Exodus 11 is a transitional chapter in several ways. Moses’ final conversation with Pharaoh continues from Exodus 10. Having been warned by Pharaoh never to appear before him again, Moses delivers the warning of the tenth plague, the death of the firstborn (vv. 4–8). Verses 1–3, however, contain God’s instructions for asking for silver and gold articles from the Egyptians. The chapter as a whole marks the ending of the first nine plagues (chs. 7–10), provides the announcement of the final plague to Pharaoh, and introduces the beginning of the exit from Egypt (chs. 11–15).

11:1–3 Exodus 11 begins with a remarkable aside between Moses and the Lord. The Lord delivers the long-awaited announcement that, after one more plague, the pharaoh will let you go from here, and when he does, he will dr…