This page gives you ready-to-use study questions for Exodus 11, the chapter where God announces the death of the firstborn and Israel leaves Egypt with the Egyptians’ goods. It is written for small groups, Sunday classes and personal reading, with answers and discussion notes so a leader can walk through the chapter without preparing a separate summary.
Exodus 11 at a Glance
The chapter opens with the Lord telling Moses that one more plague is coming and that Pharaoh will finally release the people. Moses is then told to instruct the Israelites to ask their Egyptian neighbors for silver and gold, and the text notes that God gave them favor in Egyptian eyes.
In the second half, Moses speaks directly to Pharaoh, announcing the death of every firstborn in Egypt and a distinction God will make between Egypt and Israel. The chapter closes with a note that Pharaoh’s heart remained hard, setting the stage for the Passover night in chapter 12.
Observation Questions
Use these questions first, before anyone offers an interpretation. Ask the group to point to the exact words in the text and resist explaining yet. Let silence sit for a moment after each question so quieter members can speak.
Exodus 11:1
The LORD said to Moses, “Yet one plague more will I bring on Pharaoh, and on Egypt; afterwards he will let you go. When he lets you go, he will surely thrust you out altogether.
(WEB)
This verse sets the stage for the whole chapter and reminds the group that God announces the next step Himself. Reading it first helps the room hear the Lord’s voice before anyone begins to comment.
Exodus 11:2-3
2 Speak now in the ears of the people, and let every man ask of his neighbor, and every woman of her neighbor, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold.” 3 The LORD gave the people favor 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.
(WEB)
Reading these two verses together shows the practical instruction and the favor God gave the people. It is a good place to pause and ask how the group understands God’s provision.
Exodus 11:4-6
4 Moses said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘About midnight I will go out into the middle of Egypt, 5 and all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne, even to the firstborn of the female servant who is behind the mill; and all the firstborn of livestock. 6 There shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there has not been, nor shall be any more.
(WEB)
These verses carry the weight of the announced judgment. Reading them aloud slowly lets the seriousness of the message settle before the group moves to discussion.
Exodus 11:7
But against any of the children of Israel a dog won’t even bark or move its tongue, against man or animal; that you may know that the LORD makes a distinction between the Egyptians and Israel.
(WEB)
This verse names the distinction God makes between Egypt and Israel. It is worth reading again during application time because it centers on God’s protection of His people.
Exodus 11:9-10
9 The LORD said to Moses, “Pharaoh won’t listen to you, that my wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt.” 10 Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh, and the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he didn’t let the children of Israel go out of his land.
(WEB)
Ending the reading with these verses returns the group to the tension of Pharaoh’s hardened heart. Reading them last prepares the group for the Passover account in chapter 12.
Memory Verse for Exodus 11
A Closing Prayer for the Group
Father, we come to you thankful that you speak clearly and keep your promises, even when the story moves slowly and the outcome feels heavy. Thank you for the way you made a difference between your people and the world around them, and for keeping your word to protect those who belong to you. Help us to see where you are at work in our own lives, and give us patience when our waiting feels long. Teach us to hold what you have entrusted to us with open hands and generous hearts. Guide our conversations today so that we listen well to one another and to your word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
