Exodus 11:6 - Printer Friendly

ESV: There shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there has never been, nor ever will be again.

NIV: There will be loud wailing throughout Egypt—worse than there has ever been or ever will be again.

NASB: So there shall be a great cry in all the land of Egypt, such as there has not been before and such as shall never be again.

CSB: Then there will be a great cry of anguish through all the land of Egypt such as never was before or ever will be again.

NLT: Then a loud wail will rise throughout the land of Egypt, a wail like no one has heard before or will ever hear again.

KJV: And there shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there was none like it, nor shall be like it any more.

NKJV: Then there shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as was not like it before, nor shall be like it again.

This describes how Egypt will react to the tenth and final disaster (Exodus 7:21; 8:6, 17, 24; 9:6, 10, 24; 10:14, 23) resulting from their enslavement of the Israelites (Exodus 1:11–14). Moses has been threatened by the Egyptian pharaoh (Exodus 10:28–29) for not accepting a partial release of the slaves (Exodus 10:25–26). In response, Moses delivers the Lord's dire promise (Exodus 4:21–23) that during the night He will kill all the firstborn in Egypt (Exodus 11:4–5). This would forever be known as the most devastating event in Egypt's history (Exodus 12:30). Later information given to Israel suggests that there were at least several days between Moses' declaration and the coming of the plague (Exodus 12:3–6).

The primary heir, usually the oldest son, is described using the word "firstborn." This translates the Hebrew root word bekōr. Others could become the "firstborn" without literally being the earliest-born if the intended heir somehow lost their right to the title (Genesis 25:31–32; 49:3–4; Hebrews 12:16). In ancient culture, descendants were a person's legacy, security in old age, and so forth. Beyond emotional bonds, the firstborn also represented any hope for the future. Such a loss would be terrible for any family and shattering if it happened to an entire culture. This plague will strike every firstborn of Egypt, making no exception for animals, servants, or even royalty (Exodus 11:5).

In contrast, the people of Israel will experience no effects from this plague (Exodus 11:7). Those who fear the Lord will be given a sign to avoid judgment (Exodus 12:13).

Exodus 11:4–10 records Moses' declaration of the final plague. He is still in the presence of Pharaoh, who has just threated Moses with death after the ninth plague (Exodus 10:28–29). In the night, God will kill every firstborn in Egypt—including those of cattle, slaves, and even the royal family itself. The Israelites will be spared, and Egypt will beg for the Israelites to leave. Moses then leaves, furious at Pharaoh. God reminds Moses that Pharaoh was never going to submit; these events happened to proclaim God's power to the world.

Immediately after being threatened by Pharaoh (Exodus 10:28–29), Moses is given more instructions from the Lord. He is to instruct the Israelites to ask Egyptians for jewelry. Recent events will have intimidated them enough to be generous. God also tells Moses to predict the last and worst plague: the death off all Egyptian firstborn. This will be the most terrible disaster of Egypt's entire history. It will also lead directly to Israelite freedom. Moses expresses this grim promise in furious anger but is reassured by God that this is all part of an expected plan.

Since the Lord sent Moses back into Egypt (Exodus 3—4), Pharoah has refused multiple commands to release the Hebrew slaves. This has brought nine epic disasters to his nation (Exodus 5—10). Most recently, Pharaoh has threatened to kill Moses if these discussions continue (Exodus 10:28–29). Moses hears instructions from the Lord which include a prediction about the last, and worst, of the plagues of Egypt. In the following chapter, God will establish the Passover and free the Israelites as Egypt mourns catastrophic losses (Exodus 12).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.