Exodus 11 explained: Warning of the Final Plague

One more plague (vv. 1-3)

God tells Moses that after one final blow, Pharaoh will not just let Israel leave but drive them out. The Israelites are to ask their neighbors for silver and gold, which many readers see as long overdue pay for forced labor; the Egyptians now look kindly on the people, and Pharaoh's officials and the people hold Moses himself in high regard.

The death of the firstborn (vv. 4-6)

Moses announces that around midnight the LORD himself will pass through Egypt, and every firstborn son will die, from the heir to the throne to the son of a slave woman grinding grain by hand, the lowest household job. The text does not soften this: it promises wailing across the whole land worse than any before or after.

Not even a dog barks (vv. 7-8)

Dogs commonly roamed towns in the region and barked at anyone out at night, so not one growling at an Israelite pictures complete calm for Israel amid Egypt's grief. Moses says Pharaoh's officials will bow and beg him to go, then leaves in hot anger, most likely at Pharaoh's refusal to yield even now.

Pharaoh still refuses (vv. 9-10)

These verses sum up the plagues so far: God had said Pharaoh would not listen, so that more wonders would be shown. Here the LORD hardens Pharaoh's heart, while elsewhere Exodus says Pharaoh hardened his own, and readers have long debated how the two fit together.

Key verse: Exodus 11:7

Where Christians differ

Christians differ on what it means that the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, some seeing God confirming choices Pharaoh had already made and others seeing God directly deciding Pharaoh's response.

Something to think about

When a ruler's stubbornness brings suffering on ordinary people who had no say in it, how do you think about who is responsible?