Moses insists that all the Israelites and their flocks and herds be allowed to leave Egypt, but Pharaoh will only permit the men to leave. So Moses brings on the eighth plague, locusts. Pharaoh pleads with Moses for their removal, but once this is accomplished he becomes obstinate once again.

The ninth plague, darkness, creates chaos and confusion in Egypt, and Pharaoh is now willing to let all the Israelites leave - but not their animals. Moses now warns Pharaoh of the dire consequences of the tenth plague: all firstborn in Egypt - men and cattle - would die at midnight.

God gives Moses instructions for the Israelites in preparation for the Exodus. The ritual they perform will serve as a commemoration for generations to come. A lamb or a year-old kid is to be sacrificed, roasted and consumed in haste. Its blood is to be sprinkled on the lintel and the doorposts. God will permit no harm to come to those whose doors are sprinkled with blood while He smites the firstborn of Egypt. Matzah is to be eaten for seven days. The significance of these rituals is to be explained each year.

At midnight, all in Egypt are affected by the death of firstborn males, and the Israelites are urged to depart in great haste. The Israelites’ bread has no time to rise, and it hardens into unleavened cakes. Upon request, the Egyptian population supplies them with gold, silver, and garments.

The Israelites begin their march from Egypt on the fifteenth day of what will become the first month of the year. In further commemoration of the Exodus, the first born of all animals are to be consecrated to God, firstborn male children are to be redeemed, and tefillin are to be worn on the arm and head.