The tenth chapter of the Book of Exodus is a pivotal part of the biblical narrative detailing the dramatic events that led to the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. This chapter focuses on the eighth and ninth plagues, which were the plagues of locusts and darkness. Understanding the significance of these plagues and their implications offers profound insights into the nature of divine intervention, human obstinacy, and the power dynamics between God, Moses, and Pharaoh.
Context and Background
Before delving into the specifics of Exodus 10, it’s essential to understand the broader context of the plagues. The narrative of the plagues spans from Exodus 7 to Exodus 12 and includes ten catastrophic events that God unleashes upon Egypt. These plagues serve a dual purpose: to demonstrate God’s supremacy over the Egyptian gods and to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery.
The first seven plagues had already caused significant devastation. Water turning to blood, frogs, gnats, flies, the death of livestock, boils, and hail had ravaged Egypt, yet Pharaoh remained obstinate. Each plague increased in intensity and damage, setting the stage for the final confrontations in Exodus 10.
The Eighth Plague: Locusts (Exodus 10:1-20)
The Warning and Pharaoh’s Response
The chapter begins with God instructing Moses to approach Pharaoh once again. This time, the warning is about a swarm of locusts that will devastate Egypt. God reveals to Moses that He has hardened Pharaoh’s heart and the hearts of his officials to show His signs and wonders, ensuring that future generations will recount these events (Exodus 10:1-2).
Moses and Aaron confront Pharaoh, delivering God’s message: “Let my people go, so that they may worship me” (Exodus 10:3). They warn Pharaoh that if he refuses, locusts will cover the land, consuming what little vegetation remains after the previous plagues. Pharaoh’s officials, witnessing the cumulative damage, plead with him to relent, asking, “Do you not yet realize that Egypt is ruined?” (Exodus 10:7).
Negotiations and Deceit
Pharaoh appears to relent, calling Moses and Aaron back to negotiate. He asks who will be going to worship the Lord, to which Moses responds that everyone, young and old, will go, along with their flocks and herds (Exodus 10:9). Pharaoh, seeking to control the situation, offers a compromise: only the men can go. Moses rejects this partial concession, emphasizing that the worship of God is a collective experience for the entire community.
Pharaoh, angered by this refusal, expels Moses and Aaron from his presence, thus sealing his fate for the impending plague.
The Devastation of Locusts
Following Pharaoh’s refusal, Moses stretches out his staff over Egypt, and God sends an east wind that brings an unprecedented swarm of locusts. The locusts cover the ground until it is black, consuming every plant and fruit left after the hail (Exodus 10:13-15). The sheer magnitude of the devastation is described in vivid terms, emphasizing that never before had Egypt experienced such a plague, nor would it ever again.
Pharaoh’s Desperation and Continued Deceit
Pharaoh, facing the catastrophic destruction of Egypt’s agriculture, hastily summons Moses and Aaron, admitting his sin against God and them. He pleads for forgiveness and asks them to pray to God to remove the locusts (Exodus 10:16-17). Moses prays, and God shifts the wind to the west, carrying the locusts into the Red Sea. Despite this act of mercy, God hardens Pharaoh’s heart once more, and he refuses to let the Israelites go.
See Also: Why Did Water and Blood Come out of Jesus?
The Ninth Plague: Darkness (Exodus 10:21-29)
The Plague of Darkness
Without any warning to Pharaoh, God instructs Moses to stretch out his hand toward the sky, causing a palpable darkness to spread over Egypt. This darkness lasts for three days, so intense that the Egyptians cannot see one another or move about. However, the Israelites in Goshen have light where they live (Exodus 10:21-23). This stark contrast highlights the distinction between God’s people and the Egyptians, underscoring the protective and selective nature of divine intervention.
Pharaoh’s Final Offer and Rejection
Pharaoh, now desperate, summons Moses and offers a new concession: the Israelites can go and worship, but they must leave their flocks and herds behind (Exodus 10:24). Moses rejects this offer, insisting that they need their livestock for sacrifices and burnt offerings to the Lord. He emphasizes that not a hoof will be left behind.
Pharaoh, enraged by Moses’ steadfastness, declares that Moses will never see his face again and threatens to kill him if he does (Exodus 10:28). Moses agrees, foretelling that Pharaoh’s words will come true, marking the end of their confrontations.
Theological and Symbolic Significance
Divine Power and Judgement
The plagues in Exodus 10, like those before and after, serve as a testament to God’s absolute power and authority. The locusts and darkness are direct assaults on the Egyptian gods, who were believed to control agriculture and the sun. By demonstrating His dominion over these elements, God invalidates the Egyptian pantheon and reaffirms His sovereignty.
Pharaoh’s Hard Heart
Pharaoh’s repeated refusals to release the Israelites, despite the escalating severity of the plagues, illustrate the theme of human obstinacy against divine will. The narrative emphasizes that Pharaoh’s heart is hardened by God, a complex theological concept suggesting that God’s purposes transcend human understanding. Pharaoh’s hardened heart serves as a foil to Moses’ obedience, highlighting the stark contrast between submission to God’s will and rebellion against it.
The Plagues as Pedagogy
God’s explicit mention that these signs are meant to be recounted to future generations underscores the didactic purpose of the plagues. They are not merely punitive measures but lessons in faith, obedience, and the recognition of divine power. The narrative invites readers to reflect on their own responses to God’s interventions in their lives.
Conclusion
Exodus 10 is a crucial chapter in the broader Exodus narrative, encapsulating the ongoing struggle between divine will and human resistance. The plagues of locusts and darkness are not just historical events but rich symbols of God’s power, judgment, and mercy. They challenge readers to consider the consequences of hard-heartedness and the importance of faith and obedience. As the penultimate chapter in the series of plagues, Exodus 10 sets the stage for the dramatic climax of the Exodus story, reminding us of the enduring power of God’s deliverance.