Exodus 11:5 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.

Exodus 11:5 and all the first-born in the land of Egypt shall die, from the first-born of the Pharaoh who sits on his throne, even to the first-born of the slave girl who is behind the millstones; all the first-born of the cattle as well.

5. And all the first-born in the land . . . shall die--The time, the suddenness, the dreadful severity of this coming calamity, and the peculiar description of victims, among both men and beasts, on whom it was to fall, would all contribute to aggravate its character.
the maid-servant that is behind the mill--The grinding of the meal for daily use in every household is commonly done by female slaves and is considered the lowest employment. Two portable millstones are used for the purpose, of which the uppermost is turned by a small wooden handle, and during the operation the maid sits behind the mill.

JFB.

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Exodus 11 Images and Notes

Brief Summary: The departing Israelites request jewels o0f gold and silver from their Egyptian neighbors, The LORD says He will slay the firstborn in every Egyptian household, The LORD places a difference between the Egyptians and the Israelites.

Outline
1 God's message to the Israelites to borrow jewels of their neighbors
4 Moses threatens Pharaoh with the death of the firstborn

Ancient Customs
Favor
very great
maidservant
mill

Painting of Ancient Egyptian Landmarks by Roberts

Quick Reference Map

Map of the Nile River and Egypt (Click to Enlarge)

Painting of the Ancient Nile River by Roberts

Ancient Topics
the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die

Ancient People
God, Moses, Pharaoh, Aaron
Egyptians
children of Israel
Hebrews

Geography
Egypt
the land of Goshen

Quick Reference Maps

The Exodus of the Hebrews

Mount Horeb

The Red Sea

The Old Testament

Exodus Resources

Moses and the Exodus
The Giving of the Law
The Tabernacle
The Wilderness Wanderings