Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryExodus 11

Exodus 11:1−3: The Plagues of Egypt – The Final Plague AnnouncedIn these verses, God tells Moses that He will send one last plague on Pharaoh and Egypt. After this plague, Pharaoh will not just let the Israelites go—he will force them to leave completely. God also instructs the Israelites to ask their Egyptian neighbors for silver and gold, and He makes the Egyptians willing to give it. Moses and the Israelites are now seen with respect by the Egyptians, and even Moses is considered a great man in Egypt. This passage shows God’s justice for the oppressed and His power to change even the hearts of their enemies.v. 1: God reveals His plan to Moses. He says there will be one more plague, after which Pharaoh will drive the Israelites out of Egypt. This shows that God is in control and knows exactly when and how He will deliver His people (v. 1 ).

v. 2: God tells Moses to instruct the Israelites to ask their Egyptian neighbors for silver and gold jewelry. This is God’s way of making sure the Israelites are paid for their years of hard work and slavery before they leave Egypt (v. 2 ).

v. 3: God gives the Israelites favor in the eyes of the Egyptians, so the Egyptians are willing to give them what they ask for. Moses is also highly respected in Egypt, even by Pharaoh’s own officials and the Egyptian people. This shows how God can change people’s hearts and bring honor to those who serve Him (v. 3 ).

Exodus 11:4−10: The Plagues of Egypt – The Death of the Firstborn ForetoldIn these verses, Moses warns Pharaoh about the final and most serious plague—the death of all the firstborn in Egypt. This plague will strike everyone, from the highest to the lowest, including animals. The Israelites, however, will be protected and not even a dog will bark at them. Moses explains that after this plague, Pharaoh’s officials will come and beg the Israelites to leave. Even with this strong warning, God knows Pharaoh will not listen, so that His wonders may be shown even more in Egypt. Moses leaves Pharaoh in anger because Pharaoh’s stubbornness will bring great suffering to the land.v. 4-6: Moses announces that around midnight, God Himself will go through Egypt and kill all the firstborn, from Pharaoh’s son to the firstborn of slaves and animals. There will be a great cry in Egypt, worse than anything before or after. This shows how serious God’s judgment is when people continue to resist Him (v. 4-6; Exodus 4:23 ).

v. 7: God promises to protect the Israelites. Not even a dog will bark at them or their animals. This clear difference between Israel and Egypt shows that God knows how to keep His people safe, even in times of great trouble (v. 7 ).

v. 8: Moses tells Pharaoh that after this plague, Pharaoh’s own officials will come and bow before Moses, begging him and the Israelites to leave. Moses then leaves Pharaoh, very angry because Pharaoh’s stubbornness will bring so much pain to his people (v. 8 ).

v. 9: God reminds Moses that Pharaoh will not listen, so that God’s wonders can be multiplied in Egypt. This shows that even when people reject God’s warnings, God’s plan will still happen (v. 9 ).

v. 10: Moses and Aaron perform all these miracles before Pharaoh, but the Lord