*In the quiet night before the final plague, the Lord whispers through Moses. He reminds us that even when darkness looms over a land, His promise of deliverance shines brighter. The people are urged to borrow, to prepare their hearts for the coming dawn of freedom. Let this be a reminder that God's timing is perfect, and His grace sustains us through the shadows.*
Exodus — Chapter 11 — KJV
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.
Simply PutGod says He will yet bring one more plague (Strong's H725, “plague” meaning a sudden calamity) upon Pharaoh and Egypt. After this final blow, He promises that the king will release the Israelites, but not just a few—He says He will thrust them out “altogether,” meaning with complete freedom and permanence.
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.
Simply PutGod tells Moses to tell the people to borrow silver and gold jewelry from their neighbors. The Hebrew word for “borrow” (H6269) suggests taking what belongs to another as if it were yours. This prepares them for the wealth they will later receive when the Egyptians flee, showing God’s providential care even in the midst of impending judgment.
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.
Simply PutThe Lord gives the Israelites favor (H6345, “favor” meaning kindness or grace) in the eyes of the Egyptians. Moses is described as very great (H2588), a term denoting honor and eminence, both among Pharaoh’s servants and the people. This divine favor equips them to stand firm as they prepare for liberation.
4
And Moses said, Thus saith the LORD, About midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt:
Simply PutMoses declares that the Lord will go out into the midst of Egypt at midnight (H7573, a time of stillness and darkness). This timing shows God’s sovereignty—He moves when it is hidden from human eyes, preparing to strike at the perfect moment.
5
And all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the first born 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.
Simply PutThe Lord says that every firstborn (H6920, “firstborn” referring to the one who opens the womb) in Egypt will die—from Pharaoh’s throne down to the maidservant behind the mill, and even the firstborn of beasts. The scope of this judgment underscores God’s power over life and death, striking at the very heart of Egyptian family and economy.
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.
Simply PutThe Lord promises that there will be a great cry throughout Egypt unlike any before or after (H7201, “cry” indicating a loud lament). This sound will become the lasting testimony to God’s mighty hand, ensuring that future generations remember His decisive act of deliverance.
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.
Simply PutGod declares that no dog (H2411, “dog” symbolizing a lowly creature) will move its tongue against any child of Israel—man or beast. This precise protection shows that God draws a clear, holy line (H333, “difference”) between the Egyptians and Israel, safeguarding His chosen people from harm.
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 follow thee: and after that I will go out. And he went out from Pharaoh in a great anger.
Simply PutAll Pharaoh’s servants will bow down to Moses, pleading for him and the people to leave. After this, Pharaoh exits “in a great anger” (H7206), which the Hebrew phrase also conveys heat or fury. This reaction highlights how pride can be both a hindrance and a catalyst for God's marvelous works.
9
And the LORD said unto Moses, Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you; that my wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt.
Simply PutGod tells Moses that Pharaoh will not listen—this is intentional (H2100, “wonders” meaning signs or miracles). By hardening Pharaoh’s heart, God multiplies His wonders in Egypt, allowing each miracle to showcase His supreme power and glory.
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.
Simply PutMoses and Aaron perform all these wonders before Pharaoh, yet the Lord hardens his heart (H2064, “harden” meaning to make inflexible). This divine hardening ensures that the Israelites will experience a full, dramatic liberation—God’s timing is perfect for both judgment and redemption.
Exodus 12:13This verse explains the Passover sign that protected Israel from the plague of the firstborn foretold in Exodus 11.
Psalm 78:51This psalm recounts the death of all firstborn in Egypt, echoing the specific judgment described in Exodus 11:5‑6.
Jeremiah 31:15The lament of mothers in Ramah reflects the great cry throughout Egypt that Exodus 11 predicts after the firstborn die.
Romans 9:13Paul's citation of “Jacob have I loved” directly quotes Exodus 11:5, linking the divine election theme to the narrative of Egypt's judgment.
Reflect
When was the last time you experienced a "great cry" in your life—one that felt unlike any before and seemed impossible to repeat—and how does this moment reveal a deeper need for change or release within you?
