The Final Warning

Exodus 11:1-10

“And the LORD said unto Moses, Yet will I bring one plague more upon Pharaoh, and upon Egypt; afterwards he will let you go hence: when he shall let you go, he shall surely thrust you out hence altogether.” (Exodus 11:1)

When a person delivers an ultimatum, he has in effect said he will no longer consider anything the other party offers. There can be no further negotiations. It is essentially what every bully does, threatening his victim if he is not given what he wants. This leaves the other side two choices, either capitulate and give up their interests completely or refuse and take the consequences. He has to decide how important his position is, knowing that he is no longer considered of value.

Using ultimatums always causes resentment because no one likes being bullied, and eventually results in rebellion. Many marriages break down up because bullying with ultimatums creates such resentment. Many civil wars result from the same bullying tactics by a political party or leader. It is tearing the United States apart today. As both parties try to bully the other.

People who care about the one being bullied often intervene. Though I had no fights in High School, seeing my younger brother being bullied by a boy several years older, I grabbed the bully and threw him over a nearby fence telling him he better not ever bother my brother again. Pharaoh told Moses that he would be killed if he ever approached him again. God promised there would be no further need for negotiation. Not only would Pharaoh allow them to leave, he would drive them out.

“Speak now in the ears of the people, and let every man borrow of his neighbour, and every woman of her neighbour, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold. And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh's servants, and in the sight of the people.” (Exodus 11:2-3)

For four hundred years, the Israelites had worked for the Egyptians without pay. Now God told them to go to the Egyptians and ask for money, and jewelry. While Pharaoh was concerned with getting his way, the Egyptian people were wanting relief. They recognized Moses’ power and were happy to give what the Jews asked in hopes they wouldn’t have to suffer any more.

“And Moses said, Thus saith the LORD, About midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt: And all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sitteth upon his throne, even unto the firstborn of the maidservant that is behind the mill; and all the firstborn of beasts. And there shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there was none like it, nor shall be like it any more.

But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the LORD doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel. And all these thy servants shall come down unto me, and bow down themselves unto me, saying, Get thee out, and all the people that follow thee: and after that I will go out. And he went out from Pharaoh in a great anger.” ” (Exodus 11:4-8)

This time God didn’t give Pharaoh a choice. He just told him what was going to happen. Because they had refused to allow the Hebrews to leave, God was going to kill the oldest male baby in every family and of every animal in the land of Egypt at midnight. Pharaoh’s son would die at the same time as that of his poorest subject. As a special sign to Pharaoh, the might this happened, there wouldn’t even be dog barking at one of the Israelites. When it was over, the people would beg the Israelites to leave, and Pharaoh would be forced to allow it if he wanted to retain his position.. Moses went away frustrated and angry that anyone could be so stubborn as to inflict such suffering on other people when they were already begging him to change his stance.

For many years I thought Pharaoh must be abnormally self centered, but as I have watched governments in country after country, I have begun to realize he was just typical of those who seek their own power. Eventually they reach a point where nothing matters but getting their own way.

“And the LORD said unto Moses, Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you; that my wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt.

And Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh: and the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go out of his land.” (Exodus 11:9-10)

Once again God warned Moses that Pharaoh wouldn’t listen. God did not make Pharaoh so stubborn, but each trial was chosen to cause him to become more determined to have his own way. At any point Pharaoh could have allowed the Jews to go. His repeated refusal to heed permitted God to reveal his power to both the Egyptians and the Jews.