Exodus 11
In Exodus 11, before the Israelites are delivered from Egypt, the Lord begins by telling Moses about the final plague, the death of the firstborn. Through this chapter, we can see that the last showdown between God and Pharaoh is foretold, and that the deliverance of the people of Israel is imminent.
1verseThe LORD said to Moses, “I will bring yet one more plague on Pharaoh, and on Egypt; afterwards he will let you go. When he lets you go, he will surely thrust you out altogether.
2verseSpeak now in the ears of the people, and let every man ask of his neighbor, and every woman of her neighbor, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold.”
3verseThe 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.
4verseMoses said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘About midnight I will go out into the middle of Egypt,
5verseand 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.
6verseThere will be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there has not been, nor will be any more.
7verseBut 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.
8verseAll these servants of yours will 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.
9verseThe LORD said to Moses, “Pharaoh won’t listen to you, that my wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt.”
10verseMoses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh, but the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he didn’t let the children of Israel go out of his land.
The Structure of the Text
- Verses 1–3: God’s words about the final plague, and how the Israelites will receive favor from the Egyptians
- Verses 4–8: Moses’ announcement about the death of the firstborn, and Pharaoh’s stubbornness
- Verses 9–10: A summary statement: Pharaoh’s hardness and everything that happens under God’s plan
Main Content and Meaning
This chapter begins with God informing Moses of the tenth plague that will be sent to Egypt—namely, “the death of the firstborn.” The Israelites will be delivered through this plague, and in the process, the Egyptians will end up showing them favor. Moses issues a final warning to Pharaoh, but Pharaoh remains stubborn and does not change his heart. This shows how God’s sovereignty, patience, and plan of salvation are being completed step by step.
Literary Features and Flow
Exodus 11 carries a sense of urgency. God’s plan moves steadily toward its climax, emphasizing that the deliverance of the Israelites is right at hand. The progress of God’s leading work toward Pharaoh, toward Moses, and toward all of Israel and Egypt is clearly revealed.
Reflection Points
- God’s patience and justice: Even with repeated warnings and a final opportunity, Pharaoh’s heart did not change. We can consider how God’s judgment and mercy strike a balance.
- Completion of God’s plan: We can reflect on the importance of believing that God’s plan will surely be carried out, even amid human stubbornness.
Personal Application
- I can check whether I am obeying within God’s guidance—or whether my heart is stubborn like Pharaoh’s.
- Even in moments of hardship, I should trust that God is working for me, and ask for a heart that can discern God’s will well at moments of change.
