God Announces the Final Plague
Study note
God told Moses that one more plague would come, and after it Pharaoh would not just let them go — he would force them out. God told the Israelites to ask their Egyptian neighbors for silver and gold jewelry. By this time, the Egyptians actually respected Moses and were willing to give the Israelites whatever they asked for.
1 The Lord had already told Moses, "I have one final plague to bring against Pharaoh and Egypt. After this one, he will not let you go — he will force you out of his country." 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.
2 "Tell the Israelites — both the men and the women — to ask their Egyptian neighbors for items of silver and gold." Speak 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.
3 The Lord made the Egyptians respect the Israelites. Moses himself had become very important. Pharaoh's leaders and all the Egyptians looked up to him. And 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.
Moses Warns Pharaoh About the Firstborn
Study note
Moses told Pharaoh that at midnight the Lord would pass through Egypt, and every firstborn son would die — from Pharaoh's own son on his throne to the firstborn of the lowest servant. Even the firstborn of the animals would die. There would be a terrible cry of grief throughout Egypt unlike anything before or after. But among the Israelites, not even a dog would bark, showing God's total protection of His people.
4 Moses gave this message to Pharaoh: "Here is what the Lord has said: 'At about midnight, I will pass through the land of Egypt.'" And Moses said, Thus saith the LORD, About midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt:
5 "Every firstborn son in the country will die — from the firstborn of Pharaoh on his throne all the way down to the firstborn of the slave woman grinding flour. Even the firstborn of every animal will die." And all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn 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.
6 "The crying in Egypt will be louder than ever before. It will be more painful than ever heard again." And 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.
7 "But among the Israelites, it will be so peaceful that not even a dog will growl at anyone or any animal. That is how you will know that the Lord treats Israel and Egypt completely differently." But 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.
8 "When it is over, your own officials will come running to me, bowing at my feet and begging, 'Please go! Take all your people and leave!' And then I will go." Moses stormed out of Pharaoh's presence, burning with anger. And 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.
Pharaoh's Heart Remains Hard
Study note
God had already told Moses that Pharaoh would not listen so that God's wonders could multiply. Moses and Aaron had performed all these signs before Pharaoh, but the Lord had hardened Pharaoh's heart and he still refused to let the Israelites leave Egypt.
9 The Lord had already warned Moses, "Pharaoh will refuse to listen to you. And that is part of the plan — so that even more of my miracles will be displayed in Egypt." And the LORD said unto Moses, Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you; that my wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt.
10 Moses and Aaron did all these amazing deeds before Pharaoh. But the Lord kept Pharaoh's heart hard. Pharaoh still would not let the Israelites leave. And 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.