The Tenth Plague, as described in the Book of Exodus, was the death of the firstborn in Egypt. This catastrophic event was the culmination of a series of plagues that God inflicted upon Egypt to persuade Pharaoh to free the Israelites from slavery. Interestingly, Pharaoh himself did not die during this plague.
One reason Pharaoh survived could be attributed to the specific nature of the plague. The death of the firstborn affected all Egyptian households, but it was focused on the firstborns and not the rulers. The text suggests that those who did not follow God’s instructions, such as marking their doorposts with the blood of a lamb, were the ones who suffered the consequences. Pharaoh, being an authority figure, would likely have had more resources and protections, which may play a role in his survival.
Additionally, Pharaoh’s survival can signify the nature of his heart and posture towards God. Throughout the plagues, the Bible notes that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart. This means that beyond just physical survival, the story is illustrating a deeper spiritual message. It emphasizes Pharaoh’s defiance against God despite witnessing all the signs and wonders, leading to his eventual downfall and the suffering of his people.
Ultimately, Pharaoh’s survival is pivotal to the narrative. It sets the stage for the dramatic final moments, where he later pursues the Israelites after their escape, leading to his ultimate defeat at the Red Sea. This reinforces the overarching themes of power, pride, and divine justice woven throughout the Exodus story.