Overview:
Death in Egypt, as depicted in the Bible, is a significant theme that encompasses various events, plagues, and divine judgments. It is most prominently featured in the narrative of the Exodus, where God executes judgment on Egypt through a series of plagues, culminating in the death of the firstborn. This event is pivotal in the liberation of the Israelites from slavery and serves as a profound demonstration of God's power and justice.

The Plagues of Egypt:
The plagues are a series of divine judgments that God inflicts upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites. Each plague targets specific aspects of Egyptian life and their pantheon of gods, demonstrating the supremacy of the God of Israel. The plagues include the turning of the Nile into blood, infestations of frogs, gnats, and flies, the death of livestock, boils, hail, locusts, darkness, and finally, the death of the firstborn (Exodus 7-11).

The Death of the Firstborn:
The tenth and final plague is the most severe, resulting in the death of all firstborn males in Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh to the firstborn of the captive in the dungeon, as well as the firstborn of all livestock. This plague is a direct assault on the future and strength of Egypt, as the firstborn held a place of prominence and inheritance. The event is described in Exodus 12:29-30 : "Now at midnight the LORD struck down every firstborn male in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the captive who was in the dungeon, and the firstborn of all the livestock as well. During the night, Pharaoh got up, he and all his officials and all the Egyptians, and there was loud wailing in Egypt, for there was no house without someone dead."

The Passover:
In preparation for the final plague, God instructs the Israelites to sacrifice a lamb and mark their doorposts with its blood. This act of faith and obedience ensures that the angel of death "passes over" their homes, sparing them from the plague. This event institutes the Passover, a lasting ordinance commemorating God's deliverance of His people (Exodus 12:1-28).

Theological Significance:
The death of the firstborn in Egypt is a profound demonstration of God's sovereignty and justice. It underscores the seriousness of sin and the consequences of hardening one's heart against God's commands. Pharaoh's repeated refusal to release the Israelites, despite witnessing the power of God through the plagues, ultimately leads to this devastating judgment. The event also foreshadows the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, whose blood delivers believers from the bondage of sin and death.

Cultural and Historical Context:
In ancient Egyptian culture, the firstborn son was often seen as the heir and future leader, making the death of the firstborn a catastrophic blow to the nation. The plagues, particularly the death of the firstborn, serve as a direct challenge to the Egyptian gods and Pharaoh, who was considered a deity himself. This narrative highlights the futility of idolatry and the ultimate authority of the God of Israel.

Legacy and Remembrance:
The events surrounding the death in Egypt and the subsequent Exodus are foundational to Jewish identity and faith. The Passover is celebrated annually as a reminder of God's deliverance and faithfulness. For Christians, the Passover lamb is a powerful symbol of Christ's atoning sacrifice, emphasizing themes of redemption and salvation.