Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

The Lord said to Moses, "I will bring one more plague on Pharaoh and Egypt. He will finally let you go, and when he does, he'll surely drive you out of here completely.

Speak now in the ears of the people, and let every man borrow from his neighbor - jewels of silver and gold for themselves. The Lord gave the Israelites favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so Moses was highly respected in Egypt among Pharaoh's officials and by the people.

Moses told them, "This is what the Lord says: At midnight I will go out into the midst of Egypt, and all the firstborn sons in the land of Egypt will die. This includes the firstborn son of Pharaoh who sits on his throne, as well as the firstborn son of the female servant who is behind the mill, and every other firstborn son - whether human or animal.

A great cry will resound throughout all Egypt like nothing anyone has ever heard before, or will ever hear again. But not a single Israelite will suffer harm, nor even will any of their animals be touched. Not even a dog will move its tongue against an Israelite - neither human nor beast.

All the Egyptians who serve you will come to me and bow down, saying, "Leave with all who follow you," and then I'll leave." With that, Moses went out from Pharaoh in a great anger.

The Lord said to Moses, "Pharaoh won't listen to you. That's so my wonders can be multiplied in the land of Egypt. Moses and Aaron performed these miracles before Pharaoh time after time, yet the Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart.