Exodus 11:5 - and all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne, even to the firstborn of the female servant who is behind the mill; and all the firstborn of livestock.
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What does "Exodus 11:5" mean?
This verse, Exodus 11:5, describes the tenth and final plague that God brought upon Egypt to convince Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery. Let's break down its meaning:
"and all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die...": This is the core message. The firstborn sons and livestock of all Egyptians would be killed. This was a direct judgment against Egypt, as they had refused to acknowledge and worship the God of Israel.
"...from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne...": This emphasizes that the plague would affect everyone, regardless of social status. Even the son of the most powerful man in Egypt, Pharaoh, would not be spared. This highlights God's impartiality and power.
"...even to the firstborn of the female servant who is behind the mill...": This further emphasizes the universality of the plague. Even the firstborn of the lowliest servant, working at the grinding mill (a symbol of servitude and poverty), would not be exempt. This means everyone is equally under Gods law.
"...and all the firstborn of livestock.": The plague would also extend to the firstborn animals of the Egyptians. Livestock was a vital part of the Egyptian economy and livelihood, so this plague would cause economic hardship and further demonstrate God's power over all aspects of their lives.
Significance and Symbolism:
Firstborn Significance: The firstborn son held a special status in ancient cultures. They were typically the heir and received a double portion of inheritance. The death of the firstborn was therefore a devastating blow, both emotionally and practically.
Punishment for Rejecting God: The Egyptians had repeatedly refused to acknowledge and obey God. The plague of the firstborn was the ultimate consequence of their defiance.
Symbol of Redemption: For the Israelites, this plague was a symbol of their redemption. They were spared by applying the blood of a sacrificial lamb to their doorposts (Exodus 12), demonstrating their faith and obedience to God. The Passover holiday commemorates this event.
In summary, Exodus 11:5 describes a devastating plague that would affect all Egyptians, regardless of their social status, as a consequence of their refusal to release the Israelites from slavery and acknowledge God. It's a powerful illustration of divine judgment, but also a foreshadowing of redemption for those who obey God.
Exodus 11:5 - and all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne, even to the firstborn of the female servant who is behind the mill; and all the firstborn of livestock.
What does "Exodus 11:5" mean?
This verse, Exodus 11:5, describes the tenth and final plague that God brought upon Egypt to convince Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery. Let's break down its meaning:
"and all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die...": This is the core message. The firstborn sons and livestock of all Egyptians would be killed. This was a direct judgment against Egypt, as they had refused to acknowledge and worship the God of Israel.
"...from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne...": This emphasizes that the plague would affect everyone, regardless of social status. Even the son of the most powerful man in Egypt, Pharaoh, would not be spared. This highlights God's impartiality and power.
"...even to the firstborn of the female servant who is behind the mill...": This further emphasizes the universality of the plague. Even the firstborn of the lowliest servant, working at the grinding mill (a symbol of servitude and poverty), would not be exempt. This means everyone is equally under Gods law.
"...and all the firstborn of livestock.": The plague would also extend to the firstborn animals of the Egyptians. Livestock was a vital part of the Egyptian economy and livelihood, so this plague would cause economic hardship and further demonstrate God's power over all aspects of their lives.
Significance and Symbolism:
Firstborn Significance: The firstborn son held a special status in ancient cultures. They were typically the heir and received a double portion of inheritance. The death of the firstborn was therefore a devastating blow, both emotionally and practically.
Punishment for Rejecting God: The Egyptians had repeatedly refused to acknowledge and obey God. The plague of the firstborn was the ultimate consequence of their defiance.
Symbol of Redemption: For the Israelites, this plague was a symbol of their redemption. They were spared by applying the blood of a sacrificial lamb to their doorposts (Exodus 12), demonstrating their faith and obedience to God. The Passover holiday commemorates this event.
In summary, Exodus 11:5 describes a devastating plague that would affect all Egyptians, regardless of their social status, as a consequence of their refusal to release the Israelites from slavery and acknowledge God. It's a powerful illustration of divine judgment, but also a foreshadowing of redemption for those who obey God.