Biblical Context:
The LORD's Final Plague Announcement is a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Exodus, found in the Book of Exodus, chapters 11 and 12. This announcement marks the culmination of a series of ten plagues that God inflicted upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from bondage. The final plague, the death of the firstborn, is both a judgment against the gods of Egypt and a demonstration of God's sovereignty and power.

Scriptural Account:
In Exodus 11:1-10, the LORD speaks to Moses, declaring the impending final plague. The LORD says to Moses, "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). This plague is unique in its severity and finality, as it will affect every Egyptian household, from the palace of Pharaoh to the humblest servant.

The LORD instructs Moses to tell the Israelites to ask their Egyptian neighbors for articles of silver and gold, which will serve as a form of recompense for their years of slavery (Exodus 11:2-3). The LORD had granted the Israelites favor in the eyes of the Egyptians, and Moses himself was highly regarded in Egypt.

Moses then delivers the LORD's message to Pharaoh: "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 the throne to the firstborn of the maidservant behind the millstones, and all the firstborn of the cattle as well" (Exodus 11:4-5). This announcement underscores the comprehensive nature of the judgment, sparing no household that does not heed the LORD's instructions.

Theological Significance:
The final plague serves as a profound demonstration of God's justice and mercy. It is a direct challenge to the Egyptian pantheon, particularly against Pharaoh, who was considered a god-king. The death of the firstborn is a divine act of retribution for Pharaoh's hardened heart and his refusal to acknowledge the LORD's authority.

For the Israelites, the announcement of the final plague is intertwined with the institution of the Passover, a critical element of their identity and faith. The LORD provides specific instructions for the Passover lamb, whose blood, when applied to the doorposts and lintels of their homes, will serve as a sign for the LORD to "pass over" and spare them from the plague (Exodus 12:12-13). This act of faith and obedience becomes a perpetual ordinance for the Israelites, symbolizing their deliverance and God's covenant faithfulness.

Historical and Cultural Context:
The announcement of the final plague occurs within the broader context of ancient Egyptian society, where the firstborn held a place of prominence and inheritance. The death of the firstborn would have been a devastating blow to the social and familial structures of Egypt, further emphasizing the LORD's power over the nation.

The plagues, culminating in the death of the firstborn, serve as a narrative of liberation and divine intervention. They highlight the LORD's commitment to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and His determination to fulfill His promises to their descendants.

Impact on Israelite Identity:
The LORD's Final Plague Announcement and the subsequent Passover become foundational to Israelite identity and worship. The Passover is celebrated annually as a reminder of God's deliverance and the birth of the nation of Israel. It is a testament to the LORD's faithfulness and a call to remember His mighty acts of salvation.

The final plague and the Exodus narrative as a whole underscore the themes of redemption, divine justice, and the establishment of a people set apart for God's purposes. The LORD's Final Plague Announcement is a defining moment in the biblical account, shaping the faith and history of the Israelite people for generations to come.