The account of the removal of locusts through the intercession of Moses and Aaron is a significant event in the narrative of the plagues of Egypt, as recorded in the Book of Exodus. This miracle is part of a series of divine interventions that demonstrate God's power and authority over creation, as well as His commitment to liberating the Israelites from Egyptian bondage.

Context and Background

The event occurs during the eighth plague, which is one of the ten plagues that God inflicted upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites. The plagues serve as a demonstration of God's supremacy over the Egyptian gods and a judgment against the oppressive regime of Pharaoh. The plague of locusts is specifically detailed in Exodus 10:1-20.

The Plague of Locusts

God instructs Moses to go to Pharaoh and warn him of the impending plague if he refuses to let the Israelites go. In Exodus 10:4-5 , God declares, "But if you refuse to let My people go, I will bring locusts into your territory tomorrow. They will cover the face of the land so that no one will be able to see the ground. They will devour what little is left after the hail, including every tree that is growing in your fields."

Despite the warning, Pharaoh's heart remains hardened, and the locusts descend upon Egypt, devastating the land. The locusts consume all the vegetation, leaving nothing green in the fields or on the trees. This plague is a direct assault on the agricultural economy of Egypt, highlighting the futility of Pharaoh's resistance against God's will.

Intercession and Removal

In response to the overwhelming destruction, Pharaoh hastily summons Moses and Aaron, confessing his sin against the LORD and pleading for the removal of the locusts. In Exodus 10:17 , Pharaoh implores, "Now please forgive my sin once more and appeal to the LORD your God, that He may remove this death from me."

Moses, acting as an intercessor, prays to the LORD on behalf of Pharaoh and Egypt. The LORD responds to Moses' prayer by shifting the wind, which carries the locusts into the Red Sea, effectively removing them from the land of Egypt. Exodus 10:19 states, "And the LORD changed the wind to a very strong west wind, which carried the locusts away and drove them into the Red Sea. Not a single locust remained anywhere in Egypt."

Significance

The removal of the locusts underscores several key theological themes. Firstly, it highlights the power of intercessory prayer and the role of Moses as a mediator between God and man. Secondly, it demonstrates God's mercy and willingness to relent from judgment when genuine repentance is sought, even though Pharaoh's repentance proves to be temporary and insincere. Lastly, the event serves as a testament to God's control over nature and His ability to reverse the course of destruction, further affirming His sovereignty.

The miracle of the locusts' removal, like the other plagues, is a pivotal moment in the Exodus narrative, illustrating the ongoing struggle between divine authority and human obstinacy. It is a powerful reminder of God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people and His ultimate plan for their deliverance.Exodus 10:19
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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
... seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ... But this shall not fail to
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