Exodus 10:12

Then the LORD said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand over the land of Egypt, so that the locusts may swarm over it and devour every plant in the land--everything that the hail has left behind."

Study Bible

Then the LORD said to Moses
This phrase emphasizes the direct communication between God and Moses, highlighting Moses' role as a prophet and leader. It underscores the divine authority behind the plagues, showing that they are not random natural disasters but acts of judgment from God. This communication is consistent with the pattern seen throughout the Exodus narrative, where God instructs Moses on how to lead the Israelites and confront Pharaoh.

Stretch out your hand over the land of Egypt
The act of stretching out the hand is symbolic of divine power and authority being exercised through Moses. This gesture is a recurring motif in the plagues, signifying God's control over nature and His ability to use it as an instrument of judgment. It also prefigures the miracles of Jesus, who often used physical gestures to perform healings and other miraculous acts.

so that the locusts may swarm over it
Locusts are a well-documented natural phenomenon in the region, known for their destructive power. In the biblical context, they are often associated with divine judgment and are mentioned in other scriptures, such as Joel 1:4, as a symbol of devastation. The swarming of locusts represents a complete and overwhelming judgment, leaving no part of the land untouched.

and devour every plant in the land
This phrase highlights the totality of the destruction intended by the plague. The locusts' consumption of every plant signifies the stripping away of Egypt's agricultural resources, which were vital for survival. This devastation would have had severe economic and social implications, further pressuring Pharaoh to release the Israelites.

everything that the hail has left behind
The reference to the hail connects this plague to the previous one, showing a progression in the severity of God's judgments. The hail had already damaged the land, and the locusts would complete the destruction. This cumulative effect demonstrates the relentless nature of God's judgment against Egypt's stubbornness and refusal to acknowledge His sovereignty. It also serves as a warning of the consequences of hardening one's heart against God, a theme echoed throughout scripture.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who demonstrates His power and sovereignty over creation and the gods of Egypt.

2. Moses
The prophet and leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egyptian bondage.

3. Egypt
The land where the Israelites were enslaved, representing a place of oppression and idolatry.

4. Locusts
A plague sent by God as a judgment against Egypt, symbolizing destruction and divine retribution.

5. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt, whose hardened heart leads to the suffering of his people and the eventual liberation of the Israelites.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty Over Nature
The plague of locusts demonstrates God's control over creation. He uses natural elements to fulfill His purposes and execute judgment.

The Consequences of a Hardened Heart
Pharaoh's refusal to heed God's warnings results in devastation for Egypt. This serves as a warning against the dangers of pride and disobedience.

The Call to Repentance
Just as the plagues were a call for Pharaoh to repent, they remind us of the importance of turning away from sin and seeking God's mercy.

God's Faithfulness to His People
Despite the trials, God remains faithful to His covenant with Israel, ultimately leading them to freedom. This encourages believers to trust in God's promises.

The Power of Obedience
Moses' obedience in stretching out his hand as commanded by God is a reminder of the importance of following God's instructions, even when the task seems daunting.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the plague of locusts in Exodus 10:12 illustrate God's sovereignty over creation, and how can this understanding impact our daily lives?

2. In what ways does Pharaoh's hardened heart serve as a warning for us today, and how can we guard against similar attitudes?

3. How do the plagues in Egypt, including the locusts, foreshadow the judgments described in the book of Revelation?

4. What lessons can we learn from Moses' obedience to God's command, and how can we apply these lessons in our own walk with God?

5. How does the account of the plagues, including the locusts, encourage us to trust in God's faithfulness and His promises to deliver us from our own "Egypts"?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Joel 2
The prophet Joel also speaks of a locust invasion as a symbol of judgment, calling the people to repentance and highlighting God's power to restore.

Revelation 9
Locusts appear again as agents of judgment in the end times, emphasizing the theme of divine retribution and the call to repentance.

Psalm 105
This psalm recounts the plagues of Egypt, including the locusts, as a testament to God's faithfulness and power in delivering His people.