Chapter 11
Themes, discussion questions, Christ connections, and denomination lenses.
Just read this chapter →Scripture
KJV1And 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.
2Speak 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.
3And the LORD gave the people favour 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.
4And Moses said, Thus saith the LORD, About midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt:
5And 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.
6And there shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there was none like it, nor shall be like it any more.
7But 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.
8And all these thy servants shall come down unto me, and bow down themselves unto me, saying, Get thee out, and all the people that follow thee: and after that I will go out. And he went out from Pharaoh in a great anger.
9And the LORD said unto Moses, Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you; that my wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt.
10And 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.
“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.”
Overview
God announces the tenth and final plague: at midnight He will go through the midst of Egypt, and every firstborn in the land will die, from Pharaoh's heir to the firstborn of the slave and the livestock. Against all the children of Israel, not even a dog shall move its tongue — God will make a decisive distinction. Moses delivers this warning to Pharaoh with great anger and departs. God tells Moses that Pharaoh will not listen, so that His wonders may be multiplied. The Egyptians will be so eager for Israel to leave that they will give them silver, gold, and clothing.
Key Themes
The Final Judgment: Death of the Firstborn
The most devastating plague strikes at the most precious thing in every household — the firstborn son — revealing that sin's ultimate wage is death and no one is exempt from God's judgment.
God's Decisive Distinction Between His People and the World
The contrast between Egypt's devastation and Israel's peace demonstrates that belonging to God makes an eternal difference when judgment comes.
The Plundering of Egypt
God gives Israel favor in the eyes of the Egyptians so that they give their wealth freely — Israel leaves not as defeated slaves but as a victorious army carrying the spoils of their oppressors.
Study Questions
Why does God target the firstborn specifically in this final plague, and what does the firstborn represent in the ancient world?
How does the statement 'against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue' (v. 7) emphasize God's protection of His people?
What does it mean that the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians (v. 3), and how does this fulfill God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 15:14?
How does this chapter prepare us for the Passover instructions in chapter 12 — why must the worst plague be preceded by God's provision of protection?
What does the escalation from plague one to plague ten teach about God's patience, justice, and the consequences of persistent refusal to submit to Him?
Connection to Christ
The death of the firstborn points directly to the gospel: God's own firstborn Son would die so that His people might be spared from judgment. What Egypt suffered, Christ suffered in our place. 'For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son' (John 3:16).
Personal Reflection
Take time to journal or meditate on what God is teaching you through Exodus 11. How can these truths transform your thinking and actions today?