The Plague on the Firstborn Foretold

1Then the LORD {YHWH} said to Moses (drawn out), “I will bring upon Pharaoh (great house) and Egypt (land of bondage) one more plague. After that, he will allow you⁺ to leave this place. And when he lets you go, he will drive you out completely. 2Now announce to the people that men and women alike should ask their neighbors for articles of silver and gold.”

3And the LORD {YHWH} gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians (double straits). Moreover, Moses (drawn out) himself was highly regarded in Egypt (land of bondage) by Pharaoh’s (great house) officials and by the people.

4So Moses (drawn out) declared, “This is what the LORD {YHWH} says: ‘About midnight I will go throughout Egypt (land of bondage), 5and every firstborn son in the land of Egypt (land of bondage) will die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh (great house) who sits on his throne, to the firstborn of the servant girl behind the hand mill, as well as the firstborn of all the cattle. 6Then a great cry will go out over all the land of Egypt (land of bondage). Such an outcry has never been heard before and will never be heard again. 7But among all the Israelites (God prevails), not even a dog will snarl at man or beast.’a

Then you⁺ will know that the LORD {YHWH} makes a distinction between Egypt (land of bondage) and Israel. 8And all these officials of yours will come and bow before me, saying, ‘Go, you and all the people who follow you!’ After that, I will depart.”

And hot with anger, Moses left Pharaoh’s (great house) presence.

9The LORD {YHWH} said to Moses (drawn out), “Pharaoh (great house) will not listen to you⁺, so that My wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt (land of bondage).”

10Moses (drawn out) and Aaron (light bringer) did all these wonders before Pharaoh (great house), but the LORD {YHWH} hardened (stiffened)b Pharaoh’s heart so that he would not let the Israelites (God prevails) go out of his land.