Exodus Chapter 11 — The Announcement of the Final Plague
God warns Pharaoh of a final, devastating plague involving the firstborn of Egypt, marking the moment the Israelites will finally be set free.
1The 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.
2Speak 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.”
3The 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.
4Moses said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘About midnight I will go out into the middle of Egypt,
5and 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.
6There will be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there has not been, nor will be any more.
7But 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.
8All 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.
9The LORD said to Moses, “Pharaoh won’t listen to you, that my wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt.”
10Moses 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.
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
Exodus 11:1
“The 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.”
This verse sets the stage for the final act of the ten plagues and the eventual liberation of the Israelites.
Exodus 11:7
“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.”
This highlights the theme of divine protection over God's people amidst national judgment.
Chapter Summary
In Exodus Chapter 11, the Lord informs Moses that one final plague will be brought upon Pharaoh and Egypt, after which the Israelites will be forced to leave. God instructs the people to ask their Egyptian neighbors for silver and gold, noting that the Egyptians now hold the Israelites in high favor. Moses then delivers a final warning to Pharaoh, declaring that at midnight, every firstborn in Egypt will die, from the house of Pharaoh to the lowest servant and even the livestock. This plague will cause a cry throughout Egypt like no other, yet Israel will remain untouched to demonstrate God’s distinction between the two nations. Despite this dire warning, Pharaoh’s heart remains hardened, as the Lord previously stated, setting the stage for the climactic departure of the Hebrew people.
Frequently Asked Questions
The final plague is the death of all firstborn males in the land of Egypt, including the firstborn of Pharaoh and the firstborn of livestock.
The Lord commanded it, and because He gave the Israelites favor in the eyes of the Egyptians, they were given these valuables before their departure.
After delivering the warning about the final plague, Moses left Pharaoh's presence in hot anger because of the ruler's continued stubbornness.
Study Note
The mention of the Egyptians' favor toward the Israelites suggests a shift in public sentiment despite Pharaoh's personal stubbornness.
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