Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 11:5. It’s a really important and sobering passage about God’s judgment on the Israelites. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is punishing the firstborn of Egypt – meaning the children of Pharaoh, including the royal family, the priests, and all the important officials – for their sins. He’s saying that these people will die. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "And all the firstborn in the land of Egypt..." : This refers to the Israelites who were living under Egyptian rule. They were considered a special group, and God is upset because they weren’t fulfilling their covenant with him. "...shall die..." : This is the core of the verse - these firstborn will die . It's not just a little bit of sadness; it’s a complete death sentence. "from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sitteth upon his throne, even unto the firstborn of the maidservant that [is] behind the mill..." : This is where it gets a bit more specific. “Pharaoh” : This refers to the Egyptian king – the ruler of Egypt. "that sitteth upon his throne" : He was in a position of great power and authority, and God is punishing him for his actions. "...the firstborn of the maidservant that [is] behind the mill..." : This is the most crucial part. It refers to the slaves who were working in the Egyptian mills – particularly the weavers. It means that these slaves were considered to be a very important, and therefore vulnerable, part of the royal family. So, putting it all together: God is saying that because the Israelites were under Egyptian rule and they weren’t living righteously, he will punish them by taking their firstborn children and letting them die. This punishment was a direct result of their disobedience to God's laws and the covenant He made with them. It wasn’t just about individual deaths; it was about the entire group of firstborn being condemned as a result of Egypt’s sin. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a prophecy of a devastating future for Egypt, and eventually, for all of humanity, due to their sins. It's a stark reminder of God’s justice and the consequences of disobedience. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example: Why is it important to understand this verse? What does it have to do with the story of Moses?