Exodus 11
Exodus 11 recounts the final warning from God to Pharaoh before the devastating tenth and last plague, the death of the firstborn in Egypt. It marks the culmination of the plagues and sets the stage for the deliverance of Israel from slavery. This chapter focuses on God's instructions to Moses and the stark consequences for Egypt due to Pharaoh's hardened heart. The events underscore God's sovereignty and justice while foreshadowing the Passover, a key event in Israel’s history.
Exodus 11:1 (NKJV)
And the Lord said to Moses, “I will bring one more plague on Pharaoh and on Egypt. Afterward he will let you go from here. When he lets you go, he will surely drive you out of here altogether."
God informs Moses of the final plague, which will compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites. Unlike previous plagues, this one will break Pharaoh's resistance completely. Pharaoh will not only permit the Israelites to leave, but he will also forcefully expel them from Egypt. This reflects God's ultimate control over the situation and highlights the impending freedom of Israel.
Exodus 11:2-3 (NKJV)
2 “Speak now in the hearing of the people, and let every man ask from his neighbor and every woman from her neighbor, articles of silver and articles of gold.”
3 And 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.
God instructs the Israelites to request valuable items from the Egyptians, such as silver and gold. This act is symbolic of God's justice, as it ensures that Israel leaves Egypt not empty-handed but with compensation for their years of slavery. Additionally, Moses' reputation has grown, with both Egyptians and Pharaoh's servants regarding him with respect, further amplifying the gravity of the upcoming plague.
Exodus 11:4-6 (NKJV)
4 Then Moses said, “Thus says the Lord: ‘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 handmill, and all the firstborn of the animals.
6 Then there shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as was not like it before, nor shall be like it again.
Moses declares the final plague, which will result in the death of every firstborn in Egypt, from the highest ranks of society to the lowest. Even the animals will suffer. The plague's severity will cause unprecedented grief and mourning throughout the land, unmatched by any prior or future calamity. This reveals both the extent of God's judgment and His determination to free His people.
Exodus 11:7 (NKJV)
But against none of the children of Israel shall a dog move its tongue, against man or beast, that you may know that the Lord does make a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.’
While Egypt will suffer devastating loss, the Israelites will remain untouched, as even the dogs will not disturb them. This sharp distinction underscores God's protection of His chosen people and highlights the divine separation between Egypt and Israel. It also reinforces God's power and favor over His covenant people.
Exodus 11:8 (NKJV)
And all these your servants shall come down to me and bow down to me, saying, ‘Get out, and all the people who follow you!’ After that I will go out.” Then he went out from Pharaoh in great anger.
Moses informs Pharaoh that, following the death of the firstborn, even Pharaoh's servants will beg him to leave Egypt. This underscores the total defeat of Pharaoh’s defiance. Moses, filled with righteous indignation, departs from Pharaoh, knowing that God's final judgment is imminent. His anger reflects both the gravity of the situation and Pharaoh's persistent stubbornness.
Exodus 11:9 (NKJV)
But the Lord said to Moses, “Pharaoh will not heed you, so that My wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt.”
God reassures Moses that Pharaoh's refusal to listen is part of His divine plan. Pharaoh's continued resistance serves to magnify God’s power through the miraculous plagues. This verse emphasizes that even Pharaoh's hardness of heart ultimately fulfills God's purposes, showcasing His sovereignty over both the ruler and the events unfolding in Egypt.
Exodus 11:10 (NKJV)
So Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh; and the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he did not let the children of Israel go out of his land.
Moses and Aaron faithfully performed all the signs and wonders God commanded, but Pharaoh’s heart remained hardened, as God had foretold. Pharaoh’s stubbornness was not only a result of his pride but also part of God's plan to bring about the full demonstration of His power through the plagues. This final act of defiance sets the stage for the catastrophic last plague that will lead to Israel's liberation.