Exodus 11:1
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
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.
Chapter Context
Exodus 11 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of prayer, holiness, mercy. 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 reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. 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