10. Death of the Firstborn
The final and most tragic plague—the death of the firstborn—is the subject of intense debate among modern scholars. Some suggest a sudden viral outbreak or foodborne illness, such as mycotoxins contaminating stored grain, could have struck households unevenly. Firstborn children, often given priority in food distribution, may have been more exposed to tainted supplies. Research in the Journal of Egyptian History explores these possibilities, highlighting how biological and cultural factors might have combined to inspire the biblical account.
