THE PLAGUE OF THE DEATH OF THE FIRSTBORN

Blessed be the glorious name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Have you ever pondered why Pharaoh’s heart remained hard through the first nine plagues, yet it was only after the final plague the death of the firstborn that he finally let the Israelites go? This narrative reveals profound truths about God’s judgment, spiritual authority, and the significance of the firstborn in biblical theology.

Pharaoh’s Hardened Heart: Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility

The Bible consistently describes Pharaoh’s heart as hardened but does not say God softened it until the very end. In fact, Pharaoh’s heart remains hardened until he faces total destruction at the Red Sea (Exodus 14). This tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility is a key theological theme:

• God’s sovereignty: God allows Pharaoh’s heart to remain hard to demonstrate His power over Egypt and its gods (Exodus 9:12 NIV).
• Human responsibility: Pharaoh hardens his own heart through repeated rebellion (Exodus 8:15, 32).

This interplay shows that God’s judgments are just, even when they involve allowing stubborn hearts to persist for His purposes (Romans 9:17-18).

The Unique Power of the Death of the Firstborn

Exodus 11:1 (NIV):
“Then the LORD 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 does, he will drive you out completely.’”

The final plague is unique in its effect. No prior plague compelled Pharaoh to release the Israelites. Theologically, this plague is significant because it strikes directly at the heart of Egyptian religious belief:

• The firstborn sons of Egypt, including Pharaoh’s heir, were regarded as living embodiments of the gods and heirs to their power.
• The death of the firstborn is therefore a judgment not only on the Egyptians but also on their gods (Exodus 12:12 NIV).

Judgment Against the Egyptian Gods

Exodus 12:12 (NIV):
“On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both human and animal. I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD.”

This verse affirms God’s supremacy over all false gods. The death of the firstborn is a direct attack on the spiritual powers Egypt revered. The firstborn were priests and representatives of these gods, so their death symbolized the defeat of the entire pantheon.

This also aligns with the Old Testament theme of Yahweh as the one true God who judges false gods (Isaiah 46:9-11).

The Role of the Firstborn in Ancient Cultures

In ancient Egypt and many other ancient cultures the firstborn sons were considered holy and often dedicated to priestly service. This explains the biblical emphasis on redeeming or consecrating the firstborn to God.

• The firstborn carried priestly responsibilities as mediators between the people and their gods (see Numbers 3:12-13).
• Animals firstborn to a household were also sacrificed as offerings to the gods.

Thus, the plagues were both natural judgments and deeply spiritual acts confronting false religious systems.

Redemption of the Firstborn in Israel

God established a law requiring Israelites to redeem their firstborn sons through sacrifice, symbolizing that the firstborn belonged to Him and were set apart for priestly purposes.

Numbers 3:12-13 (NIV):
“I have taken the Levites from among the Israelites in place of the first male offspring of every Israelite woman. The Levites are mine, for all the firstborn are mine. When I struck down all the firstborn in Egypt, I set apart for myself every firstborn in Israel, both human and animal. They are mine. I am the LORD.”

Later, the tribe of Levi was given the priestly role, replacing the firstborn sons of Israel in this duty (see Numbers 8:14-18).

The New Covenant and the Priesthood of All Believers

Under the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ, the old law concerning physical redemption of the firstborn no longer applies:

• All believers are priests: Through Christ’s sacrifice, believers are sanctified and given direct access to God (1 Peter 2:9 NIV).
• Jesus as the ultimate firstborn: Jesus is called the “firstborn from the dead” (Colossians 1:18 NIV), symbolizing the fulfillment and transformation of the role of firstborn.

Revelation 1:6 (NIV):
“And has made us to be a kingdom, priests to his God and Father to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

Hebrews 12:23 (NIV):
“To the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven.”

This means the Church collectively is the “firstborn,” the spiritual priesthood, rendering the old practice of redeeming physical firstborn obsolete.

Practical and Spiritual Application

The story of the death of the firstborn challenges believers to consider:

• What or who holds first place in your life? (Matthew 6:33)
• Are there “gods” or idols you are unknowingly serving? (1 John 5:21)
• Have you accepted Jesus Christ as the ultimate firstborn, your Lord and Savior?

The plagues and the death of the firstborn demonstrate God’s absolute authority over all powers human, spiritual, and cosmic. Pharaoh’s resistance was not just political but spiritual. The release of the Israelites signifies God’s victory over false gods and the setting apart of His people.

May Jesus Christ always be first in your life the true Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6).

God bless you.

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