Exodus 10 describes the plagues of locusts and darkness, demonstrating God's power over Pharaoh and Egypt while protecting the Israelites in Goshen.
The story of Exodus unfolds as a powerful account of divine intervention, justice, and the struggle between obedience and rebellion. As the narrative progresses, the plagues that afflict Egypt serve as both a warning and a demonstration of absolute sovereignty. In the tenth chapter, two severe plagues strike the land, intensifying the pressure on Pharaoh to release the Israelites. Each judgment reflects not only the consequences of hardened resistance but also the mercy available to those who submit to divine authority.
Among these afflictions, locusts invade Egypt, consuming everything in their path, leaving desolation in their wake. Then, darkness engulfs the land, symbolizing both physical and spiritual blindness. Despite witnessing these signs, Pharaoh’s refusal to yield results in further devastation. The unfolding events in this passage illustrate the depth of human stubbornness when confronted with unmistakable signs of divine power.
Every element of this chapter conveys a message that transcends historical context. The trials faced by Egypt echo the consequences of hardened hearts in any generation. Studying these passages reveals the significance of humility, repentance, and the ultimate authority that governs all creation.
The Eighth Plague - Locusts Devour the Land
“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” (Exodus 10:1, KJV).
God’s instruction to Moses indicates a deliberate demonstration of signs meant to challenge Pharaoh’s resistance. The plagues were not merely punishments but opportunities for Egypt to recognize divine supremacy. Pharaoh’s hardened heart prevented him from acknowledging the authority of the God of Israel.
Locusts, often associated with devastation, were a direct threat to Egypt’s economy and survival. By devouring what remained after the previous plagues, they left no hope of recovery. The severity of this plague illustrates the repercussions of repeated defiance. “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” (Exodus 10:5, KJV).
Moses and Aaron delivered the warning, but Pharaoh’s reluctance persisted. His servants, however, began to recognize the devastating toll on their nation. “Then 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?” (Exodus 10:7, KJV). Their plea reveals growing concern, yet Pharaoh remained unwilling to fully release Israel.
Moses emphasized that deliverance was for all Israelites, including children and livestock. Pharaoh attempted to negotiate, allowing only the men to go. This incomplete obedience reflected a reluctance to submit fully to divine command. As a result, the locusts were unleashed upon Egypt, fulfilling the warning given earlier. “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” (Exodus 10:15, KJV).
Pharaoh’s False Repentance and Temporary Relief
Pharaoh hastily summoned Moses and Aaron, confessing his wrongdoing. “Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron in haste; and he said, I have sinned against the LORD your God, and against you” (Exodus 10:16, KJV). This moment of apparent repentance, however, proved to be insincere. Pharaoh’s words suggested remorse, but his actions demonstrated no true change of heart.
Moses prayed, and the plague was lifted. “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” (Exodus 10:19, KJV). Despite this act of mercy, Pharaoh’s refusal to let the Israelites go reinforced the pattern of temporary obedience followed by renewed defiance.
The Ninth Plague - Darkness Covers Egypt
The next affliction brought an unnatural darkness over the land. “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” (Exodus 10:21, KJV). Unlike previous plagues, this one did not directly destroy crops or livestock but created an oppressive, unsettling experience.
For three days, Egypt was plunged into complete darkness. “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” (Exodus 10:23, KJV). This stark contrast symbolized divine protection over God’s people while judgment befell those who opposed His will.
Darkness held significant meaning in Egyptian culture, as their chief deity, Ra, was associated with the sun. The failure of their gods to dispel this gloom further emphasized the superiority of the God of Israel. This period of intense darkness served as both a literal and symbolic representation of Egypt’s spiritual blindness.
Pharaoh’s Final Refusal and Moses’ Declaration
Once again, Pharaoh offered a compromise, allowing Israelites to leave but insisting their livestock remain. Moses rejected this condition, emphasizing that complete obedience was required. “Our cattle also shall go with us; there shall not an hoof be left behind” (Exodus 10:26, KJV). The refusal to accept partial deliverance highlights the importance of total submission to divine instruction.
Pharaoh’s anger escalated, leading him to threaten Moses. “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” (Exodus 10:28, KJV). This declaration marked the final confrontation before the ultimate judgment of the firstborn’s death. Moses’ response was unwavering: “Thou hast spoken well, I will see thy face again no more” (Exodus 10:29, KJV).
Lessons from Exodus 10
The repeated cycle of warnings, temporary repentance, and hardened resistance illustrates the dangers of persistent defiance. Pharaoh’s reluctance to yield reflects a common struggle where pride prevents individuals from embracing truth.
God’s protection over Israel throughout these plagues highlights the distinction between those who trust in Him and those who oppose His commands. The presence of light in the dwellings of the Israelites amid the surrounding darkness reinforces a powerful message—those who follow divine guidance experience security even when judgment falls upon others.
Partial obedience, as seen in Pharaoh’s repeated negotiations, is insufficient. True surrender requires complete commitment. The refusal to compromise on God’s instructions serves as a reminder that anything less than full devotion leads to greater consequences.
Conclusion
The events recorded in Exodus 10 showcase the unfolding of divine justice in response to persistent resistance. The increasing severity of the plagues illustrates both judgment and mercy, offering opportunities for repentance while demonstrating the dangers of rejecting truth.
Every moment of temporary relief granted to Pharaoh was met with renewed stubbornness, delaying deliverance and worsening the suffering of his people. This pattern serves as a cautionary example of the consequences that follow when warnings go unheeded.
The power of these narratives extends beyond historical significance. They serve as lessons on humility, trust, and the necessity of wholehearted obedience. Those who embrace divine guidance find light even in the darkest of times, while those who resist eventually face the weight of their choices.
FAQs on Exodus 10, each providing detailed answers with references from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible.
1. What are the key events in Exodus 10, and how do they contribute to the overall story of the plagues?
Exodus 10 details two of the final plagues that God sent upon Egypt as a demonstration of His supreme authority over Pharaoh and the Egyptian gods.
Eighth Plague: Locusts (Exodus 10:1-20)
God commanded Moses to go before Pharaoh and warn him that if he refused to let Israel go, locusts would consume all the vegetation left after the previous plagues. Pharaoh’s servants pleaded with him to let the Israelites go, but Pharaoh only offered to release the men. This compromise was unacceptable to Moses. As a result, a powerful east wind brought an overwhelming swarm of locusts that devoured everything in sight. Pharaoh hastily called for Moses and Aaron, confessed his sin, and asked for forgiveness, but after God removed the locusts, Pharaoh hardened his heart once again.Ninth Plague: Darkness (Exodus 10:21-29)
Without any warning, God sent a deep, tangible darkness over Egypt for three days. The darkness was so intense that people could not see each other or move from their places. Meanwhile, the Israelites in Goshen had light. Pharaoh, shaken by this event, allowed the Israelites to leave but insisted they leave behind their livestock. Moses refused, stating that they needed to offer sacrifices to God. Pharaoh, in anger, warned Moses never to appear before him again, or he would be killed. Moses agreed, indicating that Pharaoh’s heart was fully hardened and the final plague was imminent.
These events illustrate the escalating severity of God’s judgments and Pharaoh’s increasing stubbornness, leading directly to the climactic tenth plague—the death of the firstborn.
2. Why did Pharaoh’s heart remain hardened despite the severity of the plagues in Exodus 10?
Pharaoh’s hardened heart is a central theme throughout the book of Exodus. In Exodus 10, we see a mixture of Pharaoh hardening his own heart and God reinforcing that hardness.
Pharaoh’s Pride and Resistance
Pharaoh viewed himself as a divine ruler, unwilling to submit to the God of Israel. Even after witnessing the devastating power of the plagues, he continued to resist out of fear of losing control over his enslaved labor force. Each time a plague was lifted, he relapsed into his stubbornness.God’s Sovereignty in Hardening Pharaoh’s Heart
In Exodus 10:1-2 (KJV), God told Moses:
“For I have hardened his heart, and the heart of his servants, that I might shew these my signs before him: 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.”
This suggests that God allowed Pharaoh’s rebellion to continue so that His mighty works would be remembered for generations.Pharaoh’s False Repentance
After the locusts and darkness, Pharaoh briefly acknowledged his sin (Exodus 10:16-17) but quickly reverted to his old ways. This shows that his confessions were insincere, driven by desperation rather than genuine repentance.
Pharaoh’s hardened heart demonstrates the dangers of resisting divine authority, and his downfall serves as a lesson in the consequences of pride and disobedience.
3. What is the significance of the plague of darkness in Exodus 10:21-29?
The ninth plague of darkness was a direct attack on Egypt’s religious system and a foreshadowing of the ultimate judgment.
A Supernatural Darkness
The darkness lasted for three days and was so intense that the Egyptians “saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days” (Exodus 10:23, KJV). This was not a typical natural event like an eclipse but a supernatural judgment.A Direct Challenge to Egypt’s Sun God
Ancient Egyptians worshiped Ra, the sun god, who was considered one of their most powerful deities. By covering Egypt in total darkness, God demonstrated His supremacy over all false gods. This plague struck at the heart of Egyptian beliefs, showing that the God of Israel had ultimate power.A Symbol of Divine Judgment
In the Bible, darkness often represents judgment, spiritual blindness, and separation from God (Amos 5:18, Matthew 8:12, Revelation 16:10). The darkness over Egypt foreshadowed the ultimate judgment—the death of the firstborn in Exodus 11-12.Light for Israel, Darkness for Egypt
Exodus 10:23 (KJV) states: “But all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.” This stark contrast illustrated God’s favor toward His people and His ability to protect them while bringing judgment upon their oppressors.
The ninth plague reinforced the message that God alone is sovereign, preparing the way for the final and most devastating judgment on Egypt.
4. Why did Pharaoh refuse to let Israel leave with their livestock in Exodus 10:24-26?
After experiencing total darkness for three days, Pharaoh called Moses and agreed to let the people go, but with a condition:
Pharaoh’s Offer
“Go ye, serve the Lord; only let your flocks and your herds be stayed: let your little ones also go with you.” (Exodus 10:24, KJV)Moses’ Firm Response
“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.” (Exodus 10:26, KJV)
Pharaoh’s insistence on keeping the livestock was strategic.
Control Over Israel
By keeping their livestock, Pharaoh hoped to retain leverage over the Israelites. If their resources remained in Egypt, they might be forced to return.A Last-Ditch Effort to Resist God
Even after witnessing the destruction of Egypt’s crops, Pharaoh still attempted to negotiate terms with God’s commands instead of fully submitting.Moses’ Unyielding Stand
Moses insisted that all their possessions must go, showing absolute obedience to God’s instructions. This set the stage for the final confrontation, proving that God’s will could not be bargained with.
5. What lessons can believers learn from Exodus 10 about obedience and God’s authority?
Exodus 10 teaches several important spiritual lessons for believers today.
God’s Sovereignty Over Nations
The plagues demonstrated that God has ultimate control over kings and kingdoms (Psalm 24:1, Proverbs 21:1). No earthly power can stand against His will.The Dangers of a Hardened Heart
Pharaoh’s refusal to listen to God resulted in immense suffering. This serves as a warning to respond to God’s voice with humility and obedience (Hebrews 3:15).God’s Protection Over His People
Despite the darkness in Egypt, Israel had light in their dwellings (Exodus 10:23). This symbolizes how those who walk with God experience His provision and guidance even in difficult times.Obedience to God Must Be Total
Moses refused to leave anything behind in Egypt (Exodus 10:26), showing that following God requires full commitment, not compromise.
Through these lessons, Exodus 10 reinforces the importance of trusting God, obeying His commands, and recognizing His absolute authority.
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