So Moses declaredMoses, as the chosen leader and prophet of God, acts as the intermediary between God and the people of Israel, as well as Pharaoh. His role is crucial in delivering God's messages and commands. This declaration is part of a series of confrontations with Pharaoh, showcasing Moses' obedience and faithfulness to God's instructions. Moses' authority is derived directly from God, emphasizing the divine origin of the message.
This is what the LORD says
The phrase underscores the divine authority behind the message. It is not Moses' own words but a direct communication from Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. This formula is often used by prophets to introduce a divine oracle, indicating that what follows is a message from God Himself. It highlights the seriousness and certainty of the pronouncement.
About midnight
The specific timing of "midnight" is significant. In ancient cultures, midnight was often seen as a time of transition and vulnerability. It is a moment when the natural world is at rest, and the unexpected can occur. The precision of the timing underscores God's control over events and His ability to execute His will at the exact moment He chooses. This timing also serves to heighten the dramatic tension of the impending judgment.
I will go throughout Egypt
God's personal involvement in the events to come is emphasized here. Unlike the previous plagues, which were mediated through Moses and Aaron, this final plague involves God's direct action. The phrase indicates a comprehensive scope, as God will move through the entire land of Egypt, affecting every household. This action is a demonstration of God's sovereignty over all nations, not just Israel, and serves as a final, decisive act of judgment against the Egyptians for their oppression of His people.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe prophet and leader chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. He serves as the mediator between God and Pharaoh.
2.
The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal presence and faithfulness to His promises. He is the one executing judgment on Egypt.
3.
EgyptThe land where the Israelites were enslaved. It represents a place of oppression and idolatry, soon to experience God's judgment.
4.
PharaohThe ruler of Egypt, whose heart was hardened against letting the Israelites go, despite witnessing God's power through the plagues.
5.
The Plague of the FirstbornThe final and most severe of the ten plagues, where God declares He will strike down the firstborn in Egypt, leading to the eventual release of the Israelites.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty and JudgmentGod is sovereign over all nations and rulers. His judgments are just and purposeful, serving to fulfill His divine plan.
The Importance of ObedienceMoses' role as a faithful messenger underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands, even when facing opposition.
The Power of God's WordWhen God speaks, His words carry authority and power. Believers are called to trust in His promises and warnings.
Deliverance Through JudgmentGod's deliverance often comes through judgment. The Israelites' liberation from Egypt foreshadows the ultimate deliverance through Christ.
Faith in ActionMoses' declaration of God's word required faith. Believers are encouraged to act in faith, trusting in God's timing and methods.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Exodus 11:4?
2.How does Exodus 11:4 demonstrate God's power and authority over life and death?
3.What can we learn about God's justice from Exodus 11:4's warning to Pharaoh?
4.How does Exodus 11:4 connect to the theme of deliverance in Exodus?
5.How should believers respond to God's warnings, as seen in Exodus 11:4?
6.What does Exodus 11:4 teach about the consequences of hardening one's heart?
7.How does Exodus 11:4 align with God's nature as loving and just?
8.Why did God choose the firstborn for judgment in Exodus 11:4?
9.What historical evidence supports the events described in Exodus 11:4?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 11?
11.(Exodus 11) If this widespread death of firstborns truly occurred, why is there no independent Egyptian record or archeological evidence?
12.What is the nature of manna?
13.(Exodus 11:2–3) Why would Egyptians willingly give their precious metals to the Israelites if they were supposedly in conflict?
14.How does the portrayal of Aaron's role in Exodus 32 align with other biblical depictions of him, and does it reveal inconsistencies across different texts?What Does Exodus 11:4 Mean
So Moses declared• Moses speaks as the divinely appointed representative who has already confronted Pharaoh nine times (Exodus 7–10).
• His declaration underscores obedience; Moses does not soften or edit God’s message (Exodus 4:12;Deuteronomy 18:18).
• Scripture consistently presents true prophets as mouthpieces for God, never for personal agendas (Jeremiah 1:7;2 Peter 1:21).
• The statement prepares Pharaoh—and every reader—to recognize that what follows is not human opinion but the very word of God.
This is what the LORD says• The phrase signals absolute authority; the covenant name “LORD” (YHWH) ties the warning to the God who revealed Himself at the burning bush (Exodus 3:14).
• God’s words are unfailingly reliable: “God is not a man, that He should lie” (Numbers 23:19); “so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty” (Isaiah 55:11).
• By prefacing the judgment with His own words, God leaves Pharaoh without excuse—he has heard directly from the Creator, not a negotiator (Exodus 5:2).
About midnight• The timing is precise, demonstrating God’s total control over history and nature (Psalm 31:15;Galatians 4:4).
• Midnight marks the deepest darkness, highlighting the contrast between Egypt’s spiritual darkness and God’s coming light for Israel (Exodus 12:12–13;John 1:5).
• Similar “midnight moments” precede deliverance elsewhere—Paul and Silas sing in prison “about midnight” before God intervenes (Acts 16:25–26).
• The literal hour emphasizes that God’s judgments are neither random nor delayed: “For the vision awaits an appointed time” (Habakkuk 2:3).
I will go throughout Egypt• God Himself executes the final plague; this is not merely an angelic visitation (though He may employ angels), but a personal act of judgment (Exodus 12:12;Isaiah 31:4–5).
• The sweep “throughout Egypt” shows the universal reach of His sentence—no household will be exempt apart from those under the blood (Exodus 12:22–23).
• Judgment and mercy operate side by side; while Egyptians face death, Israel will experience redemption, foreshadowing Christ’s substitutionary atonement (1 Corinthians 5:7;1 Peter 1:18–19).
• God’s direct involvement underscores His covenant faithfulness: He promised Abraham, “I will judge the nation they serve” (Genesis 15:14), and now fulfills it.
summaryExodus 11:4 records Moses faithfully transmitting God’s final warning: the LORD Himself will move through Egypt at midnight to strike the firstborn. Every detail—Moses’ declaration, the divine authority, the precise timing, and God’s personal action—reveals a sovereign, promise-keeping God who judges sin and rescues His people.
(4)
And Moses said.--In continuation of the speech recorded in
Exodus 10:29, face to face with Pharaoh, Moses makes his last appeal--utters his last threats. The Pharaoh has bidden him "see his face no more" (
Exodus 10:28), and he has accepted the warning, and declared "I will see thy face again no more" (
Exodus 10:29). It is the last interview--the last interchange of speech. Moses had to deliver himself of a message. Hardened as his heart is, Pharaoh is yet to be allowed "a place for repentance" God announces to him, by the mouth of Moses, the coming destruction of the firstborn--emphasizes the terrible nature of the impending calamity by the announcement that through all Egypt there would be
"a great cry"--contrasts with their despair the absolute immunity of the Israelites--and finally warns the Pharaoh that he and his people will shortly urge the departure which they now refuse to permit. If Pharaoh had even now relented, it was not too late--the great blows might have been escaped, the death of the firstborn and the destruction of the armed force in the Red Sea. But he had "hardened himself," and then "been hardened," until, practically, the time for relenting was gone by. He remained obdurate, and "would not let the children of Israel go out of his land" (
Exodus 11:10).
About midnight.--The particular night was not specified; and the torment of suspense was thus added to the pain of an unintermittent fear. But the dreadful visitation was to come at the dreadest hour of the twenty-four--midnight. Thus much was placed beyond doubt.
Verses 4-8. - The writer returns here to his account of the last interview between Moses and Pharaoh, repeating the introductory words of
Exodus 10:29 - "and Moses said." Having accepted his dismissal, and declared that he would not see the face of Pharaoh any more (
ibid.), Moses, before quitting the presence, proceeded to announce the last plague, prefacing the announcement, as usual (
Exodus 7:17;
Exodus 8:2;
Exodus 9:1, 13;
Exodus 10:3), with the solemn declaration, which showed that he acted in the matter merely as God's instrument - " Thus saith Jehovah." He makes the announcement with the utmost plainness, noting the exact Lime of the visitation (ver. 4) - its extent (ver. 5) - the terrible "cry" that would follow (ver. 6) the complete exemption of the Israelites (ver. 7) - the message which Pharaoh would send him by his servants, to depart at once - and his own intention of acting on it (ver. 8). Then, without waiting for a reply, in hot anger at the prolonged obstinacy of the monarch, he went out.
Verse 4. -
About midnight. - Compare
Exodus 12:29. It would add to the horror of the infliction that it should come in the depth of the night. Probably the night intended was not the next night, but one left purposely indefinite, that terror and suspense might work upon the mind of Pharaoh. Shall I go out. The word "I" is repressed in the original, and is emphatic. This crowning plague Jehovah inflicts by no instrumentality, but takes wholly upon himself. (See
Exodus 12:12, 13, 23, 27, 29.)
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
So Mosesמֹשֶׁ֔ה(mō·šeh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872:Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiverdeclared,וַיֹּ֣אמֶר(way·yō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, say“This is whatכֹּ֖ה(kōh)Adverb
Strong's 3541:Like this, thus, here, nowthe LORDיְהוָ֑ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelsays:אָמַ֣ר(’ā·mar)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, say‘About midnightכַּחֲצֹ֣ת(ka·ḥă·ṣōṯ)Preposition-k | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 2676:Division, middleIאֲנִ֥י(’ă·nî)Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589:Iwill goיוֹצֵ֖א(yō·w·ṣê)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3318:To go, bring, out, direct and proximthroughoutבְּת֥וֹךְ(bə·ṯō·wḵ)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8432:A bisection, the centreEgypt,מִצְרָֽיִם׃(miṣ·rā·yim)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4714:Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa
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OT Law: Exodus 11:4 Moses said This is what Yahweh says: (Exo. Ex) 
