Topical Encyclopedia The Death of the Firstborn is a pivotal event in the biblical narrative of the Exodus, marking the final and most severe of the ten plagues that God inflicted upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from bondage. This event is recorded in the Book of Exodus, specifically in Exodus 11:1-12:36.Biblical Context The Israelites had been enslaved in Egypt for several centuries, and God appointed Moses to lead them out of captivity. Despite numerous signs and wonders performed by God through Moses, Pharaoh's heart remained hardened, and he refused to let the Israelites go. The plagues served as divine judgments against the gods of Egypt and as a demonstration of God's sovereignty and power. The Tenth Plague The tenth and final plague was the death of all firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on the throne to the firstborn of the captive in the dungeon, and even the firstborn of all livestock (Exodus 11:5). This plague was unique in its severity and scope, affecting every household in Egypt and resulting in widespread mourning and despair. Instructions to the Israelites Prior to the execution of this plague, God provided specific instructions to the Israelites through Moses. They were to select a lamb without blemish, slaughter it at twilight, and apply its blood to the doorposts and lintels of their homes. This act of faith and obedience would serve as a sign for the Lord to "pass over" their houses, sparing them from the plague of death (Exodus 12:7, 12-13). The Passover The event of the Death of the Firstborn is intrinsically linked to the institution of the Passover, a lasting ordinance for the Israelites. The Passover commemorates God's deliverance of His people from slavery and His protection during the plague. The blood of the lamb symbolized the atonement and foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, whose blood would bring salvation to all who believe. Pharaoh's Response The impact of the plague was immediate and profound. Pharaoh, whose own firstborn son was struck down, finally relented and summoned Moses and Aaron during the night. He urged them to leave Egypt with the Israelites and their possessions, effectively granting them the freedom they had long sought (Exodus 12:31-32). Theological Significance The Death of the Firstborn serves as a powerful testament to God's justice and mercy. It underscores the seriousness of sin and the necessity of divine judgment, while also highlighting God's provision of a means of salvation through faith and obedience. The event prefigures the redemptive work of Christ and is a cornerstone of the narrative of deliverance and covenant relationship between God and His people. Scriptural References · Exodus 11:1-10: The announcement of the final plague. · Exodus 12:1-30: The instructions for the Passover and the execution of the plague. · Exodus 12:31-36: Pharaoh's response and the departure of the Israelites. The Death of the Firstborn remains a profound and sobering reminder of God's power, the cost of disobedience, and the hope of redemption through His provision. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 12:32Also take your flocks and your herds, as you have said, and be gone; and bless me also. Nave's Topical Index Library The Death of Christ for his People Jesus' Conception of Himself A Solemn Address to those who Will not be Persuaded to Fall in ... Jonathan, the Pattern of Friendship The Passover: an Expiation and a Feast, a Memorial and a Prophecy Book ii. Glorious Predestination The Son and the Angels. An Unalterable Law Contents and Character of the Extant Works. Resources What does it mean that the Holy Spirit will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment? | GotQuestions.orgShould all pronouns referring to God be capitalized? | GotQuestions.org What are the Stations of the Cross and what can we learn from them? | GotQuestions.org Conviction: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Conviction: Adam and Eve, After Their Disobedience Conviction: After Being Rebuked and Punished for Worshiping the Golden Calf Conviction: After Casting Jonah Into the Sea Conviction: After the Plague of Hail Conviction: At the Preaching of Jonah Conviction: Belshazzar, when he "Saw the Part of the Hand That Wrote" Conviction: Darius, when Daniel Was in the Lions' Den Conviction: David After the Pestilence Sent on Account of his Numbering the People Conviction: Felix, Under the Preaching of Paul Conviction: Herod, when he Heard of the Fame of Jesus Conviction: Jonah, in the Belly of the Great Fish Conviction: Joseph's Brother, on Account of Their Cruelty to Joseph Conviction: Judas, After his Betrayal of Jesus Conviction: Philippian Jailer, After the Earthquake Conviction: Saul of Tarsus, when he Saw Jesus on the Way to Damascus Conviction: Saul, After Sparing Agag and the Best of the Spoils Conviction: The Death of the Firstborn Conviction: The Death of the Ten Spies and Their Being Sentenced to Wander for Forty Years Conviction: The Plague of Locusts Conviction: Their Complaining Against God and Being Bitten by Fiery Serpents Conviction: Widow of Zarephath, when Her Son Died Related Terms |
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