The Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 11:4-8

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

EXPOSITION

The writer returns here to his account of the last interview between Moses and Pharaoh, repeating the introductory words of Exodus 10:29—"and Moses said." Having accepted his dismissal, and declared that he would not see the face of Pharaoh any more (ibid.), Moses, before quitting the presence, proceeded to announce the last plague, prefacing the announcement, as usual (Exodus 7:17; Exodus 8:2; Exodus 9:1, Exodus 9:13; Exodus 10:3), with the solemn declaration, which showed that he acted in the matter merely as God's instrument—" Thus saith Jehovah." He makes the announcement with the utmost plainness, noting the exact Lime of the visitation (Exodus 10:4)—its extent (Exodus 10:5)—the terrible "cry" that would follow (Exodus 10:6) the complete exemption of the Israelites (Exodus 10:7)—the message which Pharaoh would send him by his servants, to depart at once—and his own intention of acting on it (Exodus 10:8). Then, without waiting for a reply, in hot anger at the prolonged obstinacy of the monarch, he went out.

More for Exodus 11:4-8

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

The Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 11:1-4Exodus 11:1-4 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe beginning of the end. I. THE STROKE STILL IN RESERVE (Exodus 11:1). God would bring on Pharaoh "one plague more." This would be effectual. It would lead him to let the people go from Egypt. So eager would he be for…Matthew Henry on Exodus 11:4-10Exodus 11:4-10 · Matthew Henry Concise CommentaryThe death of all the first-born in Egypt at once: this plague had been the first threatened, but is last executed. See how slow God is to wrath. The plague is foretold, the time is fixed; all their first-born should sle…Matthew Henry on Exodus 11:4-10Exodus 11:4-10 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleWarning is here given to Pharaoh of the last and conquering plague which was now to be inflicted. This was the death of all the first-born in Egypt at once, which had been first threatened (Exodus 4:23, I will slay thy…The Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 11:4Exodus 11:4 · The Pulpit CommentaryAbout midnight.—Compare Exodus 12:29. It would add to the horror of the infliction that it should come in the depth of the night. Probably the night intended was not the next night, but one left purposely indefinite, th…The Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 11:4-10Exodus 11:4-10 · The Pulpit CommentaryA finale. These verses end the story of how God wrought with Pharaoh to subdue him to his will. They prepare us for the catastrophe which brought the long conflict to a termination, and forced a way of egress for two mi…

commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 11:1-4The beginning of the end. I. THE STROKE STILL IN RESERVE (Exodus 11:1). God would bring on Pharaoh "one plague more." This would be effectual. It would lead him to let the people go from Egypt. So eager would he be for…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryMatthew Henry on Exodus 11:4-10The death of all the first-born in Egypt at once: this plague had been the first threatened, but is last executed. See how slow God is to wrath. The plague is foretold, the time is fixed; all their first-born should sle…Matthew Henry commentaryMatthew Henry on Exodus 11:4-10Warning is here given to Pharaoh of the last and conquering plague which was now to be inflicted. This was the death of all the first-born in Egypt at once, which had been first threatened (Exodus 4:23, I will slay thy…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 11:4About midnight.—Compare Exodus 12:29. It would add to the horror of the infliction that it should come in the depth of the night. Probably the night intended was not the next night, but one left purposely indefinite, th…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 11:4-10A finale. These verses end the story of how God wrought with Pharaoh to subdue him to his will. They prepare us for the catastrophe which brought the long conflict to a termination, and forced a way of egress for two mi…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 11:5-7The issues of life and death are in the hand of God. For the most part there is, or there seems to be, one event to the righteous and to the wicked (Ecclesiastes 9:2). Death happens alike to all, and does not appear to…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 11:5All the first-born. The law of primogeniture prevailed in Egypt, as among most of the nations of antiquity. The monarchy (under the New Empire, at any rate) was hereditary, and the eldest son was known as erpa suten sa,…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 11:6There shall be a great cry. The violence of Oriental emotions, and the freedom with which they are vented are well known. Herodotus relates that the Egyptians stript themselves and beat their breasts at funerals (2:85)…Joseph S. Exell and contributors