). Just as the blood of the Passover lamb protected Israel from physical death, the shed blood of Christ on the cross protects believers from eternal spiritual death and the righteous judgment of God. The Exodus from Egypt, initiated by this final plague, represents physical liberation from slavery. In the New Testament, Jesus brings a greater Exodus, delivering humanity from the bondage of sin and death ([Luke 9:31](/luke/9-31 "Jesus's 'departure' (exodus) in Jerusalem")). His death and resurrection are the ultimate acts of liberation, freeing those enslaved by sin and bringing them into God's kingdom. Thus, Exodus 11:4, while a terrifying announcement of judgment, ultimately points forward to the greater salvation wrought by God's Son, who personally entered "into the midst" of humanity to bear its judgment and provide the ultimate way of escape.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 12:29

¶ And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that [was] in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle.

Exodus 12:12

For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I [am] the LORD.

Psalms 60:10

[Wilt] not thou, O God, [which] hadst cast us off? and [thou], O God, [which] didst not go out with our armies?

Amos 4:10

I have sent among you the pestilence after the manner of Egypt: your young men have I slain with the sword, and have taken away your horses; and I have made the stink of your camps to come up unto your nostrils: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.

Job 34:20

In a moment shall they die, and the people shall be troubled at midnight, and pass away: and the mighty shall be taken away without hand.

Matthew 25:6

And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

Exodus 12:23

For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite [you].