The Tenth Plague, also known as the Death of the Firstborn, is a pivotal event in the biblical narrative of the Exodus, marking the climax of God's judgments against Egypt. This plague is recorded in the Book of Exodus, specifically in chapters 11 and 12, and serves as the final divine act that compels Pharaoh to release the Israelites from bondage.

Biblical Account

The account of the Tenth Plague begins with God's warning to Moses. In Exodus 11:4-5 , the Lord instructs Moses to tell 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 his throne to the firstborn of the servant girl behind the millstones, as well as all the firstborn of the cattle." This pronouncement underscores the comprehensive nature of the plague, affecting every level of Egyptian society, from royalty to the lowest servant, as well as their livestock.

Purpose and Significance

The Tenth Plague serves multiple purposes within the biblical narrative. Primarily, it is a demonstration of God's supreme power and authority over the gods of Egypt, as well as a direct challenge to Pharaoh, who was considered a deity himself. The death of the firstborn is a direct affront to the Egyptian god Osiris, who was believed to be the giver of life. This act of judgment reveals the impotence of the Egyptian pantheon in the face of the God of Israel.

Furthermore, the Tenth Plague is a pivotal moment in the liberation of the Israelites. It is the final act that breaks Pharaoh's resistance, leading to the Exodus. In Exodus 12:31-32 , Pharaoh summons Moses and Aaron during the night and says, "Up, leave my people, you and the Israelites! Go, worship the LORD as you have requested. Take your flocks and herds as you have said, and go. And also bless me."

The Passover Connection

The Tenth Plague is intrinsically linked to the institution of the Passover, a foundational event for the Israelite identity and faith. God instructs the Israelites to sacrifice a lamb without blemish and to mark their doorposts with its blood. In Exodus 12:13 , God declares, "The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are, and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt." This act of faith and obedience not only spares the Israelites from the plague but also establishes the Passover as a perpetual commemoration of God's deliverance.

Theological Implications

Theologically, the Tenth Plague and the Passover foreshadow the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, whose sacrificial death brings deliverance from sin and death. The Apostle Paul draws this parallel in 1 Corinthians 5:7 , stating, "For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed." The blood of the Passover lamb, which protected the Israelites, prefigures the atoning blood of Christ, which offers salvation to all who believe.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the cultural and historical context of ancient Egypt, the firstborn held a place of prominence and significance, often inheriting leadership and family responsibilities. The loss of the firstborn would have been a devastating blow to Egyptian society, both emotionally and structurally. This plague, therefore, not only serves as a divine judgment but also as a profound disruption to the social and religious order of Egypt.

Conclusion

The Tenth Plague: Death of the Firstborn is a critical event in the biblical narrative, demonstrating God's power, fulfilling His promise of deliverance to the Israelites, and establishing the Passover as a lasting ordinance. It serves as a profound reminder of God's sovereignty and the cost of disobedience, while also pointing forward to the ultimate redemption through Jesus Christ.