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Exodus 11:5 - Divine justice strikes Egypt's firstborn

Exodus 11:5 - שמות 11:5

Hebrew Text

וּמֵת כָּל־בְּכוֹר בְּאֶרֶץ מִצְרַיִם מִבְּכוֹר פַּרְעֹה הַיֹּשֵׁב עַל־כִּסְאוֹ עַד בְּכוֹר הַשִּׁפְחָה אֲשֶׁר אַחַר הָרֵחָיִם וְכֹל בְּכוֹר בְּהֵמָה׃

English Translation

and all the firstborn in the land of Miżrayim shall die, from the firstborn of Par῾o that sits on his throne, even to the firstborn of the maidservant that is behind the mill; and all the firstborn of cattle.

Transliteration

U-met kol-bekhor be-eretz mitzrayim mi-bekhor par'o ha-yoshev al-kiso ad bekhor ha-shifkha asher achar ha-rechayim ve-khol bekhor behema.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּמֵ֣ת כׇּל־בְּכוֹר֮ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֒יִם֒ מִבְּכ֤וֹר פַּרְעֹה֙ הַיֹּשֵׁ֣ב עַל־כִּסְא֔וֹ עַ֚ד בְּכ֣וֹר הַשִּׁפְחָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֖ר אַחַ֣ר הָרֵחָ֑יִם וְכֹ֖ל בְּכ֥וֹר בְּהֵמָֽה׃
וּמֵ֣ת כׇּל־בְּכוֹר֮ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֒יִם֒ מִבְּכ֤וֹר פַּרְעֹה֙ הַיֹּשֵׁ֣ב עַל־כִּסְא֔וֹ עַ֚ד בְּכ֣וֹר הַשִּׁפְחָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֖ר אַחַ֣ר הָרֵחָ֑יִם וְכֹ֖ל בְּכ֥וֹר בְּהֵמָֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Scope of the Plague of the Firstborn

The verse (Shemot 11:5) describes the devastating final plague that would strike Mitzrayim, affecting all firstborn—from Pharaoh's heir to the lowest maidservant's child, and even the firstborn of animals. This comprehensive judgment demonstrates Hashem's absolute sovereignty and the precision of divine justice.

Rashi's Explanation: From the Highest to the Lowest

Rashi emphasizes the phrase "from the firstborn of Pharaoh... to the firstborn of the maidservant", noting that the plague would affect all strata of Egyptian society without exception. Even the firstborn of prisoners (symbolized by "the maidservant behind the mill") would perish, showing that no one could escape divine retribution.

Rambam on Divine Justice

Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 6:5) teaches that Hashem's punishments are measured precisely. The Egyptians enslaved Bnei Yisrael and drowned their infants (Shemot 1:22), so their firstborns were stricken in kind—middah k'neged middah (measure for measure).

Midrashic Insights

  • Shemot Rabbah 18:3 states that even Egyptian firstborns who had converted or fled were struck, as their initial status as firstborns still rendered them liable.
  • Mechilta notes that animal firstborns were included because the Egyptians worshipped livestock (e.g., the ram, bull), making their destruction a blow to idolatry.

The Significance of "Behind the Mill"

The phrase "the maidservant behind the mill" (רֵחַיִם) refers to the lowest class—those grinding grain in servitude. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 92b) connects this to the idea that even those who seemed insignificant in Egyptian society were held accountable for their participation in or complacency toward Jewish oppression.

Firstborn Animals: A Judgment on Egyptian Idolatry

The inclusion of firstborn cattle highlights that the plague also targeted Egyptian religious corruption. Ramban explains that since animals like the Apis bull were central to Egyptian worship, their death dismantled the illusion of their deities' power.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Pesachim 54a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the timing of the plague of the firstborn in Egypt.
📖 Sotah 11b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the suffering of the Egyptians during the Exodus.
📖 Megillah 10b
The verse is mentioned in a discussion about the downfall of Pharaoh and the Egyptians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 11:5 mean?
A: Exodus 11:5 describes the final plague in Egypt, where Hashem (G-d) decreed that every firstborn in Egypt—from Pharaoh's firstborn to the firstborn of the lowest servant—would die, as well as the firstborn of animals. This was a punishment for Pharaoh's refusal to free the Jewish people from slavery.
Q: Why was the plague specifically on the firstborn?
A: According to Rashi and the Midrash, the plague targeted firstborns because Pharaoh and the Egyptians oppressed the Jewish people, who are called 'Hashem’s firstborn' (Exodus 4:22). This was measure-for-measure justice. Additionally, the firstborn were often seen as the pride and strength of a family, so this plague demonstrated Hashem’s complete dominance over Egypt.
Q: Why were animals also affected by the plague?
A: The Ramban explains that the Egyptians worshipped certain animals, such as sheep and cattle, as gods. By striking the firstborn of animals, Hashem showed that He controls all creation—even what the Egyptians considered divine. This reinforced the lesson that there is no power besides Hashem.
Q: How does this verse relate to Passover?
A: This plague led directly to the Exodus, which we commemorate on Passover. The death of the firstborn was the final act that forced Pharaoh to release the Jews. The Torah commands us to remember this event, which is why we recite the Ten Plagues during the Seder and recall Hashem’s miracles in taking us out of Egypt.
Q: What lesson can we learn from this verse today?
A: This verse teaches us about Hashem’s justice and power. Just as He redeemed the Jewish people from Egypt, we trust that He continues to oversee the world with precision. It also reminds us of the importance of recognizing Hashem’s miracles in our lives, as we do every year at Passover.