Exodus 11 is a pivotal chapter in the Book of Exodus in the Old Testament, detailing the final moments before the tenth and most severe plague God unleashes on Egypt: the death of the firstborn. In this chapter, God speaks to Moses, informing him that one more plague will come upon Pharaoh and Egypt, after which Pharaoh will finally relent and let the Israelites go. The Lord instructs Moses to tell the Israelites to ask their Egyptian neighbors for silver and gold, as God has granted them favor in the eyes of the Egyptians. Moses then announces to Pharaoh that at midnight, God will pass through Egypt, and every firstborn son—from Pharaoh’s heir to the child of the lowliest servant, and even the firstborn of livestock—will die. This devastating event will lead to a great outcry throughout Egypt, unlike anything seen before. Yet, Moses emphasizes that the Israelites will be spared, highlighting God’s protection over His people. The chapter ends with Pharaoh’s stubborn refusal to heed the warning, setting the stage for the fulfillment of God’s judgment and the exodus of the Israelites.
