Êxodo 11:4

And Moses said. — In continuation of the speech recorded in Êxodo 10:29, face to face with Pharaoh, Moses makes his last appeal — utters his last threats. The Pharaoh has bidden him “see his face no more” (Êxodo 10:28), and he has accepted the warning, and declared “I will see thy face again no more” (Êxodo 10:29). It is the last interview — the last interchange of speech. Moses had to deliver himself of a message. Hardened as his heart is, Pharaoh is yet to be allowed “a place for repentance” God announces to him, by the mouth of Moses, the coming destruction of the firstborn — emphasizes the terrible nature of the impending calamity by the announcement that through all Egypt there would be “a great cry” — contrasts with their despair the absolute immunity of the Israelites — and finally warns the Pharaoh that he and his people will shortly urge the departure which they now refuse to permit. If Pharaoh had even now relented, it was not too late — the great blows might have been escaped, the death of the firstborn and the destruction of the armed force in the Red Sea. But he had “hardened himself,” and then “been hardened,” until, practically, the time for relenting was gone by. He remained obdurate, and “would not let the children of Israel go out of his land” (Êxodo 11:10).

About midnight. — The particular night was not specified; and the torment of suspense was thus added to the pain of an unintermittent fear. But the dreadful visitation was to come at the dreadest hour of the twenty-four — midnight. Thus much was placed beyond doubt.