Chapter 11
The next few chapters are among the most profound in the Holy Scriptures, and it’s impossible to briefly capture the significance of what is about to unfold.
The Passover is upon us. This moment has been foreshadowed in various ways throughout the book of Genesis. After Adam and Eve fell, God clothed them with skins, symbolizing the laying down of life to cover their shame. In the story of Cain and Abel, we see Abel’s willing offering of life, which was accepted, contrasted with Cain’s religious works, which was rejected. And, of course, the most significant foreshadowing before this moment is Abraham, who offered his son in faith, while God provided a substitute. And on that same hill where, 2,000 years later, the “final” and “real” sacrifice would take place by Jesus.
This chapter sets the stage for what is about to happen—the death of the firstborn. But this is not just the death of the Egyptian firstborn; it is the death of every firstborn. We will soon see that everyone and everything is affected. It is a sobering time. But… Jesus. Remember, when you read the Old Testament, always look for our Savior. When you do, these next two chapters will come alive in a new way, and you will see Jesus throughout. Chapter 12, in particular, goes much deeper.
This chapter identifies the problem—sin. Sin brings the plagues. “For the wages of sin is death,” Everyone is touched by sin, so we can live in this land called Egypt. But, as the Scripture says, “the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Just as the Israelites will soon be given a way out, so too are we faced with the penalty of sin, but also with the gift of grace and salvation. This way is not based on our deeds or actions, but solely on God’s love.
The Last Plague
1 And Jehovah said to Moses, “Yet one plague more will I bring upon Pharaoh, and upon Egypt; afterwards he will let you go from here. When he shall let you go, he shall surely thrust you out of here altogether. 2 Speak now in the ears of the people, and let them ask [request] every man of his neighbor, and every woman of her neighbor, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold.” 3 And Jehovah gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. 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, “This is what Jehovah says, ‘About midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt. 5 All the first-born in the land of Egypt shall die, from the first-born of Pharaoh that sits on his throne, even to the first-born of the maid-servant that is behind the mill. All the first-born of cattle. [This death to come would affect everything in Egypt, the Israelites included. Everything will be touched by death, just as sin touches everyone and everything in this fallen world.] 6 And there shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there has never been, nor shall there be any more. 7 But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog bark, at man or beast.’ [People would know this was God’s hand, not Israel’s. They will not stand up in revenge against Israel, nor would a dog even bark at them in accusation. Everyone will know precisely this was God’s plan alone. – Just like the plan of salvation. Just like when we stand before God and every man has to give a personal account. There will be no one else to point the blame if you are found lacking.] This will be done that you may know how that Jehovah does make a distinction between the Egyptians and Israel. 8 And all these your servants shall come down to me, and bow down themselves to me, saying, ‘Get out, and all the people that follow you. After that I will go out.” And Moses, hot with anger, went out from Pharaoh.
9 And Jehovah said to Moses, “Pharaoh will not listen to you, that my wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt.” 10 And Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh, and Jehovah hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he did not let the children of Israel go out of his land.
