Exodus 10:6

They will fill your houses and the houses of all your officials and every Egyptian--something neither your fathers nor your grandfathers have seen since the day they came into this land.'" Then Moses turned and left Pharaoh's presence.

Study Bible

They will fill your houses and the houses of all your officials and every Egyptian—
This phrase refers to the impending plague of locusts that God is about to send upon Egypt. The locusts symbolize a divine judgment that will affect every level of Egyptian society, from Pharaoh's palace to the homes of common citizens. In the ancient Near East, locusts were a feared natural disaster due to their ability to devastate crops and cause famine. This plague serves as a direct challenge to the Egyptian gods, particularly those associated with agriculture and fertility, demonstrating the power of the God of Israel over the natural world.

something neither your fathers nor your grandfathers have seen since the day they came into this land.’”
This emphasizes the unprecedented nature of the plague. The reference to "fathers" and "grandfathers" highlights the historical continuity and memory within Egyptian culture, suggesting that this event will be unparalleled in their collective experience. It underscores the severity of God's judgment and serves as a warning to Pharaoh and the Egyptians. The phrase also connects to the broader biblical theme of God's mighty acts being remembered through generations, as seen in passages like Psalm 78:4, which speaks of declaring God's works to future generations.

Then Moses turned and left Pharaoh’s presence.
Moses' departure from Pharaoh's presence signifies the end of the warning and the beginning of the fulfillment of God's judgment. This action reflects Moses' role as God's prophet and messenger, delivering God's word with authority and then leaving the outcome to God. It also illustrates the hardened heart of Pharaoh, who remains unrepentant despite the clear warnings. This moment foreshadows the continued escalation of plagues and the eventual deliverance of the Israelites, pointing to the ultimate redemption found in Jesus Christ, who delivers humanity from the bondage of sin.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The prophet and leader chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. He is the one delivering God's message to Pharaoh.

2. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt, whose heart is hardened against letting the Israelites go, despite the plagues that God sends upon Egypt.

3. Egyptians
The people of Egypt who are suffering under the plagues sent by God due to Pharaoh's refusal to release the Israelites.

4. The Plague of Locusts
This is the eighth plague that God sends upon Egypt, which is described in Exodus 10. It is a devastating event that will affect all of Egypt.

5. The Land of Egypt
The setting of the events, where the Israelites are enslaved and where God is demonstrating His power through the plagues.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty Over Creation
The plague of locusts demonstrates God's control over nature. He uses creation to fulfill His purposes and to show His power to Pharaoh and the Egyptians.

The Consequences of Hardness of Heart
Pharaoh's refusal to heed God's warnings leads to severe consequences for himself and his people. This serves as a warning against hardening our hearts to God's voice.

The Uniqueness of God's Acts
The unprecedented nature of the plagues highlights the uniqueness of God's intervention in history. It reminds us that God's actions are purposeful and often beyond human understanding.

The Importance of Obedience
Moses' obedience in delivering God's message, despite Pharaoh's resistance, underscores the importance of faithfulness in carrying out God's commands.

God's Faithfulness to His People
Despite the suffering in Egypt, God is working to fulfill His promise to deliver the Israelites. This reassures us of God's faithfulness to His promises.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the plague of locusts in Exodus 10:6 demonstrate God's sovereignty over nature, and what does this teach us about His power in our lives today?

2. In what ways can we identify and avoid the hardness of heart that Pharaoh exhibited, and how can we remain open to God's guidance?

3. How does the unprecedented nature of the plagues in Egypt reflect the uniqueness of God's actions in our own lives?

4. What lessons can we learn from Moses' obedience in delivering God's message, even in the face of opposition?

5. How does God's faithfulness to the Israelites in the midst of the plagues encourage us to trust in His promises during difficult times?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Joel 2:25
This verse speaks of God restoring the years that the locusts have eaten, which connects to the theme of God's sovereignty over nature and His ability to both judge and restore.

Revelation 9:3
This passage describes a future judgment involving locusts, drawing a parallel to the plagues in Egypt and emphasizing the recurring theme of divine judgment.

Psalm 105:34-35
This psalm recounts the plagues in Egypt, including the locusts, as a demonstration of God's power and faithfulness to His covenant with Israel.