FocusJudgment, Passover, and the sea
Connection to the wholeThe plagues, Passover, departure, and crossing of the sea display the deliverance celebrated in the song that closes this movement.
interpretation Exodus 11:6
KJVAnd 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.
Read it in context
The Plague on the Firstborn Foretold
Start reading at Exodus 11:1 (Exodus 11:1 to Exodus 11:10).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The plagues, Passover, departure, and crossing of the sea display the deliverance celebrated in the song that closes this movement.
- 11:1 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.
- 11:2 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.
- 11:3 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.
- 11:4 And Moses said, Thus saith the LORD, About midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt:
- 11:5 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.
- 11:6 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.
- 11:7 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.
- 11:8 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.
- 11:9 And the LORD said unto Moses, Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you; that my wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt.
- 11:10 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.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Moses is the traditional author. Exodus explicitly records him writing covenant words and other material; that supports his central role without identifying every stage in the book's final compilation. Biblical references: Exodus 17:14; Exodus 24:4; Exodus 34:27. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Exodus 5:1–11:10): Moses and Aaron confront Pharaoh and his officials on behalf of Israel. The plagues affect Egypt, while the narrative distinguishes the Israelites and the instructions given to them. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The Israelites delivered from Egypt, and succeeding generations of Israel who were to remember the deliverance and keep the covenant. Biblical references: Exodus 12:24; Exodus 12:26; Exodus 24:7. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The Plague on the Firstborn Foretold. Read Exodus 11:1 through Exodus 11:10 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The plagues, Passover, departure, and crossing of the sea display the deliverance celebrated in the song that closes this movement. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? Events follow Israel's growth in Egypt and continue through the exodus, arrival at Sinai, and erection of the tabernacle. Exodus 40:17 dates the erection within that journey. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The book moves from Egypt, through the sea and wilderness, to Sinai. Do not confuse the place of a narrated event with the place where the final book was written. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The Plague on the Firstborn Foretold (Exodus 11:1 to Exodus 11:10). Start reading at Exodus 11:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Paul explicitly calls Christ our Passover. Hebrews compares sanctuary worship with Christ's work. These later connections should be cited rather than treating every tabernacle detail as a self-explanatory symbol. See 1 Corinthians 5:7, Hebrews 9:11, Hebrews 9:12. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Respond to deliverance with worship and obedience. When applying a covenant command, identify whom it addresses and its purpose before deciding how it relates to life under the new covenant. interpretation
Cited: Exodus 11:1, Exodus 11:10, 1 Corinthians 5:7, Hebrews 9:11, Hebrews 9:12
Who wrote it, and how we know
Moses (traditional)
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book states that Moses wrote what the LORD commanded.
Exodus 17:14Exodus 24:4Exodus 34:27
Early traditionUniform Jewish and Christian tradition names Moses.
What is debatedSource-critical theories propose later editing of the material.
Related passages
- And there shall be a great cry throughout… Exod 3:7 Exod 12:30 Prov 21:13 Isa 15:4-5,8 Jer 31:15 Lam 3:8 Amos 5:17 Zeph 1:10
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Exodus 11
Exodus follows the children of Israel from oppression in Egypt to covenant and tabernacle worship. The text records commands to Moses and Israel; instructions for that covenant must not be silently turned into identical commands to every later reader. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Exodus 1:1 Exodus 19:3 Exodus 24:4
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Exodus
Exodus follows the children of Israel from oppression in Egypt to covenant and tabernacle worship. The text records commands to Moses and Israel; instructions for that covenant must not be silently turned into identical commands to every later reader.
Exodus 1:1 Exodus 19:3 Exodus 24:4
Oppression and the call of Moses
Exodus 1:1–6:30FocusDeliverance announced
Connection to the wholeIsrael's bondage and God's commission to Moses establish the need for deliverance and introduce the confrontation with Pharaoh.
interpretation FocusJudgment, Passover, and the sea
Connection to the wholeThe plagues, Passover, departure, and crossing of the sea display the deliverance celebrated in the song that closes this movement.
interpretation The journey to Sinai
Exodus 15:22–18:27FocusProvision and ordering the people
Connection to the wholeWilderness needs, conflict, and the administration of justice prepare Israel for the covenant encounter at Sinai.
interpretation Covenant at Sinai
Exodus 19:1–24:18FocusGod's words and Israel's response
Connection to the wholeGod addresses the delivered people, gives covenant commands, and the covenant is confirmed before instructions for the sanctuary begin.
interpretation Instructions for the tabernacle
Exodus 25:1–31:18FocusDwelling among the people
Connection to the wholeThe sanctuary, priesthood, and associated work are specified as part of Israel's covenant worship.
interpretation The golden calf and covenant renewal
Exodus 32:1–34:35FocusRebellion, intercession, and mercy
Connection to the wholeIsrael's idolatry interrupts the sanctuary instructions. Moses intercedes, and renewed covenant words prepare the people to carry out the work.
interpretation The tabernacle completed
Exodus 35:1–40:38FocusObedient work and God's glory
Connection to the wholeThe people supply and construct the sanctuary according to the commands, and the book ends with the glory of the LORD filling it.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.