Exodus 10: The Plague of Locusts
Exodus 10 details two further plagues inflicted upon Egypt by God through Moses and Aaron: a devastating swarm of locusts and a thick, palpable darkness. These plagues are presented as divine displays of power intended to force Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery. The narrative highlights Pharaoh's fluctuating resistance and the consistent hardening of his heart by God. The chapter emphasizes the contrasting experiences of the Egyptians and the Israelites, and concludes with a final confrontation between Moses and Pharaoh, ultimately leading to Moses's departure and another plague threat.
Key Themes and Ideas:
- Divine Sovereignty and Power: The plagues serve as a demonstration of God's absolute control over nature and earthly rulers. God directs the wind to bring the locusts and then to remove them and commands darkness across Egypt. This is explicitly stated in verses such as: "Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Stretch out your hand over Egypt so that locusts swarm over the land...'" (verse 12), and "Stretch out your hand toward the sky so that darkness spreads over Egypt—darkness that can be felt." (verse 21). God’s power is the central driving force of these events.
- Hardened Hearts and Free Will: A crucial theme is the recurring motif of God hardening Pharaoh's heart. This is presented alongside Pharaoh's own resistance to releasing the Israelites, creating a complex dynamic about free will versus divine will. While Pharaoh is given choices, God's actions ultimately ensure His plans are carried out. The text states: "But the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not let the Israelites go" (verse 20), and again, "But the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he was not willing to let them go." (verse 27). This indicates a divine purpose behind the continued plagues.
- Contrast Between Egyptians and Israelites: The plagues inflict hardship solely on the Egyptians, while the Israelites are spared. Specifically during the plague of darkness it is stated "No one could see anyone else or move about for three days. Yet all the Israelites had light in the places where they lived" (verse 23), highlighting a clear distinction of God's favor. This contrast reinforces the idea of the Israelites being God’s chosen people and the Egyptians being under divine judgement.
- Pharaoh’s Wavering Resistance: Pharaoh’s responses fluctuate between defiance and temporary repentance. Initially, he refuses to acknowledge God, but the severity of each plague elicits a temporary admission of sin and requests to end the plague. He even attempts to negotiate partial release, such as only allowing men to worship. However, after each plague is lifted, he retracts his promises. For example, after the locust plague he admits "I have sinned against the Lord your God and against you" (verse 16) yet he still refuses to let all the Israelites go.
- The Purpose of the Plagues: Beyond simply forcing Pharaoh's hand, the plagues are also intended to teach both the Israelites and the Egyptians about the power and nature of God. The plagues are to allow future generations of Israelites to understand how God demonstrated his power over the Egyptians. God tells Moses, “…that you may tell your children and grandchildren how I dealt harshly with the Egyptians and how I performed my signs among them, and that you may know that I am the Lord.” (verse 2).
- Moses as a Mediator: Moses acts as the primary intermediary between God and Pharaoh, delivering God’s messages and enacting the plagues with his staff. He prays on behalf of the Egyptians, demonstrating mercy even when they persecute his people. He represents the steadfastness needed to complete God’s command.
- Escalating Conflict and Final Break: The chapter ends with Pharaoh finally threatening Moses, stating, “Get out of my sight! Make sure you do not appear before me again! The day you see my face you will die.”(verse 28) leading Moses to respond, “Just as you say, I will never appear before you again.”(verse 29). This represents a final break in relations before the final plague.
Key Quotes:
- “How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me? Let my people go, so that they may worship me.” (Moses to Pharaoh, verse 3)
- "They will cover the face of the ground so that it cannot be seen. They will devour what little you have left after the hail, including every tree that is growing in your fields." (God's warning of the locust plague, verse 5)
- “No one could see anyone else or move about for three days. Yet all the Israelites had light in the places where they lived.” (The plague of darkness, verse 23)
- "But the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not let the Israelites go." (verse 20 & 27)
