The term "Firstborn of Egypt" refers to the climactic and devastating tenth plague that God inflicted upon Egypt as described in the Book of Exodus. This event is a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Israelites' liberation from slavery under Pharaoh's rule. The account is primarily found in Exodus 11:1-12:36.

Biblical Account

In Exodus 11, God announces the final plague to Moses, stating, "I will bring one more plague on Pharaoh and on Egypt. After that, he will let you go from here, and when he does, he will drive you out completely" (Exodus 11:1). The plague was the death of all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on the throne to the firstborn of the captive in the dungeon, and even the firstborn of the livestock (Exodus 11:5).

God instructed Moses to tell the Israelites to mark their doorposts with the blood of a lamb, a sign for the Lord to "pass over" their homes and spare them from the plague (Exodus 12:7, 13). This act of faith and obedience became the foundation for the Jewish festival of Passover, commemorating God's deliverance of His people.

Theological Significance

The death of the firstborn in Egypt serves as a profound demonstration of God's sovereignty and justice. It underscores the seriousness of Pharaoh's hardened heart and his refusal to release the Israelites despite the preceding nine plagues. The event highlights the theme of divine retribution, as Pharaoh's decree to kill the Hebrew male infants (Exodus 1:22) is met with the loss of Egypt's firstborn.

Theologically, the Passover and the sparing of the Israelite firstborn prefigure the redemptive work of Christ. The Apostle Paul refers to Christ as "our Passover lamb" (1 Corinthians 5:7), drawing a parallel between the blood of the lamb that saved the Israelites and the blood of Christ that redeems believers.

Historical and Cultural Context

In ancient Egyptian culture, the firstborn held a place of prominence and significance, often associated with inheritance rights and familial leadership. The loss of the firstborn would have been a catastrophic blow to Egyptian society, affecting every household and demonstrating the futility of their gods against the God of Israel.

The event also served to distinguish the Israelites as God's chosen people, set apart by their obedience and faith. The institution of the Passover as a perpetual ordinance (Exodus 12:14) reinforced their identity and relationship with God, serving as a continual reminder of His deliverance and faithfulness.

Impact on Israelite Identity

The liberation from Egypt and the sparing of the firstborn became central to Israelite identity and worship. The Passover celebration, instituted as a lasting ordinance, became a defining feature of Jewish religious life, symbolizing God's deliverance and covenant faithfulness.

The narrative of the firstborn of Egypt is a testament to God's power and His commitment to His promises. It serves as a reminder of the cost of disobedience and the blessings of faithfulness, themes that resonate throughout the biblical narrative and continue to hold significance for believers today.