1 And the LORD said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh: for I have hardened his heart, and the heart of his servants, that I might shew these my signs before him:
2 And that thou mayest tell in the ears of thy son, and of thy son’s son, what things I have wrought in Egypt, and my signs which I have done among them; that ye may know how that I [am] the LORD.
3 And Moses and Aaron came in unto Pharaoh, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, How long wilt thou refuse to humble thyself before me? let my people go, that they may serve me.
4 Else, if thou refuse to let my people go, behold, to morrow will I bring the locusts into thy coast:
5 And they shall cover the face of the earth, that one cannot be able to see the earth: and they shall eat the residue of that which is escaped, which remaineth unto you from the hail, and shall eat every tree which groweth for you out of the field:
6 And they shall fill thy houses, and the houses of all thy servants, and the houses of all the Egyptians; which neither thy fathers, nor thy fathers’ fathers have seen, since the day that they were upon the earth unto this day. And he turned himself, and went out from Pharaoh.
7 And Pharaoh’s servants said unto him, How long shall this man be a snare unto us? let the men go, that they may serve the LORD their God: knowest thou not yet that Egypt is destroyed?
8 And Moses and Aaron were brought again unto Pharaoh: and he said unto them, Go, serve the LORD your God: [but] who [are] they that shall go?
9 And Moses said, We will go with our young and with our old, with our sons and with our daughters, with our flocks and with our herds will we go; for we [must hold] a feast unto the LORD.
10 And he said unto them, Let the LORD be so with you, as I will let you go, and your little ones: look [to it]; for evil [is] before you.
11 Not so: go now ye [that are] men, and serve the LORD; for that ye did desire. And they were driven out from Pharaoh’s presence.
12 And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the land of Egypt for the locusts, that they may come up upon the land of Egypt, and eat every herb of the land, [even] all that the hail hath left.
13 And Moses stretched forth his rod over the land of Egypt, and the LORD brought an east wind upon the land all that day, and all [that] night; [and] when it was morning, the east wind brought the locusts.
14 And the locusts went up over all the land of Egypt, and rested in all the coasts of Egypt: very grievous [were they]; before them there were no such locusts as they, neither after them shall be such.
15 For they covered the face of the whole earth, so that the land was darkened; and they did eat every herb of the land, and all the fruit of the trees which the hail had left: and there remained not any green thing in the trees, or in the herbs of the field, through all the land of Egypt.
16 Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron in haste; and he said, I have sinned against the LORD your God, and against you.
17 Now therefore forgive, I pray thee, my sin only this once, and intreat the LORD your God, that he may take away from me this death only.
18 And he went out from Pharaoh, and intreated the LORD.
19 And the LORD turned a mighty strong west wind, which took away the locusts, and cast them into the Red sea; there remained not one locust in all the coasts of Egypt.
20 But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go.
21 And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness [which] may be felt.
22 And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days:
23 They saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days: but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.
24 And Pharaoh called unto Moses, and said, Go ye, serve the LORD; only let your flocks and your herds be stayed: let your little ones also go with you.
25 And Moses said, Thou must give us also sacrifices and burnt offerings, that we may sacrifice unto the LORD our God.
26 Our cattle also shall go with us; there shall not an hoof be left behind; for thereof must we take to serve the LORD our God; and we know not with what we must serve the LORD, until we come thither.
27 But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not let them go.
28 And Pharaoh said unto him, Get thee from me, take heed to thyself, see my face no more; for in [that] day thou seest my face thou shalt die.
29 And Moses said, Thou hast spoken well, I will see thy face again no more.
Summary of Exodus Chapter 10
Exodus Chapter 10 describes the eighth and ninth plagues that God inflicted upon Egypt as a demonstration of His power and a means to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery. The chapter emphasizes themes of disobedience, divine authority, and the consequences of hardening one’s heart.
The Eighth Plague: Locusts
The chapter begins with God instructing Moses to go to Pharaoh once again. God tells Moses that He has hardened Pharaoh’s heart so that He can perform miraculous signs in Egypt.
- God’s Command: Moses is to warn Pharaoh about the impending plague of locusts.
- Purpose: The locusts will consume what remains of the crops after the hail, emphasizing the severity of the punishment.
- Pharaoh’s Response: Pharaoh’s officials plead with him to let the Israelites go, recognizing the devastation of the plagues.
The Plague of Locusts
Moses and Aaron confront Pharaoh, who initially offers to let the men go but wants to keep their families and livestock in Egypt.
- Moses’ Demand: Moses insists that all Israelites, including their families and livestock, must leave to worship God.
- Pharaoh’s Refusal: Pharaoh ultimately refuses, stating that he will not let them go.
As a result, God sends a vast swarm of locusts that covers the land, consuming everything that the hail did not destroy. The devastation is so complete that it darkens the land.
Pharaoh’s Reaction
After experiencing the destruction caused by the locusts, Pharaoh admits his sin and asks Moses to pray to God to remove the plague.
- Moses’ Prayer: Moses prays to God, and the locusts are swept away by a strong wind, leaving no trace behind.
- Pharaoh’s Heart Hardens: Despite the relief, Pharaoh’s heart is hardened once again, and he refuses to let the Israelites go.
The Ninth Plague: Darkness
God instructs Moses to go to Pharaoh once more, announcing the ninth plague: darkness over the land of Egypt.
- Nature of the Plague: The darkness will be so thick that it can be felt, lasting for three days.
- Contrast: The Israelites will have light in their dwellings, highlighting the distinction between God’s people and the Egyptians.
Pharaoh summons Moses and offers to let the Israelites go but insists that they leave their livestock behind. Moses refuses, stating that they need their animals for sacrifices.
Pharaoh’s Final Stubbornness
Pharaoh becomes angry and threatens Moses, declaring that he will not see him again. Moses responds that he is correct, as he will not appear before Pharaoh again.
Thematic Analysis
- Divine Sovereignty: The chapter illustrates God’s control over nature and the events in Egypt, emphasizing His power to inflict punishment.
- Human Stubbornness: Pharaoh’s repeated refusal to heed God’s warnings demonstrates the consequences of hardening one’s heart against divine authority.
- Judgment and Mercy: Despite the plagues, God continues to extend opportunities for repentance, showcasing His mercy even in judgment.
- Separation of God’s People: The distinction between the Israelites and Egyptians during the plagues highlights God’s protection over His chosen people.
Conclusion
Exodus Chapter 10 serves as a critical turning point in the narrative of the Exodus, showcasing the escalating confrontation between God and Pharaoh. The chapter emphasizes the themes of divine authority, the consequences of disobedience, and the persistent call to repentance.
