The miracle of the destruction of the first-born in Egypt stands as a pivotal event in the narrative of the Exodus, demonstrating the power and judgment of God through His chosen servants, Moses and Aaron. This event is recorded in the Book of Exodus, specifically in chapters 11 and 12, and serves as the climactic plague that ultimately compels Pharaoh to release the Israelites from bondage.

Context and Background

The Israelites had been enslaved in Egypt for several generations, and God appointed Moses and Aaron to lead His people out of captivity. Despite numerous signs and plagues, Pharaoh's heart remained hardened, refusing to let the Israelites go. The destruction of the first-born was the tenth and final plague, a divine act of judgment against Egypt and its gods.

Divine Instruction

God communicated His plan to Moses, instructing him to warn Pharaoh of the impending disaster. In Exodus 11:4-5 , Moses relays God's message: "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 maidservant behind the millstones, and all the firstborn of the cattle as well."

The Passover

In preparation for this final plague, God instituted the Passover, a significant observance for the Israelites. Each household was to sacrifice a lamb without blemish and apply its blood to the doorposts and lintel of their homes. This act of faith and obedience would serve as a sign for the Lord to "pass over" their homes, sparing them from the plague of death. Exodus 12:13 states, "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 Execution of the Plague

At midnight, the Lord executed His judgment, striking down all the first-born in Egypt, from the first-born of Pharaoh to the first-born of the prisoner in the dungeon, as well as the first-born of all the livestock. This 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."

Significance and Theological Implications

The destruction of the first-born was not only a demonstration of God's power but also a profound act of divine justice and deliverance. It highlighted the distinction between the Israelites, who were protected by the blood of the lamb, and the Egyptians, who suffered the consequences of Pharaoh's obstinacy. This event prefigures the ultimate deliverance through Christ, the Lamb of God, whose sacrificial blood brings salvation to all who believe.

The miracle underscores the sovereignty of God over life and death and His authority over the nations. It serves as a testament to the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises to His people, as well as a warning of the consequences of hardening one's heart against His will.Exodus 12:29
And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne to the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant.
... through many ages pointed out that the servants of God in ... Sea, and the passage of
Israel through the midst ... And the miracles wrought by the Redeemer in our world ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter vi covenanting provided for.htm

What Messiah did the Jews Expect?
... conviction, that He, Who taught and wrought as none ... that point reached, the mind,
looking back through the teaching ... R. 1), that all the miracles which God had ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter v what messiah did.htm

Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
... of a bride; such weariness and faintness through their malignant ... that the prophets
or great men of old had wrought. ... of Egypt had imitated the miracles of Moses ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix xii the baptism of.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... he putteth no trust in his servants, and chargeth ... the centurion was found worthy
through alms-giving ... who, while he was fasting, had wrought miracles, no sooner ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... poor carpenter's son, who, notwithstanding his miracles of wisdom ... by the effects
which these things have wrought. ... for our learning, that we through patience and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

The Doctrine
... law discovered to a people by the servants of Jesus ... the law, and of some also that
through delusions of ... Eden, in these words: "And the LORD God commanded the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the doctrine.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... been laid against them], they have passed through the gate ... the world; and such tender
bowels in God towards them ... lift up his head against his servants, but his ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

Dialogue ii. --The Unconfounded.
... after the union, the nativity, the miracles, the passion ... 1308] So his fruit being
scattered through the whole world ... unless it was God who wrought their salvation ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/dialogue ii the unconfounded.htm

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