Exodus Chapter 11 verse 4 Holy Bible

Pulpit Commentary

Pulpit CommentaryVerses 4-8. - The writer returns here to his account of the last interview between Moses and Pharaoh, repeating the introductory words of Exodus 10:29 - "and Moses said." Having accepted his dismissal, and declared that he would not see the face of Pharaoh any more (ibid.), Moses, before quitting the presence, proceeded to announce the last plague, prefacing the announcement, as usual (Exodus 7:17; Exodus 8:2; Exodus 9:1, 13; Exodus 10:3), with the solemn declaration, which showed that he acted in the matter merely as God's instrument - " Thus saith Jehovah." He makes the announcement with the utmost plainness, noting the exact Lime of the visitation (ver. 4) - its extent (ver. 5) - the terrible "cry" that would follow (ver. 6) the complete exemption of the Israelites (ver. 7) - the message which Pharaoh would send him by his servants, to depart at once - and his own intention of acting on it (ver. 8). Then, without waiting for a reply, in hot anger at the prolonged obstinacy of the monarch, he went out. Verse 4. - About midnight. - Compare Exodus 12:29. It would add to the horror of the infliction that it should come in the depth of the night. Probably the night intended was not the next night, but one left purposely indefinite, that terror and suspense might work upon the mind of Pharaoh. Shall I go out. The word "I" is repressed in the original, and is emphatic. This crowning plague Jehovah inflicts by no instrumentality, but takes wholly upon himself. (See Exodus 12:12, 13, 23, 27, 29.)

Ellicott's Commentary

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(4) And Moses said.--In continuation of the speech recorded in Exodus 10:29, face to face with Pharaoh, Moses makes his last appeal--utters his last threats. The Pharaoh has bidden him "see his face no more" (Exodus 10:28), and he has accepted the warning, and declared "I will see thy face again no more" (Exodus 10:29). It is the last interview--the last interchange of speech. Moses had to deliver himself of a message. Hardened as his heart is, Pharaoh is yet to be allowed "a place for repentance" God announces to him, by the mouth of Moses, the coming destruction of the firstborn--emphasizes the terrible nature of the impending calamity by the announcement that through all Egypt there would be "a great cry"--contrasts with their despair the absolute immunity of the Israelites--and finally warns the Pharaoh that he and his people will shortly urge the departure which they now refuse to permit. If Pharaoh had even now relented, it was not too late--the great blows might have been escaped, the death of the firstborn and the destruction of the armed force in the Red Sea. But he had "hardened himself," and then "been hardened," until, practically, the time for relenting was gone by. He remained obdurate, and "would not let the children of Israel go out of his land" (Exodus 11:10).About midnight.--The particular night was not specified; and the torment of suspense was thus added to the pain of an unintermittent fear. But the dreadful visitation was to come at the dreadest hour of the twenty-four--midnight. Thus much was placed beyond doubt.