Ten Plagues on Egypt Table

11:1 he will certainly drive you completely out God tells Moses that this final plague will result in the Israelites leaving Egypt.

11:2 the ears of the people During the plague narrative, Moses has not communicated with his fellow Israelites. This now changes. Since their flight from Egypt is imminent, the Israelites must make preparations.

a woman from her neighbor The Israelites did not live a secluded existence in Goshen. Historically, Semites lived in the eastern delta region (where Goshen is located) among a native Egyptian population.

11:3 people favor This event, which takes place in 12:35–36, is a fulfillment of the promise given in 3:21–22. Compare Psa 105:36–38.

very great Moses was held in fearful awe by the native population who had suffered so much under the plagues.

11:4 I will go out Moses announces the word of Yahweh to Pharaoh in response to Pharaoh’s threat (see Exod 10:28–29). Note Yahweh’s use of the first person—“I.”

11:5 every firstborn Follows the first-person usage in v. 4 (“I will go”). Yahweh claims responsibility for the death of the firstborn.

every firstborn in the land of Egypt will die The Israelites are not exempt from the threat against the firstborn. They must take the precautions instructed by Yahweh (ch. 12), or their firstborn will also die.

11:7 Yahweh makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel While the Israelites were not automatically exempt from this plague, only they receive instructions on how to ensure the destruction “passes over” their houses.

11:10 hardened Pharaoh’s heart Refers to selfish stubbornness born of arrogance. See note on 4:21.