Exodus 11
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
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.
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.
3 And 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.
4 And Moses said, Thus saith the LORD, About midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt:
5 And all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn 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.
6 And 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.
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.
8 And 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.
9 And the LORD said unto Moses, Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you; that my wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt.
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.
Chapter Context
Exodus 11 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of holiness, grace, fellowship. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-10: Development of key themes
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 11:1
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.
Analysis
God announces 'Yet will I bring one plague more upon Pharaoh,' the climactic tenth plague. The promise 'he shall surely thrust you out hence altogether' uses emphatic Hebrew—Pharaoh will drive Israel out completely. This plague will target Pharaoh himself as firstborn son of Ra.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern firstborn sons inherited authority and blessing. Pharaoh, as Ra's firstborn, embodied divine succession. The coming plague strikes at Egypt's future, royal line, and theological foundation simultaneously.
Reflection
- How does this final plague differ from the previous nine in scope and target?
- What does the progression from Nile to firstborn teach about escalating judgment?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Deuteronomy 4:34
- References Egypt: Exodus 3:20
- Parallel theme: Exodus 9:14, Genesis 15:14, Leviticus 26:21
Exodus 11:2
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.
Analysis
God commands Israel to 'borrow' (שָׁאַל, sha'al—ask for, request) jewels of silver and gold from their neighbors. This fulfills the promise that Israel would not leave empty-handed (3:21-22). The verb suggests requesting gifts, not deceit—Egyptians will willingly give to expedite Israel's departure.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern custom involved giving departing guests gifts. Egypt's willingness to give treasures indicates their terror and desire for Israel to leave immediately. This also represents back wages for generations of unpaid labor.
Reflection
- How does God ensure justice for past exploitation?
- What does this 'plundering of Egypt' foreshadow about kingdom economics?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Exodus 3:22, Psalms 24:1, 105:37, Proverbs 13:22, Haggai 2:8, Matthew 20:15
Exodus 11:3
3 And 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.
Analysis
The phrase 'the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians' reverses their earlier hatred. Moses himself 'was very great in the land of Egypt'—even Pharaoh's servants and people respect him. God transforms Moses from hunted fugitive to honored leader.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern cultures valued reputation highly. God's granting favor demonstrates His ability to change human perception. Moses's greatness anticipates the greater prophet (Deut 18:15) whom Israel must hear.
Reflection
- How has God transformed your reputation from what you feared it would be?
- What does Moses's elevation teach about God vindicating His servants?
Cross-References
- References Lord: Exodus 12:36, Genesis 39:21, Deuteronomy 34:11, Isaiah 60:14
- References Egypt: Exodus 3:21
- References Moses: Acts 7:22
- Parallel theme: 2 Samuel 7:9, Esther 9:4, Psalms 106:46, Revelation 3:9
Exodus 11:4
4 And Moses said, Thus saith the LORD, About midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt:
Analysis
Verse 4 describes Moses's final warning about midnight judgment. God Himself will pass through Egypt, striking every firstborn from Pharaoh's throne to the prisoner in the dungeon, and even livestock firstborn. This universal judgment spares none, revealing sin's comprehensive curse.
Historical Context
The midnight hour emphasizes God's sovereign timing and judgment coming in darkness. The scope—from royal palace to prison to barn—demonstrates no earthly status protects from divine judgment. Only the Passover blood will shield.
Reflection
- How does the universality of this judgment foreshadow universal human sinfulness?
- What does the need for blood protection teach about the coming gospel?
Cross-References
- References Lord: Exodus 12:12, 12:23, 12:29, 2 Samuel 5:24, Isaiah 42:13, Amos 4:10
- Parallel theme: Job 34:20, Psalms 60:10, Matthew 25:6
Exodus 11:5
5 And all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn 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.
Analysis
Verse 5 describes Moses's final warning about midnight judgment. God Himself will pass through Egypt, striking every firstborn from Pharaoh's throne to the prisoner in the dungeon, and even livestock firstborn. This universal judgment spares none, revealing sin's comprehensive curse.
Historical Context
The midnight hour emphasizes God's sovereign timing and judgment coming in darkness. The scope—from royal palace to prison to barn—demonstrates no earthly status protects from divine judgment. Only the Passover blood will shield.
Reflection
- How does the universality of this judgment foreshadow universal human sinfulness?
- What does the need for blood protection teach about the coming gospel?
Cross-References
- References Egypt: Exodus 12:12, 12:29, 13:15, Psalms 78:51, 135:8, 136:10
- Parallel theme: Exodus 4:23, Psalms 105:36, Matthew 24:41
Exodus 11:6
6 And 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.
Analysis
Verse 6 describes Moses's final warning about midnight judgment. God Himself will pass through Egypt, striking every firstborn from Pharaoh's throne to the prisoner in the dungeon, and even livestock firstborn. This universal judgment spares none, revealing sin's comprehensive curse.
Historical Context
The midnight hour emphasizes God's sovereign timing and judgment coming in darkness. The scope—from royal palace to prison to barn—demonstrates no earthly status protects from divine judgment. Only the Passover blood will shield.
Reflection
- How does the universality of this judgment foreshadow universal human sinfulness?
- What does the need for blood protection teach about the coming gospel?
Cross-References
- References Egypt: Exodus 12:30
- Parallel theme: Amos 5:17
Exodus 11:7
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.
Analysis
Verse 7 describes Moses's final warning about midnight judgment. God Himself will pass through Egypt, striking every firstborn from Pharaoh's throne to the prisoner in the dungeon, and even livestock firstborn. This universal judgment spares none, revealing sin's comprehensive curse.
Historical Context
The midnight hour emphasizes God's sovereign timing and judgment coming in darkness. The scope—from royal palace to prison to barn—demonstrates no earthly status protects from divine judgment. Only the Passover blood will shield.
Reflection
- How does the universality of this judgment foreshadow universal human sinfulness?
- What does the need for blood protection teach about the coming gospel?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Exodus 7:22, 8:22, 9:4
- References Israel: Exodus 10:23, Joshua 10:21
- Parallel theme: Job 5:16, Malachi 3:18, 1 Corinthians 4:7
Exodus 11:8
8 And 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.
Analysis
Verse 8 describes Moses's final warning about midnight judgment. God Himself will pass through Egypt, striking every firstborn from Pharaoh's throne to the prisoner in the dungeon, and even livestock firstborn. This universal judgment spares none, revealing sin's comprehensive curse.
Historical Context
The midnight hour emphasizes God's sovereign timing and judgment coming in darkness. The scope—from royal palace to prison to barn—demonstrates no earthly status protects from divine judgment. Only the Passover blood will shield.
Reflection
- How does the universality of this judgment foreshadow universal human sinfulness?
- What does the need for blood protection teach about the coming gospel?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Ezekiel 3:14, Daniel 3:19
Exodus 11:9
9 And the LORD said unto Moses, Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you; that my wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt.
Analysis
Verse 9 describes Moses's final warning about midnight judgment. God Himself will pass through Egypt, striking every firstborn from Pharaoh's throne to the prisoner in the dungeon, and even livestock firstborn. This universal judgment spares none, revealing sin's comprehensive curse.
Historical Context
The midnight hour emphasizes God's sovereign timing and judgment coming in darkness. The scope—from royal palace to prison to barn—demonstrates no earthly status protects from divine judgment. Only the Passover blood will shield.
Reflection
- How does the universality of this judgment foreshadow universal human sinfulness?
- What does the need for blood protection teach about the coming gospel?
Cross-References
- References Lord: Exodus 10:1
- References Egypt: Exodus 3:19
Exodus 11:10
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.
Analysis
Verse 10 describes Moses's final warning about midnight judgment. God Himself will pass through Egypt, striking every firstborn from Pharaoh's throne to the prisoner in the dungeon, and even livestock firstborn. This universal judgment spares none, revealing sin's comprehensive curse.
Historical Context
The midnight hour emphasizes God's sovereign timing and judgment coming in darkness. The scope—from royal palace to prison to barn—demonstrates no earthly status protects from divine judgment. Only the Passover blood will shield.
Reflection
- How does the universality of this judgment foreshadow universal human sinfulness?
- What does the need for blood protection teach about the coming gospel?
Cross-References
- References Lord: Exodus 4:21, 10:20, 10:27