Exodus 11

The Death of the Firstborn

1 The Lord told Moses, ‘One more plague, and Pharaoh is going to crack. After this, he will not only let you all go, but he will be begging you to leave.’

2 ‘Tell the Israelites to ask their Egyptian neighbors for silver and gold. Do not hold back.’

3 The Lord made sure the Egyptians respected the Israelites. Moses himself was mad respected in Egypt, by Pharaoh’s officials and the people.

Moses Warns Pharaoh

4 Moses said, ‘This is what the Lord says: At midnight, I am coming through Egypt.’

5 ‘Every firstborn son in Egypt is going to die, from Pharaoh’s own son sitting on the throne to the firstborn of the servant grinding grain, even the firstborn of the animals.’

6 ‘There will be crying and wailing like Egypt has never heard before and will never hear again.’

7 ‘But not a single dog will bark at the Israelites or their animals. Then you will know the Lord makes a difference between Egypt and Israel.’

8 ‘All your officials will come to me, bowing down, and begging, Leave and take your people with you! After that, I will bounce.’ Then Moses left Pharaoh’s palace, heated with anger.

Pharaoh’s Heart Is Hardened

9 The Lord had told Moses, ‘Pharaoh will not listen to you so I can show off My miracles even more in Egypt.’

10 Moses and Aaron performed all these miracles, but the Lord kept hardening Pharaoh’s heart, and he still would not let the Israelites go.