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Exodus 11

10 verses

TL;DR

God announces the final plague, the death of all firstborn in Egypt, as Pharaoh refuses to let Israel go, highlighting the divine judgment against Egypt.

Summary

In Exodus 11, God tells Moses that He will bring one more plague to Egypt before finally allowing the Israelites to leave. Moses is instructed to gather silver and gold from the people for the impending departure. God explains that at midnight He will kill all Egyptian firstborns, including those of Pharaoh and his servants, and all firstborn animals, sparing only Israelite children as a sign of divine distinction. The people are commanded to bow to God and leave Egypt, which Pharaoh resists, hardening His heart. God’s power is displayed through the increased miracles performed by Moses and Aaron, which further convince Pharaoh to hold back the Israelites.

Outline
  1. God’s declaration of a final plague and the instructions to Moses
  2. Description of the plague: death of all Egyptian firstborns and animals
  3. Pharaoh’s hardened heart and the Israelites’ departure
Themes
Divine judgment and power over nationsGod’s protection of His peopleHuman resistance and hardened hearts
Keywords
plaguefirstbornhardening of heartmiraclesacrificejudgment
People
GodMosesAaronPharaohEgyptian servantsIsraelite people
Places
Egyptthe land of Israelthe Egyptian palace
Things
silver and goldfirstbornsanimalsmiraclesplague
Key Verses
  • Exodus 11:5: The death of all Egyptian firstborns marks the climax of the judgment against Egypt.
  • Exodus 11:7: Shows the divine protection granted to Israel, distinguishing them from the Egyptians.
  • Exodus 11:10: Illustrates God’s power to harden Pharaoh’s heart and the escalation of the plagues.
Questions
  • Why did God choose the death of firstborns as the final plague?
  • What does the protection of Israelite children reveal about God's priorities?
  • How does Pharaoh’s hardened heart illustrate the consequences of resisting divine authority?
Sentiment

negative
The chapter depicts judgment, suffering, and divine wrath.