Purpose

To record God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt and the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai.

Author

Moses, who experienced these events firsthand as God's chosen leader to deliver Israel from Egypt. He was educated in Pharaoh's court but called by God at age 80 to lead the greatest rescue mission in history.

Historical Context

Written: 1440-1400 BC. Israel's slavery in Egypt and their miraculous deliverance, leading to the establishment of the nation.

Significance

Shows God as Deliverer and Lawgiver, establishing the pattern of redemption seen throughout Scripture.

Key Themes

Deliverance, Covenant, Law, Worship, God's Presence

Interesting Facts

• The 10 plagues of Egypt were actually attacks on specific Egyptian gods, showing God's supremacy
• The Passover lamb had to be without blemish - a perfect picture of Jesus 1,400 years before His birth
• Mount Sinai was so holy that even touching it meant death - showing God's holiness

Prophecies

• A prophet like Moses would come (Deuteronomy 18:15, referenced in Exodus) Fulfilled: Jesus Christ, the ultimate prophet and deliverer (1400 years later)

In Exodus Chapter 11, the narrative reaches a crucial turning point in the story of Israel's deliverance from Egyptian bondage. God communicates to Moses that He will bring one last and devastating plague upon Egypt, which will compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites after a prolonged struggle. This chapter serves as a prelude to the final act of God's judgment against Egypt, emphasizing His power and the dire consequences of Pharaoh's hardened heart. Moses is instructed to speak to the Israelites and tell them to request silver and gold jewelry from their Egyptian neighbors, a divine strategy that not only provides for the Israelites but also demonstrates God's favor upon them amidst their oppression. This act of asking for valuables indicates a significant shift in the status of the Israelites, who had been enslaved and subjugated for generations. The chapter highlights Moses’ elevated status in Egypt, where he is seen as a great man, commanding respect from both the Egyptians and Pharaoh’s court. The chapter climaxes with the announcement of the death of every firstborn in Egypt, a judgment that will strike at the very heart of Egyptian society, affecting everyone from the highest ruler to the lowest servant. This unprecedented calamity is underscored by the promise that there will be a notable distinction between the Egyptians and the Israelites, emphasizing God's protective hand over His chosen people. The mention of a great cry that will reverberate throughout Egypt foreshadows the intense grief that will result from this judgment. Despite the severity of the coming plague, the chapter also illustrates God's sovereignty in hardening Pharaoh's heart, indicating that Pharaoh's refusal to listen is part of God's larger plan to demonstrate His wonders and power. This hardening of heart serves as a warning about the consequences of defiance against divine authority. Moses exits Pharaoh’s presence in anger, reflecting the emotional toll of his mission and the deep frustration of confronting a ruler who continually rejects God's will. Ultimately, Chapter 11 sets the stage for the climactic events of the Exodus, where God's justice will be fully revealed and Israel's long-awaited liberation will commence.