Exodus

Exodus 11: God announces the final plague

Begin in prayer

Before the final plague is announced, let us remember that no person is beyond God’s judgment. Ask Him to make us hear His warning and seek the refuge of His Son.

You, even you, are to be feared. Who can stand in your sight when you are angry?

Psalm 76:7

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word. Help us hear Your warning without making excuses. Show us the mercy You give through the Lord Jesus. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

The LORD tells Moses that one final plague will make Pharaoh drive Israel out altogether. He commands the people to ask their neighbors for silver and gold, and gives them favor in Egyptian eyes. Moses announces that every firstborn in Egypt will die about midnight, from Pharaoh’s household to the lowest servant, with livestock included. Egypt will cry out, while God makes a distinction between the Egyptians and Israel. Moses leaves Pharaoh in hot anger after announcing that the king’s servants will beg the people to leave. The LORD hardens Pharaoh’s heart, and he still refuses to release Israel.

As you read Exodus 11, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

God will judge Egypt and bring His people out by His mighty power.

The last plague answers the warning about Pharaoh’s firstborn given before Moses returned to Egypt. It reaches from the throne to the servant behind the mill, so rank supplies no shelter. Livestock are included in the death that will make Egypt cry out. God also announces a distinction so complete that no dog will bark against Israel. Israel’s safety will come from the LORD’s action, and the next chapter explains the appointed blood. Pharaoh’s servants will bow before the man whose message the king has rejected. God's favor toward Israel and His command to ask for gifts carry forward the promise given at the bush. The LORD’s hardening leaves Pharaoh refusing, while His wonders multiply. The coming judgment teaches every hearer the need for the refuge God Himself supplies in Christ.

How does Exodus 11 show us that God will judge Egypt and bring His people out by His mighty power?

God’s judgment reaches every rank in Egypt.

The firstborn of Pharaoh and of the servant behind the mill will die. Neither power nor poverty gives exemption from the warning. The LORD is the Judge before whom every sinner needs mercy.

God will bring His people out with His promise fulfilled.

He gives them favor and commands them to ask for silver and gold. Pharaoh’s servants will urge them to leave. The rescue will show the faithfulness that comes to its fullest saving expression in Jesus.

Memorise

Yet one plague more will I bring on Pharaoh, and on Egypt; afterwards he will let you go.

Exodus 11:1

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, what makes me think I can face God’s judgment without Jesus?

Moses announces, “all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die.” No throne stands above the warning, and no household can dismiss it. God will bring His people out through judgment.

We must also stand before the God whose warnings come true. Our sins deserve death and condemnation. Jesus suffered the sentence for His people when He died as their substitute on the cross. He rose on the third day, having completed a sacrifice that is enough to cover their guilt. No one can undo the rescue He secured.

Hear the warning as a summons to mercy. Turn from your sin and put your trust in Jesus. Forgiveness belongs to all who seek refuge in Him. The Judge has provided the Savior, and His word gives every listener reason to come now.

Parent's note

Tell your children that God announced this death before it came, and explain the warning with care. Jesus died and rose so guilty sinners may find refuge in Him. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God for speaking His warning and promising a certain rescue, and bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all perish in the same way.

Luke 13:3

Lord God, thank You for warning people before judgment comes. Please forgive our careless response to Your word. Bring us to repent and trust Jesus, whose sacrifice secures forgiveness. Teach us to speak about judgment with reverence and to offer Christ to everyone who hears. Amen.