Explanation: Exodus 11 begins with a parenthesis between the end of chapter 10 (Exodus 10:28-29, (where the narrative breaks off momentarily after Pharaoh warns Moses to see him no more and Moses agrees), and Exodus 11:4, (where the narrative resumes in the midst of Moses' reply to Pharaoh).
     In the parenthesis, the LORD speaks to Moses, and he tells him that one last plague was coming, after which Pharaoh would let Israel go and would drive them out. So the LORD told Moses that the Israelites were to ask their neighbors for silver and gold. And, later, when they asked, they received it because the Israelites had favor among the Egyptians, and they were in awe of Moses (1-3).
     After the parenthesis, Moses continued his answer to Pharaoh. In the previous chapter, when Pharaoh warned Moses never to see his face again, Moses said "You have spoken well, I will see your face again no more (Exodus 10:29)." Through Moses, the LORD told Pharaoh why Pharaoh had inadvertently spoken so well. He warned Pharaoh that he would go out into the midst of Egypt about midnight and kill all the firstborn -- from the firstborn of Pharaoh to the firstborn of the slave girl and all the firstborn of the beasts; and a great cry would arise in the land; but not even a dog would growl against the people of Israel; and Pharaoh's servants would come and beg Moses and his people to leave.
     And, having issued these warnings, Moses, hot with anger, left Pharaoh. Then the LORD told Moses that Pharaoh would not listen, so that the Lord's wonders would be multiplied (4-9). And, as the LORD said, in spite of all these wonders, the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, and Pharaoh refused to let Israel go (10).
     [ Sermons: Charles Biggs. Various. ]
     [ Illustration: I've chosen the painting above to represent Pharaoh's expulsion of Moses, for several reasons. First, and most obvious, an expulsion is involved. Second, a person favored by God is being rejected. Third, as Pharaoh prevented Moses from sacrificing to the LORD, so the person in the painting is preventing Joachim from making his sacrifice. Fourth, the lamb carried by Joachim, can, in the context of Exodus, be viewed as a representative of the Passover lambs which were sacrificed and eaten just before Israel left Egypt. ]