The term "Firstborn of Egypt" refers to the climactic and devastating tenth plague that God inflicted upon Egypt as described in the Book of Exodus. This event is a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Israelites' liberation from slavery under Pharaoh's rule. The account is primarily found in Exodus 11 and 12.

Biblical Context

The account of the Firstborn of Egypt is set against the backdrop of the Israelites' bondage in Egypt. God, through Moses and Aaron, demanded that Pharaoh release the Israelites so they could serve Him. Pharaoh's repeated refusals led to a series of plagues, each increasing in severity. The tenth and final plague was the death of all the firstborn in Egypt, both human and animal.

The Tenth Plague

In Exodus 11:4-6 , Moses delivers God's warning to Pharaoh: "So Moses declared, 'This is what the LORD says: "About midnight I will go throughout Egypt, and every firstborn son in the land of Egypt will die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne to the firstborn of the servant girl behind the millstones, as well as all the firstborn of the cattle. Then there will be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as never has been nor ever will be again."'"

This plague was unique in its scope and severity, affecting every household in Egypt, from the palace of Pharaoh to the humblest of servants. It was a direct challenge to the Egyptian pantheon, particularly against the gods associated with life and fertility.

The Passover

To protect the Israelites from the plague, God instituted the Passover. In Exodus 12:12-13 , God instructs, "On that night I will pass through the land of Egypt and strike down every firstborn, both man and beast, and I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD. The blood on the houses where you are staying will distinguish them; when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No plague will fall on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt."

The Israelites were commanded to sacrifice a lamb and mark their doorposts with its blood. This act of faith and obedience ensured their deliverance from the angel of death. The Passover became a lasting ordinance for the Israelites, commemorating their liberation and God's mighty acts.

Theological Significance

The death of the firstborn in Egypt serves as a profound demonstration of God's sovereignty and justice. It underscores the seriousness of sin and rebellion against God, as well as His power to deliver His people. The event also prefigures the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, the "Lamb of God," whose blood brings salvation and deliverance from sin for all who believe.

Historical and Cultural Impact

The impact of the tenth plague was immediate and far-reaching. Pharaoh, whose heart had been hardened, finally relented and allowed the Israelites to leave Egypt. This event marked the beginning of the Exodus, a foundational moment in Jewish history and identity.

The annual celebration of Passover continues to be a central observance in Jewish tradition, serving as a reminder of God's deliverance and faithfulness. For Christians, the Passover is seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate redemption through Christ.

References in Scripture

The event of the Firstborn of Egypt is referenced throughout the Bible as a testament to God's power and faithfulness. In the Psalms, it is recounted as a demonstration of God's mighty acts (Psalm 78:51, 105:36, 135:8, 136:10). The New Testament also alludes to the Passover and its fulfillment in Christ (1 Corinthians 5:7, Hebrews 11:28).

The Firstborn of Egypt remains a powerful narrative illustrating God's deliverance, judgment, and the establishment of a covenant relationship with His people.