Exodus 11
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CHAPTER 11
The Plague on the Firstborn (11:1–10)
1–3 Even while Moses was still in the presence of Pharaoh, the Lord revealed to him that a tenth plague was about to occur, following which Pharaoh would be ready and even eager to let the Israelites go (verse 8). Moses was to tell the Israelites that after the plague had struck they were to ask their Egyptian neighbors for articles of silver and gold (verse 2), and the Egyptians would give the articles because God had made them favorably disposed toward the Israelites (see Exodus 3:21–22; 12:35–36). This would fulfill God’s promise to Abraham that his descendants would come out of the land of their captivity with great possessions (Genesis 15:14).
4–8 In these verses, Moses continues his final statement to Pharaoh which he had begun in verse 29 of the last chapter. Moses outlined to Pharaoh the nature of the final plague—the worst one by far. God Himself would strike down all the firstborn males of both men and cattle throughout Egypt, including Pharaoh’s own firstborn son (verses 4–5).
But the Israelites would be spared this devastating plague. There would be no wailing among them; even the dogs would have no occasion to bark (verse 7). By this, God would show Pharaoh that the Israelites were His chosen and beloved people. By opposing the Israelites, Pharaoh had actually been opposing God! And now God was about to render His final judgment on Pharaoh and on all of Egypt with him.
After Moses had finished telling all this to Pharaoh, he left Pharaoh’s presence (verse 8). Moses’ anger burned against Pharaoh because of all the needless deaths that were about to occur as a result of Pharaoh’s pride and wickedness.
9–10 For the final time God showed Moses what was going to happen: God knew in advance everything that would take place. He had sent the previous nine plagues on Egypt so that His wonders might be multiplied—so that all people on earth might know who He was and what He was prepared to do for Israel, His people. But even after all these plagues, Pharaoh’s heart would remain hardened; he would refuse to bend. God would finally have to crush him (Exodus 14:27–28).
As we look back at these nine plagues and at the final plague that was about to occur, we see that they have grown in severity. At any time—especially in the beginning—Pharaoh could have relented and thus avoided the increasing devastation that came upon him. It is the same with us. God in His mercy starts disciplining us gently. As soon as we sense His hand of DISCIPLINE upon us, let us not resist it as Pharaoh did, but rather let us accept it gratefully. God disciplines us for our good (Hebrews 12:10); God disciplines those he loves (Proverbs 3:11–12; Hebrews 12:5–6).