1
Then the LORD said to Moses, “I will bring yet one plague more upon Pharaoh and upon Egypt; afterward he will let you go from here. When he lets you go, he will surely drive you out from here altogether.
2
Speak now in the hearing of the people, and let every man ask of his neighbor, and every woman of her neighbor, articles of silver and articles of gold.”
3
And the LORD gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover, Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants and in the sight of the people.
4
And 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 to the firstborn of the slave woman who is behind the millstones, and all the firstborn of the cattle.
6
And there shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as has never been, nor ever shall be again.
7
But against any of the children of Israel not even a dog shall move its tongue, against man or beast, that you may know that the LORD makes a distinction between the Egyptians 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.’ 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
So Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh; yet the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he did not let the children of Israel go out of his land.
☠️⚠️⏳ Summary of Exodus 11
Exodus 11 is the announcement of the tenth plague, namely the death of the firstborn in Egypt. This is the final warning from the LORD to Pharaoh through Moses before the most devastating plague is sent.
1. Announcement of the Final Plague (verses 1–3)
- The LORD tells Moses that only one plague more will be sent, and after that Pharaoh will drive Israel out.
- The LORD commands the Israelites to ask for articles of gold and silver from the Egyptians, and the LORD makes the Egyptians favorably disposed toward them.
- Moses is held in high regard among the people of Egypt and their officials, though rejected by Pharaoh.
2. Moses’ Warning (verses 4–8)
- Moses declares that at midnight the LORD will go through Egypt, and the firstborn of every Egyptian household will die, from Pharaoh’s son to the slave woman’s son.
- Even the firstborn of the livestock will die.
- There will be a great cry throughout all Egypt, unlike anything ever heard before.
- Yet, not one Israelite will be touched; not even a dog will bark against them.
- Moses says plainly that Pharaoh’s officials themselves will come and beg Israel to leave.
- After this, Moses goes out from Pharaoh in fierce anger.
3. The LORD’s Confirmation (verses 9–10)
- The LORD repeats that Pharaoh will not listen, so that God’s wonders may be made known more fully.
- Moses and Aaron continue to obey the LORD’s command even though Pharaoh’s heart is hardened.
📖 Key Lessons
- The LORD is patient, yet His judgment surely comes.
- Every refusal of God’s warning ends in heavier consequence.
- God distinguishes His people from the world and guards them from His wrath.
- Pride and hardness of heart invite complete ruin.
- When the LORD commands, He also prepares the way and the protection for His people.
✨ Spiritual Meaning
- The firstborn represents inheritance, hope, and family strength. When they die, it signifies the total judgment upon a world system that rejects God.
- The LORD does not only punish, but also prepares His people to go out with blessing, even from their enemies (in the form of gold and silver).
- There is no final compromise—Pharaoh has been given enough opportunity to repent, and now the time has come for divine justice to be carried out.
- Moses stands as a leader who is firm and courageous, reflecting divine authority in the midst of human stubbornness.
