Who or what died in the final plague on Egypt?
The final plague killed the firstborn—every firstborn in Egypt, including the firstborn of livestock. Every Egyptian house lost its firstborn, striking families and parents. Israel was spared only if they put the Passover lamb’s blood on the doorposts and remained inside their homes, so the death angel passed over them.
Les explains that God had been pouring out plagues upon the Egyptians, and the first few were experienced by Israel as well, until God put a division so the Jews no longer experienced the plagues that fell on Egypt. The final plague was the worst, striking home to families and parents: the death of the firstborn. The angel would fly over, and every house in Egypt would lose the firstborn. Everything firstborn, even the livestock, would die. But Israel had an out, dependent on their faith: if they put the blood of the Passover lamb on the doorposts and stayed within the safety of their home, the death angel would pass over. Les notes this begins what the Jews still celebrate today in the Spring of the Year, Passover.