Topical Encyclopedia The Plague of the Death of the Firstborn is the tenth and final plague that God inflicted upon Egypt, as recorded in the Book of Exodus. This event is a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Israelites' liberation from Egyptian bondage and is foundational to the observance of Passover.Biblical Account The account of the Death of the Firstborn is found in Exodus 11:1-12:36. God, through Moses, warned Pharaoh of the impending plague, stating, "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 the firstborn of all the cattle" (Exodus 11:4-5). This plague was a direct judgment against the gods of Egypt and a demonstration of the LORD's sovereignty. Purpose and Significance The Death of the Firstborn served multiple purposes. It was a divine judgment against Pharaoh and the Egyptian deities, demonstrating the LORD's supremacy. It also compelled Pharaoh to release the Israelites, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham regarding the deliverance of his descendants. Furthermore, it established the Passover as a perpetual ordinance for the Israelites, symbolizing God's deliverance and protection. The Passover In preparation for the plague, God instructed the Israelites to sacrifice a lamb without blemish and apply its blood to the doorposts and lintels of their homes. The LORD declared, "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" (Exodus 12:13). This act of faith and obedience spared the Israelites from the plague and became a central element of the Passover celebration. Theological Implications Theologically, the Death of the Firstborn underscores themes of judgment, redemption, and covenant. It highlights God's justice in punishing sin and His mercy in providing a means of salvation. The Passover lamb is a foreshadowing of Christ, the Lamb of God, whose sacrificial death brings deliverance from sin and death for all who believe. Historical and Cultural Context In the ancient Near Eastern context, the firstborn held a place of prominence and inheritance. The death of the firstborn in Egypt was not only a personal tragedy but also a societal and economic catastrophe, striking at the heart of Egyptian culture and future prosperity. This plague demonstrated the futility of Egypt's resistance against God's will and the inevitability of His divine plan. Impact on Israel The liberation from Egypt marked the beginning of Israel's national identity and their journey to the Promised Land. The Passover became a defining ritual, commemorating God's deliverance and reinforcing the covenant relationship between God and His people. It served as a continual reminder of God's faithfulness and the cost of redemption. References in Scripture The Death of the Firstborn is referenced throughout Scripture as a testament to God's power and faithfulness. In the Psalms, it is celebrated as a mighty act of deliverance (Psalm 78:51; 105:36). The New Testament draws parallels between the Passover lamb and Jesus Christ, emphasizing the continuity of God's redemptive plan (1 Corinthians 5:7). The Plague of the Death of the Firstborn remains a profound narrative within the biblical canon, illustrating the gravity of divine judgment and the depth of divine mercy. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 11:4-7And Moses said, Thus said the LORD, About midnight will I go out into the middle of Egypt: Nave's Topical Index Exodus 12:17,29,30 Library On his Father'S Silence, Because of the Plague of Hail. On the Holy Ghost and his Descent Upon the Apostles The Passover: an Expiation and a Feast, a Memorial and a Prophecy The Purification of Mary First Commandment A Last Look-Out The Christian Described God's Controversy with Man. Rev. Charles Prest. The Mediator --The Interpreter What and Whence are These? Resources What were the emerods God afflicted the Philistines with in 1 Samuel 5? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the seven trumpets of Revelation? | GotQuestions.org Why was God so angry at David for taking the census? | GotQuestions.org Plague: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Plague of Boils and Open Sores Plague: As a Judgment on the Egyptians Plague: Death of the Firstborn Plague: Denounced As a Judgment Plague: On the Israelites for the Sin of Peor Plague: On the Israelites of Serpents Plague: On the Israelites: After Complaining About the Destruction of Korah and his Family Plague: On the Israelites: After Eating the Quail Meat Plague: On the Israelites: After Refusing to Enter the Promised Land Plague: On the Israelites: On Account of David's Sin The Plague or Pestilence was Attributed to a Destroying Angel The Plague or Pestilence: Described As Noisome The Plague or Pestilence: Desolating Effects of The Plague or Pestilence: Egypt often Afflicted With The Plague or Pestilence: Equally Fatal Day and Night The Plague or Pestilence: Fatal to Man and Beast The Plague or Pestilence: God's Judgments Upon the Apostasy The Plague or Pestilence: Inflicted by God The Plague or Pestilence: Israel Threatened With, As a Punishment for Disobedience The Plague or Pestilence: Often Broke out Suddenly The Plague or Pestilence: Often Followed War and Famine The Plague or Pestilence: One of God's Four Sore Judgments The Plague or Pestilence: Predicted to Happen Before Destruction of Jerusalem The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: David's Subjects for his Numbering the People The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: Israel for Despising Manna The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: Israel for Making Golden Calf The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: Israel for Murmuring at Destruction of Korah The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: Israel for Worshipping Baal-Peor The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: The Egyptians The Plague or Pestilence: Specially Fatal in Cities The Plague or Pestilence: The Diseased State of Man's Heart The Plague or Pestilence: The Jews Sought Deliverance From, by Prayer Related Terms |
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