How does Exodus 11:4 demonstrate God's power and authority over life and death?

Setting the Scene

Exodus 11:4: “So Moses declared, ‘This is what the LORD says: ‘About midnight I will go throughout Egypt.’ ”

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The Midnight Decree

• The announcement is direct—“I will go.” No angelic intermediary is specified.

• Timing—“about midnight”—underscores precision; God rules the very hours.

• Scope—“throughout Egypt”—His reach extends over an entire nation simultaneously.

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What the Verse Reveals about God’s Power and Authority over Life and Death

• Absolute initiative

– God alone decides the moment of judgment; Pharaoh has no say.

• Unquestioned execution

– When God says, “I will go,” the outcome is certain (cf. Isaiah 46:10–11).

• Universal jurisdiction

– Life in every Egyptian household lies in His hands, proving He is not a regional deity but the Lord of all (Psalm 24:1).

• Justice tied to covenant faithfulness

– The death of Egypt’s firstborn answers Egypt’s prior decree against Israel’s sons (Exodus 1:16). God repays life for life (Genesis 9:6).

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Wider Biblical Echoes

• Deuteronomy 32:39: “See now that I, I am He… I put to death and I bring to life.”

• 1 Samuel 2:6: “The LORD brings death and gives life; He brings down to Sheol and raises up.”

• Revelation 1:18: Jesus holds “the keys of Death and of Hades,” linking Old and New Testaments in a unified witness to God’s sovereignty.

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Personal Implications

• Confidence—Believers rest in the hands of the One who numbers our days (Psalm 139:16).

• Urgency—Those outside covenant grace face the same sovereign Judge (Hebrews 9:27).

• Worship—Recognizing God’s dominion over life and death inspires reverent awe (Psalm 33:8–9).