Exodus 11
18 Apr 2026 - Theology
The Firstborn Shall Die
Exodus 11:1 - “And the Lord said unto Moses, Yet will I bring one plague more upon Pharaoh, and upon Egypt; afterwards he will let you go hence: when he shall let you go, he shall surely thrust you out hence altogether.”
The Lord promises to bring one more plague, and then Pharaoh will “let you out altogether”, meaning that Pharaoh will let not just Moses, but all the Israelites go.
Exodus 11:2 - “Speak now in the ears of the people, and let every man borrow of his neighbour, and every woman of her neighbour, jewels of silver and jewels of gold.”
This is to fulfill part of the promise the Lord made to Abram in Genesis 15: that the people would come out of Egypt with many possessions.
Genesis 15:14 - “And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.”
Exodus 11:5 - “And all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the first born of Pharaoh that sitteth upon his throne, even unto the firstborn of the maidservant that is behind the mill; and all the firstborn of beasts.”
The Lord says that He will kill all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, including the firstborn animals!
Exodus 11:7 - “But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the Lord doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.”
But the Lord will make a distinction between the Egyptians and the Israelites, and He promises to spare the firstborn of the Israelites - both man and animal. It is the Lord who makes the distinction for His people; it is nothing we do ourselves.
Exodus 11:9 - “And the Lord said unto Moses, Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you; that my wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt.”
A reminder of why the Lord took 10 plagues to free his people: so that His signs and wonders would be multiplied and made known in the land of Egypt.
Exodus 11:10 - “And Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh: and the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go out of his land.”
“hardened” = chazaq [2388]
- To be strong
- Strengthened (resolve)
- When I do see it and power through
References:
- The Hebrew - Greek Key Study Bible (KJV Version)
- The BEMA Podcast, Episode 19: A Strengthened Heart
- Exodus 11 - Chabad.org
- hardened = chazaq