Chapter Reflection

The chapter opens with finality: one more plague is coming, and afterward Pharaoh will not merely permit Israel to leave but force them out. In the middle of this severity, there is an unexpected softening toward the Israelites, as the Egyptians are moved to favor them and give them silver and gold. Moses stands unusually large here, respected in Egypt even by Pharaoh’s servants, yet he leaves Pharaoh in great anger after speaking a word of looming judgment. The image at the center is stark: midnight, a land-wide cry, and a sharp distinction between Egypt and Israel so complete that even a dog will not stir against them. The chapter shows a God who rules with precision and restraint, and people who can be at once resistant, fearful, honoring, and helpless before what he says.

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Exodus 11

1And 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.

2Speak 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.

3And 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.

4And Moses said, Thus saith the LORD, About midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt:

5And all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the first born 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.

6And 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.

7But 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.

8And 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.

9And the LORD said unto Moses, Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you; that my wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt.

10And 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.

Who God is

What does it mean to you that God draws such a clear line, and that even judgment is spoken with purpose and precision?

The condition of man

What do you notice in yourself when people are faced with a word they will not accept, even as fear and honor begin to surface?