The Tenth Plague, also known as the Plague 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 Exodus 11:1-12:36. It serves as the final and most severe of the ten plagues that God inflicted upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery.

Biblical Account

The Tenth Plague is introduced in Exodus 11, where God announces to Moses that He will bring one more plague upon Pharaoh and Egypt. This plague would be so devastating that Pharaoh would not only let the Israelites go but would drive them out of the land. God instructs Moses to tell the Israelites to ask their Egyptian neighbors for articles of silver and gold, which they would receive favorably due to the respect Moses had gained in Egypt (Exodus 11:2-3).

The specific nature of the plague is described in Exodus 11:4-6 : "So Moses declared, 'This is what the LORD says: “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 maidservant behind the millstones, as well as all the firstborn of the cattle. Then there will be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as never has been nor ever will be again.”'"

The Passover

In preparation for the Tenth Plague, God institutes the Passover, a significant event for the Israelites that would become a lasting ordinance. The instructions for the Passover are detailed in Exodus 12. Each Israelite family was to select a lamb without blemish, slaughter it at twilight, and apply its blood to the doorposts and lintel of their houses. This act of faith would serve as a sign for the Lord to "pass over" their homes, sparing them from the plague of death (Exodus 12:7, 12-13).

The Israelites were to eat the lamb roasted with unleavened bread and bitter herbs, dressed for travel, signifying their readiness to leave Egypt in haste (Exodus 12:8-11). The Passover meal and the blood of the lamb symbolized God's provision and protection, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, in Christian theology.

The Plague's Execution

At midnight, the Lord struck down all the firstborn in Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh to the firstborn of the prisoner in the dungeon, as well as the firstborn of all the livestock (Exodus 12:29). The death of the firstborn was a direct challenge to the Egyptian gods, particularly Osiris, the god of life and death, and Pharaoh himself, who was considered a deity. The plague demonstrated the supremacy of the God of Israel over all false gods and earthly powers.

The impact of the plague was immediate and profound. Pharaoh and all his officials rose in the night to find a great cry throughout Egypt, for there was not a house without someone dead (Exodus 12:30). In response, Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and urged them to leave Egypt with the Israelites, their flocks, and herds, as they had requested. The Egyptians, eager to be rid of the Israelites for fear of further devastation, urged them to leave quickly (Exodus 12:31-33).

Significance

The Tenth Plague is a defining moment in the history of Israel, marking their liberation from bondage and the beginning of their journey to the Promised Land. It underscores themes of judgment and redemption, illustrating God's power to deliver His people and His faithfulness to His covenant promises. The Passover, instituted in conjunction with the Tenth Plague, remains a central observance in Jewish tradition and holds deep theological significance in Christianity as a precursor to the sacrifice of Christ.