Exodus 11:1 to Exodus 12:36. 10°. Death of Egyptian Firstborn; Passover and Mazzoth (Exodus 11:1-3 E, Exodus 11:4-8 J, Exodus 11:9 f. R, Exodus 12:1-20 P, Exodus 12:21-23 J, Exodus 12:24 P, Exodus 12:25-27 a houses Rd, Exodus 12:27 b J, Exodus 12:28 P, Exodus 12:29-34 J, Exodus 12:35 f. E). The narrative now reaches its climax in the last plague, which finally breaks the resolution of the Pharaoh, and results in the Exodus of Israel. But the last editor, whose interest was in the institutions he loved, has weakened the dramatic force of the sequence of events by inserting at length the ceremonial details of Passover and Mazzoth. The account begins with the announcement from E in Exodus 11:1-3 of one plague (or stroke) more, and the direction (anticipated Exodus 3:21 f., and executed Exodus 12:35 f.) to beg jewels from neighbours. Add in Exodus 11:2 (with LXX, Sam.) and raiment. The prestige of the man Moses (cf. Numbers 12:3) is noted as ground for the request. Then in Exodus 11:4-8 comes the conclusion from Exodus 10:29 J of Moses's last address to Pharaoh, specifying the death of the firstborn of Egyptian men and cattle. The maid crouching behind the household hand-mill (Exodus 11:5) represents the lowest grade of sufferers. The desire to get rid of Israel in Exodus 11:8 J is in agreement with the giving of jewels described in E. In Exodus 11:9 f. the editor has given a summary from P, perhaps belonging to an earlier place.
Exodus 11:1-36
1 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 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 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.
4 And Moses said, Thus saith the LORD, About midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt:
5 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 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 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 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 followa thee: and after that I will go out. And he went out from Pharaoh in a great anger.
9 And the LORD said unto Moses, Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you; that my wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt.
10 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.