The Beginning of the End
Notes
Transcript
Call to Worship
Call to Worship
Call to Worship: Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19
You removed a vine from Egypt; You drove out the nations and then You planted it.
You cleared the ground before it, And it took deep root and filled the land.
The mountains were covered with its shadow, And the cedars of God with its boughs.
It sent out its branches to the sea And its shoots to the River.
Why have You broken down its hedges, So that all who pass that way pick its fruit?
A boar from the forest devours it And whatever moves in the field feeds on it.
O God of hosts, return now, we beseech You; Look down from heaven and see, and visit this vine,
Even the sapling which Your right hand has planted, And on the son whom You have strengthened for Yourself.
It is burned with fire, it is cut down; They perish at the rebuke of Your face.
Let Your hand be upon the man of Your right hand, Upon the son of man whom You made strong for Yourself.
Then we shall not turn back from You; Revive us, and we will call upon Your name.
O Yahweh God of hosts, restore us; Cause Your face to shine upon us, that we might be saved.
First Reading
First Reading
“Am I a God who is near,” declares Yahweh, “And not a God far off?
“Can a man hide himself in hiding places So I do not see him?” declares Yahweh. “Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?” declares Yahweh.
“I have heard what the prophets have said who prophesy a lie in My name, saying, ‘I had a dream, I had a dream!’
“How long? Is there anything in the hearts of the prophets who prophesy a lie, even these prophets of the deception of their own heart,
who intend to make My people forget My name by their dreams which they recount to one another, just as their fathers forgot My name because of Baal?
“The prophet who has a dream may recount his dream, but let him who has My word speak My word in truth. What does straw have in common with grain?” declares Yahweh.
“Is not My word like fire?” declares Yahweh, “and like a hammer which shatters a rock?
Scripture and Prayer
Scripture and Prayer
“I have come to cast fire upon the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!
“But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is finished!
“Do you think that I came to grant peace on earth? I tell you, no, but rather division;
for from now on five members in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three.
“They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”
And He was also saying to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, ‘A shower is coming,’ and so it happens.
“And when you see a south wind blowing, you say, ‘It will be a hot day,’ and it happens.
“You hypocrites! You know how to examine the appearance of the earth and the sky, but why do you not examine this present time?
Intro
Intro
AG:
TS: Ex 11, marks the prelude to the final and most severe plague—the death of the firstborn—signaling God’s decisive judgment on Egypt and deliverance of Israel.
In this chapter, God prepares His people for liberation, warns Pharaoh of impending judgment, and reveals His sovereign purpose.
The text includes 3 parts. The only new material is the announcement of the final plague, it is surrounded by 2 things we have already seen:
10th plague would lead to the Israelites obtaining Egyptian’s wealth and thus being financially ready for the Exodus
The entire series of previous plagues had not led to the Exodus exactly as God had planned.
Exodus 11. The Great Sign of Sovereignty Announced: Tenth Plague Predicted: Death of Firstborn (11:1–10)
This surrounding of “new” narrative material with “reminder” narrative material has the effect of helping orient the reader/listener to the fact that the plague of death on the firstborn and the resulting exodus of Israel from Egypt was not merely an event in itself but the culminating act of a long process controlled by God and brought to fruition exactly as he had predicted it before any of the process had started.
RS: We are reminded that God has a plan for this Earth and all who are upon it. Personally, He has a purpose for your life and for mine. Furthermore, God will carry out HIs plan in our lives!
For today’s Christians, this passage challenges us to trust God’s promises, heed His warnings, and proclaim His salvation in a world facing spiritual consequences.
Through a grammatical-historical lens, we’ll see how this text points to Christ and speaks to our lives today
Then Yahweh said to Moses, “One more plague I will bring on Pharaoh and on Egypt; after that he will let you go from here. When he lets you go, he will surely drive you out from here completely.
“Speak now in the hearing of the people so that each man may ask from his neighbor and each woman from her neighbor for articles of silver and articles of gold.”
(And Yahweh gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover, the man Moses himself was very great in the land of Egypt, both in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants and in the sight of the people.)
So Moses said, “Thus says Yahweh, ‘About midnight I am going out into the midst of Egypt,
and all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of the Pharaoh who sits on his throne, even to the firstborn of the servant-girl who is behind the millstones; and all the firstborn of the cattle.
‘Moreover, there shall be a great cry in all the land of Egypt, such as there has not been before and such as shall never be again.
‘But for any of the sons of Israel a dog will not even bark, whether against man or beast, that you may know how Yahweh makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel.’
“Then all these your servants will come down to me and bow themselves before me, saying, ‘Go out, you and all the people who follow you,’ and after that I will go out.” And he went out from Pharaoh in hot anger.
Then Yahweh said to Moses, “Pharaoh will not listen to you, so that My miraculous wonders will be multiplied in the land of Egypt.”
Now Moses and Aaron did all these miraculous wonders before Pharaoh; yet Yahweh hardened Pharaoh’s heart with strength, and he did not let the sons of Israel go out of his land.
I. God’s Promise of Deliverance (Exodus 11:1-3)
I. God’s Promise of Deliverance (Exodus 11:1-3)
Ex 11:1-3
A. Explanation of the Text:
Then Yahweh said to Moses, “One more plague I will bring on Pharaoh and on Egypt; after that he will let you go from here. When he lets you go, he will surely drive you out from here completely.
After nine plagues, God tells Moses the final plague will compel Pharaoh to release Israel
(v. 1).
“Yahweh said” should be read as “Yaweh HAD said.
It refers back to what God had already said to Moses during the 3 days of darkness. This set up
The phrase “one more plague” signals the
culmination of God’s judgment, rooted in His covenant promise to deliver His people (Exodus 6:6-8).
“Say, therefore, to the sons of Israel, ‘I am Yahweh, and I will bring you out from under the hard labors of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from their slavery. I will also redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments.
‘Then I will take you for My people, and I will be your God; and you shall know that I am Yahweh your God, who brought you out from under the hard labors of the Egyptians.
‘And I will bring you to the land which I swore to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, and I will give it to you for a possession; I am Yahweh.’”
The Hebrew verb garash (“drive you out completely”) emphasizes Pharaoh’s forceful expulsion of Israel, a reversal in his stubborn refusal.
Before, Pharoah was adamantly opposed to releasing Israel
Then he started to waiver and n compromises but would relent
NOW, God was totally reversing that and Phraroah would insist they leave.
Ex 11:2
“Speak now in the hearing of the people so that each man may ask from his neighbor and each woman from her neighbor for articles of silver and articles of gold.”
God instructs Israel to ask for silver and gold from the Egyptians (v. 2) fulfilling His promise to Abraham that his descendants would leave slavery with wealth (Genesis 15:14).
“But I will also judge the nation to whom they are enslaved, and afterward they will come out with many possessions.
The Egyptians’ favor toward Moses and Israel (v. 3)
(And Yahweh gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover, the man Moses himself was very great in the land of Egypt, both in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants and in the sight of the people.)
This favor reflects God’s supernatural work, as the plagues humbled Egypt and elevated Moses’ reputation.
This favor contrasts with Egypt’s earlier oppression, showing God’s sovereignty over human hearts.
Historical-Cultural
Insight: In the ancient Near East, plundering a defeated enemy’s wealth was a sign of victory.
Here, God orchestrates a peaceful transfer of wealth, affirming His authority over Egypt’s resources and gods (e.g., Osiris, associated with prosperity).
AP: This deliverance prefigures Christ’s ultimate victory over sin and death.
Just as Israel was enriched and liberated, Christ’s death and resurrection:
plunder the powers of darkness (Colossians 2:15),
Having disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them in Him.
granting believers spiritual riches (Ephesians 1:7)
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our transgressions, according to the riches of His grace
Grants believers freedom from sin’s slavery
(Romans 6:17-18).
But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you obeyed from the heart that pattern of teaching to which you were given over,
and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.
Application for Today’s World:
Trust
God’s Promises: Like Israel, trust God to provide in times of need (e.g., financial or emotional struggles).
Act in Faith: Israel’s request for silver and gold required bold obedience.
Today, step out in faith—perhaps by tithing, serving in ministry, or sharing the gospel—trusting God’s provision.
II. God’s Warning of Judgment (Exodus 11:4-8)
II. God’s Warning of Judgment (Exodus 11:4-8)
A. Explanation of the Text:
Context:
Moses announces the final plague: at midnight, God will strike every firstborn in Egypt, from Pharaoh’s heir to the lowliest servant’s child, including livestock (vv. 4-5).
So Moses said, “Thus says Yahweh, ‘About midnight I am going out into the midst of Egypt,
and all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of the Pharaoh who sits on his throne, even to the firstborn of the servant-girl who is behind the millstones; and all the firstborn of the cattle.
This judgment targets Egypt’s future and economy, confronting their gods (e.g., Horus, protector of Pharaoh’s lineage).
Timing:
The day was not specified, as in previous plagues by “tomorrow.” It took place either the same day of the final confrontation with Pharaoh or a few days later.
If the instructions for the Passover (12:1–20) were not given during the days of darkness, then 4 days minimum would be required to set the stage for that special feast day, i.e., from the tenth to the fourteenth day (12:3, 6).
“ I am going out”.
God was, of course, involved in all previous plagues through whatever means He chose to use, but this time, to warrant personal attention, God stated that He Himself (emphatic personal pronoun used) would march throughout the land.
Details:
Ex 11:6
‘Moreover, there shall be a great cry in all the land of Egypt, such as there has not been before and such as shall never be again.
The phrase “great cry” (v. 6) underscores the unprecedented anguish,
‘But for any of the sons of Israel a dog will not even bark, whether against man or beast, that you may know how Yahweh makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel.’
“Then all these your servants will come down to me and bow themselves before me, saying, ‘Go out, you and all the people who follow you,’ and after that I will go out.” And he went out from Pharaoh in hot anger.
Israel will be spared (v. 7), showing God’s distinction between His people and Egypt.
The Hebrew term palah (“distinction”) highlights God’s covenant protection.
Moses’ bold declaration to Pharaoh (v. 8) reflects confidence in God’s word, despite Pharaoh’s defiance.
Historical-Cultural
Insight: The firstborn held immense significance in Egyptian culture, symbolizing inheritance and continuity.
1st born received a double-portion of inheritance and among the royals, they would ascend to the throne and continue the dynasty
By targeting them, God decisively judged Egypt’s pride and idolatry, affirming His supremacy.
This plague shook their society from top to bottom
Pointing to Christ:
The method of Israel being spared will be discussed in Chapter 12. God could do it however He wanted to. In the previous plagues, he made a geographical distinction: Egypt hit except for Goshen, the province of the Jewish people.
IN this instance, He institutes the Passover.
A lamb’s blood was to be put on the door posts and all 1st born in that home would be spared.
It applied to Egyptians and Israelites alike.
The sparing of Israel’s firstborn through the Passover lamb (Exodus 12) foreshadows Christ, the Lamb of God, whose blood protects believers from the judgment of sin (John 1:29, 1 Corinthians 5:7).
Clean out the old leaven so that you may be a new lump, just as you are in fact unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, also was sacrificed.
B. Illustration:
In The Hiding Place, Corrie ten Boom recounts how her family sheltered Jews during the Holocaust, trusting God’s protection amidst Nazi persecution. Their obedience, despite risk, mirrors Israel’s trust in God’s promise to spare them, pointing to the ultimate safety found in Christ’s sacrifice (Source: Corrie ten Boom, The Hiding Place, 1971).
C. Application for Today’s World:
Heed God’s Warnings:
Scripture warns of sin’s consequences Gal 6:7-8
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.
For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
Examine your life for unconfessed sin) and repent through prayer.
Rest in Christ’s Protection:
Trust in Christ’s sacrifice for salvation, especially in spiritual battles.
Hold on to the precious words of Romans 8:1 to affirm your security in Him.
Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
III. God’s Purpose in Hardened Hearts (Exodus 11:9-10)
III. God’s Purpose in Hardened Hearts (Exodus 11:9-10)
A. Explanation of the Text:
Context:
God tells Moses that Pharaoh will not listen, fulfilling His purpose to multiply His wonders in Egypt (v. 9).
Then Yahweh said to Moses, “Pharaoh will not listen to you, so that My miraculous wonders will be multiplied in the land of Egypt.”
The phrase “my miraculous wonders” (Hebrew nifla’ot, “marvelous acts”) emphasizes God’s goal to display His power to Egypt, Israel, and future generations
God had stood firm from the beginning of this encounter through its end.
Pharoah would resist and be overwhelmed by the judgment of God
Now Moses and Aaron did all these miraculous wonders before Pharaoh; yet Yahweh hardened Pharaoh’s heart with strength, and he did not let the sons of Israel go out of his land.
The hardening of Pharaoh’s heart (v. 10) reflects both Pharaoh’s choice and God’s sovereign plan, as seen throughout the plagues.
This prepares the way for the climactic Passover and
exodus, revealing God’s glory.
Historical-Cultural Insight:
In Egyptian theology, Pharaoh was seen as a divine figure whose will was absolute.
God’s hardening of his heart exposed the futility of
human pride against divine sovereignty, humbling Egypt’s false gods.
Pointing to Christ:
God’s wonders in Egypt prefigure Christ’s redemptive work,
where God’s glory is fully revealed (John 12:23-24).
And Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.
“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.
God works on Earth for HIS glory.
Today, we are studying the deliverance of Israel
At the cross, it was through the death of Jesus, who is compared to a grain of wheat planted. Just as its death grows to a mighty harvest, Christ’s death has grown to many being saved.
The hardening of hearts, like Pharaoh’s, contrasts with the softened hearts of those who accept Christ, showing God’s mercy in salvation (Romans 9:15-18).
For He says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”
So then it does not depend on the one who wills or the one who runs, but on God who has mercy.
For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I raised you up, in order to demonstrate My power in you, and in order that My name might be proclaimed throughout the whole earth.”
So then He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires.
If God didn’t convict people of sin, NOBODY would seek Him!
Our natural state is to go our own way
Thanks be to God that He has had mercy upon us!
B. Illustration:
A 2023 news story described a CEO who ignored repeated warnings about unethical business practices, leading to his company’s collapse. His refusal to change mirrors Pharaoh’s hardened heart. (Source: Wall Street Journal, “Tech Firm’s Fall Highlights Leadership Failures,” June 10, 2023).
Sadly, many refuse to heed God’s warning.
C. Application for Today’s World:
Guard Against Hardheartedness:
Reflect on areas where you resist God’s leading
(e.g., neglecting prayer, ignoring conviction).
We need the attitude of the psalmist in Psalm 139:23-24. We need to seek a soft heart.
Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts;
And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.
Embrace God’s Mercy:
If you’ve strayed, return to Christ, who softens hearts
through His grace.
Conclusion:
Conclusion:
Exodus 11 reveals God as the sovereign deliverer who keeps His promises, warns of judgment, and works through human choices to display His glory.
Just as He prepared Israel for freedom, He offers us salvation through Christ, the Passover Lamb.
Let’s trust His promises, heed His warnings, and proclaim His wonders in a world that needs His light. Will you respond to His call today—trusting, repenting, and sharing His love?
Citation Details:
Biblical text:Legacy Standard Bible. Three Sixteen Publishing, 2022.
Illustration sources:
Corrie ten Boom, The Hiding Place, Chosen Books, 1971.
Wall Street Journal, “Tech Firm’s Fall Highlights Leadership Failures,” June 10, 2023.
Sermon framework: Adapted from Hightower, James E. Jr., and Teague, Peter W., Building Sermons to Meet People’s Needs, Broadman Press, 2000.
Exegetical resources:
MacArthur, John F., Jr. The MacArthur Study Bible: New American Standard Bible. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2006.
Mathews, K. A. Genesis 11:27–50:26. Vol. 1B. The New American Commentary. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2005.
Ryken, Philip Graham. Exodus: Saved for God’s Glory. Crossway, 2005.
