Passage
Exodus 11:1-10 (ESV)
Birth of Jesus
Matthew 1:18-25
Key Verse: 1:24
The Proclamation of Judgment
Date: Jan. 19, 2026
Daily Bread
Key Verse: 11:5
and every firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne, even to the firstborn of the slave girl who is behind the handmill, and all the firstborn of the cattle.
The Lord promised Moses that Pharaoh would let Israel go after one last plague. As for Pharaoh, he had no chances left to repent; his own stubborn pride and self-will had destroyed his nation. Moses simply gave Pharaoh an announcement of what would happen, so Pharaoh would know that it was from the Lord (4-5).
This final plague would be the most unbearable penalty for any human being, whether rich or poor. It was an act of God’s judgment that reflected what Pharaoh had done to the Hebrew boys (1:22). After giving this final message to Pharaoh, Moses left, hot with anger (9). He was not glad that such a judgment was coming on Egypt. Moses had prayed that by any means Pharaoh would repent, as we should too.
When we realize how terrible the true penalty for our sins is, we can humble ourselves and come to Jesus for grace. We should pray for others to repent as well, no matter what they have done.
Prayer: Father, please help people’s hearts become repentant before it’s too late.
One Word: Sin finally brings judgment
