Exodus
Summary
Exodus 11 serves as a solemn prelude to the final and most devastating plague. the LORD announced to Moses that one more judgement would fall upon Egypt—a definitive 'touch' (*nega*)—after which Pharaoh would finally expel the Israelites. Before the darkness fell, the people were instructed to ask their Egyptian neighbours for articles of silver and gold, for the LORD had given the Israelites favour. Moses then delivered a final, public warning: every firstborn in Egypt would die at midnight, while the Israelites remained in perfect, divine security, demonstrating the clear distinction the LORD makes between His people and the world.
Then the LORD said to Moses, "I will bring [1] (one more plague) on Pharaoh and on Egypt. After that, he will let you go. In fact, he will be so eager for you to leave that he will drive you out of here altogether!"
"Tell all the Israelites, both men and women, to ask their Egyptian neighbours for articles made of silver and gold."
the LORD made the Egyptians look upon the Israelites with favour. Furthermore, Moses himself was highly respected in Egypt by Pharaoh’s officials and by the common people.
Moses said to Pharaoh, "This is what the LORD says: 'About midnight, I will pass through the middle of Egypt.'"
"'Every firstborn son in the land of Egypt will die, from the firstborn son of Pharaoh, the ruler, to the firstborn son of the servant girl who works at the mill. Even the firstborn of all the livestock will die.'"
"'There will be a loud cry of grief throughout all of Egypt, worse than any cry in the past or any cry that will ever be heard again.'"
"'But among the Israelites, not even a dog will bark at any person or animal. In this way, you will know that the LORD makes a [2] (clear distinction) between Egypt and Israel.'"
"'All these officials of yours will come and bow down before me, saying, "Go, you and all the people who follow you!" After that, I will leave.'" Then Moses left Pharaoh, feeling very angry.
the LORD told Moses, "Pharaoh will still refuse to listen to you, so that my miracles can be multiplied across the land of Egypt."
Moses and Aaron performed all these wonders in front of Pharaoh, but the LORD allowed Pharaoh’s heart to be stubborn, and he would not let the Israelites leave his country.