Topical Bible: Conviction: The Plague of Locusts

◄ Conviction: The Plague of Locusts ►

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The Plague of Locusts is one of the ten plagues that God inflicted upon Egypt as described in the Book of Exodus. This particular plague, the eighth in the series, serves as a powerful demonstration of God's sovereignty and a tool for convicting Pharaoh and the Egyptians of their defiance against the will of the Lord. The narrative is found in Exodus 10:1-20.

Biblical Account

In Exodus 10:1-2, the Lord instructs Moses to go to Pharaoh, for He has hardened Pharaoh's heart and the hearts of his officials, so that He may perform these miraculous signs among them. The purpose is to ensure that the Israelites will recount these events to future generations, recognizing the Lord's power and authority: "that you may know that I am the LORD" (Exodus 10:2).

Moses and Aaron confront Pharaoh, delivering God's message: "How long will you refuse to humble yourself before Me? Let My people go, so that they may worship Me" (Exodus 10:3). The warning is clear: if Pharaoh refuses, God will bring locusts into the land, covering the ground and devouring what remains after the previous plagues.

Despite the warning, Pharaoh's heart remains hardened. Consequently, God commands Moses to stretch out his hand over Egypt, and an east wind brings the locusts, which cover the land and consume every plant and fruit left after the hail (Exodus 10:12-15). The devastation is complete, leaving no green thing in Egypt.

Theological Significance

The Plague of Locusts serves as a vivid illustration of divine judgment and the consequences of hard-heartedness. It underscores the futility of resisting God's will and the inevitable downfall of those who oppose Him. The locusts, a natural phenomenon in the ancient Near East, are transformed into an instrument of divine wrath, emphasizing God's control over creation.

This plague also highlights the theme of conviction. Pharaoh's repeated refusal to heed God's command results in escalating judgments, each designed to convict him of his sin and lead to repentance. However, Pharaoh's persistent obstinacy reveals the depth of human rebellion against God.

Symbolism and Prophetic Echoes

The locusts symbolize destruction and desolation, often associated with divine judgment in the Scriptures. The prophet Joel later uses the imagery of locusts to describe an impending judgment upon Israel, calling the people to repentance (Joel 1:4-14). This connection reinforces the message that God's judgments are intended to lead His people back to Him.

Moral and Spiritual Lessons

For believers, the Plague of Locusts serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and obedience to God. It calls for self-examination and a willingness to submit to God's authority. The narrative encourages believers to recognize the signs of God's work in their lives and respond with repentance and faith.

The Plague of Locusts, as a tool of conviction, challenges individuals to consider their own responses to God's commands and the condition of their hearts. It serves as a warning against the dangers of pride and the necessity of aligning one's will with that of the Almighty.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 10:16,17
Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron in haste; and he said, I have sinned against the LORD your God, and against you.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Of the Three Woe Trumpets.
... the first place, had issued forth with the locusts; who from ... event did not, as it
were, force conviction upon me ... in the whole description of the plague, as if ...
/.../mede/a key to the apocalypse/of the three woe trumpets.htm

Rachel's Refuge
... The locusts had taken her flowers ... save for those grim, momentous days of plague and
loss ... from the Israelite's eyes, leaving them black with dreadful conviction. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxxii rachels refuge.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... Christ is love, meekness, forbearance, persuasion, conviction, and holy ... came with
him so many locusts to usher ... the meantime, this is the plague wherewith the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm

The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment:
... God's blessing, encourage thee to go on in the faith of the truth of the gospel;
but if thou art ungodly, then here thou mayst meet with conviction: yea, and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the resurrection of the dead.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Or, a Brief Relation of ...
... of God with their souls; from all which I still received more conviction, and from ...
But my original and inward pollution; That, that was my plague and affliction ...
/.../bunyan/grace abounding to the chief of sinners/grace abounding to the chief.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
... dealings of God with the soul; from all which I still received more conviction,
and from ... 'But my original and inward pollution, that, that was my plague and my ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/grace abounding to the chief.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... implacable enemies of God shrink and creep into holes like the locusts and frogs ...
it was the plague of Egypt: it is an empty, forlorn, desolate, solitary, and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... It is the descent whither the scum and filth that attends conviction for sin, doth
continually run, and therefore it is called the Slough of Despond: for still ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm