Exodus 11

Chapter 11: The Final Plague Announced: Death of the Firstborn

Background History and Timeline: Exodus continues the narrative of the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt, likely occurring around the late 15th or early 14th century BCE.

Locations Mentioned: The chapter primarily takes place in Egypt, focusing on the royal court of Pharaoh and the impending judgment.

Themes and Conflicts: Exodus 11 sets the stage for the final and most devastating plague upon Egypt—the death of the firstborn. It underscores themes of divine judgment, redemption, and the fulfillment of God's promises.

Main Characters: The main characters in this chapter include Moses, Aaron, Pharaoh, and the Egyptian people.

Specific Passages:

• Exodus 11:4-6: "So Moses said, 'Thus says the Lord: About midnight I will go out in the midst of Egypt, and every firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne, even to the firstborn of the slave girl who is behind the handmill, and all the firstborn of the cattle. There shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there has never been, nor ever will be again.'"

Explanation: In Exodus 11, God announces through Moses the impending judgment upon Egypt—the death of the firstborn. This final plague serves as the culmination of God's judgment against Pharaoh and the Egyptian people for their refusal to release the Israelites.

Moses delivers the solemn message to Pharaoh, warning of the devastating consequences that will befall Egypt if Pharaoh continues to resist God's commands. The plague will spare neither the highest nor the lowest in Egyptian society, affecting even Pharaoh's own household.

The chapter foreshadows the impending Passover, during which the Israelites will be instructed to sacrifice a lamb and mark their doorposts with its blood to protect their households from the angel of death.

Exodus 11 underscores the severity of God's judgment upon Egypt and the fulfillment of His promises to His people. It sets the stage for the climactic events of the Passover and the eventual liberation of the Israelites from bondage.

The authorship of Exodus is traditionally attributed to Moses, who recorded the events and interactions with God during the Israelites' journey to liberation. While non-biblical sources may not directly verify the specific accounts, archaeological evidence corroborates aspects of ancient Egyptian history and culture, providing context for the biblical narrative.

Exodus 11 prepares the reader for the dramatic conclusion of the plagues and the beginning of the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt.