Exodus 11:1

Then the LORD said to Moses, "I will bring upon Pharaoh and Egypt one more plague. After that, he will allow you to leave this place. And when he lets you go, he will drive you out completely.

Study Bible

Then the LORD said to Moses
This phrase indicates direct communication from God to Moses, a common occurrence in the narrative of the Exodus. Moses is portrayed as a prophet and leader chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from bondage. This divine communication underscores the authority and authenticity of Moses' mission. It also reflects the intimate relationship between God and Moses, as seen throughout the Pentateuch.

I will bring upon Pharaoh and Egypt one more plague
The term "plague" refers to a series of divine judgments that God inflicted upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites. This final plague, the death of the firstborn, is the culmination of God's judgments and is significant in its severity and impact. It demonstrates God's power over life and death and serves as a direct challenge to the Egyptian pantheon, particularly against the supposed divine status of Pharaoh himself. The plagues collectively reveal God's sovereignty and justice.

After that, he will allow you to leave this place
This statement is a prophecy of the impending liberation of the Israelites. It highlights God's foreknowledge and control over the events that will unfold. The phrase "this place" refers to Egypt, where the Israelites have been enslaved for centuries. The promise of leaving signifies the fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to bring their descendants to the Promised Land.

And when he lets you go, he will drive you out completely
The phrase indicates not only permission to leave but an urgent expulsion. Pharaoh's eventual decision to drive the Israelites out reflects the overwhelming impact of the final plague. This expulsion is a reversal of the previous refusals and hardening of Pharaoh's heart. It also symbolizes the complete and total deliverance that God provides, prefiguring the ultimate deliverance from sin through Jesus Christ. The urgency and completeness of the departure foreshadow the decisive nature of God's salvation.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who is orchestrating the deliverance of His people from Egypt.

2. Moses
The chosen leader and prophet of Israel, who is receiving direct instructions from God to lead the Israelites out of bondage.

3. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt, whose heart has been hardened against letting the Israelites go, despite witnessing previous plagues.

4. Egypt
The land where the Israelites are enslaved, and the setting for the plagues that demonstrate God's power and judgment.

5. The Plague
The final and decisive act of judgment that God will bring upon Egypt, leading to the liberation of the Israelites.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty and Timing
God's plan unfolds according to His perfect timing. The final plague is a reminder that God is in control and His purposes will be accomplished.

The Power of God's Word
When God speaks, His words are powerful and effective. Believers can trust in the promises and declarations of God, knowing they will come to pass.

Judgment and Deliverance
God's judgment on Egypt serves as a backdrop for the deliverance of His people. This dual theme is a reminder of God's justice and mercy.

Faith in Action
Moses' obedience to God's instructions exemplifies faith in action. Believers are called to trust and obey God's leading, even when the path is challenging.

The Cost of Hardness of Heart
Pharaoh's resistance to God's commands resulted in severe consequences. This serves as a warning against hardening our hearts to God's voice.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the final plague demonstrate God's sovereignty and power over the rulers of this world?

2. In what ways can we see the fulfillment of God's promises in our own lives, similar to how He fulfilled His promise to deliver the Israelites?

3. How does the account of the plagues and the Exodus encourage us to trust in God's timing and plan, even when we face opposition?

4. What lessons can we learn from Pharaoh's hardened heart, and how can we guard against similar attitudes in our spiritual walk?

5. How does the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt foreshadow the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ, and how can this understanding impact our faith today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 3:19-20
God foretells that Pharaoh will not let the Israelites go unless compelled by a mighty hand, which connects to the final plague as the ultimate act of compulsion.

Exodus 12:31-32
The fulfillment of God's promise as Pharaoh finally relents and drives the Israelites out of Egypt.

Romans 9:17-18
Paul references Pharaoh's hardened heart to illustrate God's sovereignty and purpose in showing His power and proclaiming His name throughout the earth.

Hebrews 11:27-29
Highlights Moses' faith in leading the Israelites out of Egypt, trusting in God's promises and power.