The chapter begins with God informing Moses about the continuation of plagues, intending to showcase His power to future generations. Moses and Aaron approach Pharaoh with a warning about the impending locust plague that would devour any remaining crops. Despite his officials urging him to relent, Pharaoh's negotiations with Moses break down, leading to the unleashing of the locusts which consume everything in their path. Recognizing the magnitude of this devastation, Pharaoh hastily calls Moses and Aaron, confessing his sin against God and asking them to pray for the plague's removal. God sends a west wind to drive the locusts into the Red Sea. However, even after this respite, Pharaoh's heart remains hardened. The chapter concludes with God initiating the ninth plague—darkness. For three days, an oppressive darkness covers Egypt, except for the land of Goshen, where the Israelites reside. Once again, Pharaoh attempts to negotiate terms with Moses but ultimately refuses to let the Israelites go, leading to his heart being hardened yet again.

Moses delivers God's message of a final, devastating plague—the death of every Egyptian firstborn, from the royal palace to the slave quarters. This impending disaster is intended to distinguish between Egypt and Israel and finally compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites. The Israelites, however, would remain untouched, further emphasizing God's protection and favor over His chosen people. Moses, filled with anger, warns Pharaoh about the impending tragedy and declares that after its occurrence, Pharaoh's officials would personally plead with the Israelites to leave. The chapter ends with a foreboding sense of impending doom as Moses leaves Pharaoh's presence.

This pivotal chapter marks the institution of the Passover—a foundational observance for the Israelites. God provides detailed instructions: each family must select a lamb, slaughter it, and smear its blood on their doorposts. The lamb should be roasted and eaten with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. God's judgment would pass over the houses marked with the lamb's blood, sparing the Israelites from the tenth plague. As foretold, at midnight, the firstborn in every Egyptian household dies. From the lowliest home to the palace, no Egyptian family is spared from this tragedy, leading to a national outpouring of grief. In the wake of this calamity, Pharaoh urgently summons Moses and Aaron, commanding the Israelites to leave Egypt. As the Israelites depart, they request gold, silver, and clothing from their Egyptian neighbors, who willingly comply. The chapter concludes with additional regulations concerning the Passover and the command to observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread as a perpetual reminder of this significant event.