"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."
This verse is part of the narrative in the book of Exodus, which recounts the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Prior to this verse, God had sent nine plagues upon Egypt to demonstrate His power and demand the release of His people. However, Pharaoh’s heart remained hardened, and he refused to let the Israelites go.
In this particular verse, God declares the tenth and final plague that would strike Egypt-the death of every firstborn in the land. This plague was a devastating judgment on the Egyptians and served as the catalyst for Pharaoh finally releasing the Israelites.
Let’s explore some key points and lessons we can draw from Exodus 11:5:
- Divine Judgment:The tenth plague was a severe judgment from God upon Egypt for their continued oppression of the Israelites. It highlights God’s righteousness and justice in dealing with those who defy His commands. It is a reminder that God ultimately holds people accountable for their actions.
- God’s Sovereignty:Exodus 11:5 reveals God’s absolute authority and control over life and death. It is significant that this plague affected all the firstborn, from Pharaoh’s own family to the lowest servant. This demonstrates that no one is exempt from God’s judgment, regardless of their status or position.
- The Severity of Sin:The severity of the tenth plague emphasizes the gravity of sin and its consequences. Egypt’s oppression of God’s chosen people was a great evil, and God’s response displayed His righteous anger toward injustice and oppression. It serves as a reminder that sin has serious consequences and should not be taken lightly.
- Foreshadowing of Christ:The tenth plague and the subsequent Passover event foreshadow the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. In the Passover, the Israelites were instructed to sacrifice a lamb and apply its blood to their doorposts, which protected them from the judgment of death. Similarly, through Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross, His blood redeems and saves all who trust in Him from the judgment of sin and death.
- Pharaoh’s Hardened Heart:Throughout the plagues, we see Pharaoh’s heart hardened, leading to his ultimate downfall. Despite witnessing the power of God through the previous plagues, Pharaoh remained obstinate and refused to submit to God’s will. Pharaoh’s hardened heart serves as a cautionary example of the dangers of pride, stubbornness, and resisting God’s call.
- Trust in God’s Deliverance:For the Israelites, the tenth plague marked their liberation from slavery and their journey toward the Promised Land. It demonstrates the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises and delivering His people from bondage. As believers, we can trust in God’s faithfulness and provision, knowing that He is able to deliver us from any situation or bondage we may face.
These are some key points to consider when studying Exodus 11:5. Remember, it is important to read the Bible in context, considering the verses preceding and following the passage to gain a comprehensive understanding.
