Topical Encyclopedia The event known as the "Firstborn of Egyptians Killed" is a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative of the Exodus, where God executes the final and most severe of the ten plagues upon Egypt. This event is recorded in the Book of Exodus, specifically in Exodus 11:1-12:36. It serves as a divine judgment against Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt, ultimately leading to the liberation of the Israelites from slavery.Biblical Context The Israelites had been enslaved in Egypt for several centuries, and God appointed Moses to lead them out of bondage. Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he refused to let the Israelites go, despite a series of nine preceding plagues that devastated the land of Egypt. The tenth plague, the death of the firstborn, was announced as the final act that would compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites. The Tenth Plague In Exodus 11:4-6 , Moses conveys God's message 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 Egyptian household, from the royal palace to the humblest dwelling, as well as the livestock. It was a direct challenge to the Egyptian pantheon, particularly against the god Osiris, who was associated with life and death, and Pharaoh himself, who was considered a deity. The Passover To protect the Israelites from the impending judgment, God instituted the Passover. Each Israelite family was instructed to sacrifice a spotless lamb and apply its blood to the doorposts and lintels of their homes. In Exodus 12:13 , God promises, "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 Passover became a lasting ordinance for the Israelites, symbolizing God's deliverance and foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, whose blood brings salvation to all who believe. The Aftermath The death of the firstborn was the catalyst for the Exodus. In Exodus 12:31-32 , Pharaoh finally relents, calling for Moses and Aaron during the night and saying, "Get up, leave my people, both you and the Israelites! Go, worship the LORD as you have requested. Take your flocks and herds as well, just as you have said, and depart! And bless me also." This event not only marks the liberation of the Israelites but also serves as a profound demonstration of God's sovereignty and justice. It underscores the theme of redemption and the importance of obedience to God's commands. Theological Significance The killing of the firstborn in Egypt is a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and rebellion against God. It highlights the seriousness of divine judgment and the necessity of atonement. The Passover lamb serves as a type of Christ, whose sacrificial death provides a means of escape from spiritual death for all who place their faith in Him. This event is commemorated annually in the Jewish festival of Passover, and it holds deep significance for Christians as a precursor to the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 11:5And all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the first born of Pharaoh that sits on his throne, even to the firstborn of the maidservant that is behind the mill; and all the firstborn of beasts. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 12:12,29 Exodus 13:15 Numbers 33:4 Library On the Holy Ghost and his Descent Upon the Apostles Moses Sin: Its Spring-Head, Stream, and Sea Joseph and his Brethren The Reaction against Egypt The Flight into Egypt and St. John the Baptist in the Desert Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest the Legendary History of Egypt The Gods of Egypt Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... Resources What is an heir in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgIs Jesus our brother? | GotQuestions.org What is the difference between a blessing and a birthright (Genesis 25)? | GotQuestions.org Firstborn: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Firstborn of Idolaters, Sacrificed Firstborn of Man and Beast, Reserved to Himself by God Firstborn: Birthright of The: A Double Portion of Inheritance Firstborn: Birthright of The: Adonijah Firstborn: Birthright of The: Authority Over Younger Members of the Household Firstborn: Birthright of The: Forfeited by Reuben Firstborn: Birthright of The: Honorable Distinction of Firstborn: Birthright of The: Hosah's Son Firstborn: Birthright of The: Royal Succession Firstborn: Birthright of The: Set Aside: That of Manasseh Firstborn: Birthright of The: Sold by Esau Firstborn: Levites Taken Instead of Firstborn of the Families of Israel Related Terms |
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