◄ Exodus 10 ►
Book Study • Verse Study • Study Que
Summary The Plagues of Locusts and Darkness Despite the severity of God's plagues, Pharaoh's obstinacy prevails, demonstrating the blinding power of pride and disobedience. Yet, in the midst of trials, God's unyielding commitment to liberate His people shines brightly. He uses these hardships to reveal His power, showcasing that in the battle of human stubbornness and divine will, God's purpose always triumphs. God's Command to Moses (Verses 1-2) The LORD sends Moses to Pharaoh with a message and a warning of an impending locust plague, intending to showcase His power for generations to come. Pharaoh's Stubbornness and the Arrival of Locusts (Verses 3-14) Despite his officials' advice, Pharaoh refuses to let all the Israelites go, leading to the unleashing of a catastrophic plague of locusts that devour everything in sight. Pharaoh's Temporary Repentance and Removal of Locusts (Verses 15-19) Pharaoh momentarily admits his sin against the LORD, leading Moses to intercede on his behalf. The locusts are then driven away by a strong west wind. Plague of Darkness and Pharaoh's Ultimatum (Verses 20-29) A thick darkness engulfs Egypt for three days, while the Israelites remain in the light. Pharaoh agrees to let the people go but not their livestock. Moses insists that livestock are required for their worship. Pharaoh, enraged, warns Moses to stay away, threatening death if seen again. The chapter unfolds amidst the trials of Egypt, as the LORD brings plagues upon the land. Despite witnessing the divine authority through the infliction of plagues, Pharaoh’s heart hardens, refusing to release the Israelites. God's message remains constant: "Let My people go, so that they may worship Me." His mighty hand showcases His unrivaled power, serving as an indelible testament to His people and the world. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Exodus 10:1-2 highlights God's purpose in hardening Pharaoh's heart: that I may perform these signs of Mine among them, and that you may tell your children and grandchildren how I dealt harshly with the Egyptians and how I performed My signs among them, so that you may know that I am the LORD. The Eighth Plague - Locusts In verses 3-6, Moses warns Pharaoh of the impending plague of locusts, emphasizing the devastation they will bring. This plague demonstrates God's control over nature and His ability to disrupt the economic stability of a nation. Pharaoh's Reluctance Despite the severity of the plagues, Pharaoh's heart remains hardened (verses 7-11). His refusal to fully submit to God's command reveals the danger of pride and stubbornness. The Ninth Plague - Darkness Verses 21-23 describe a tangible darkness that covered Egypt for three days, a darkness so profound that it could be felt. This plague symbolizes spiritual blindness and the absence of God's presence. God's Distinction Throughout the plagues, God makes a clear distinction between the Egyptians and the Israelites, as seen in verse 23: Yet all the Israelites had light in their dwellings. This distinction underscores God's covenant relationship with His people. Practical Applications Recognize God's Authority Just as God demonstrated His power to Pharaoh, we must acknowledge His authority in our lives and submit to His will. Guard Against Hardness of Heart Pharaoh's repeated refusal to heed God's warnings serves as a cautionary tale against allowing pride and stubbornness to blind us to God's truth. Trust in God's Provision In times of darkness or difficulty, remember that God provides for His people, just as He ensured the Israelites had light in their dwellings. Share God's Works Like the Israelites, we are called to share the stories of God's mighty works with future generations, reinforcing faith and trust in Him. People 1. The LORD (Yahweh) The covenant name of God, who commands Moses to go to Pharaoh and announce the plagues. The Hebrew root for "LORD" is יהוה (YHWH), which is considered the sacred and personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible. 2. Moses The prophet and leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt. Moses is the primary human intermediary between God and Pharaoh in this narrative. 3. Pharaoh The king of Egypt, who is resistant to letting the Israelites go. His heart is hardened by God, which is a recurring theme in the narrative of the plagues. 4. Aaron Moses' brother and spokesperson, who assists Moses in delivering God's messages to Pharaoh. Aaron plays a supportive role in the events of the plagues. Places 1. Egypt The entire chapter is set in Egypt, where the plagues are taking place. Egypt, known in Hebrew as "Mitzrayim" (מִצְרַיִם), is the land where the Israelites are enslaved and where God demonstrates His power through the plagues. 2. Pharaoh's Palace While not explicitly named as a separate location in the text, Pharaoh's palace is implied as the place where Moses and Aaron confront Pharaoh. This is the center of Egyptian authority and the location of many of the dialogues between Moses, Aaron, and Pharaoh. Events 1. The LORD Commands Moses to Confront Pharaoh Again The LORD instructs Moses to go to Pharaoh, as He has hardened Pharaoh's heart and the hearts of his officials to perform signs among them. This is so that future generations may know of God's power. ^Reference: Exodus 10:1-2^ 2. Moses and Aaron Warn Pharaoh of the Locust Plague Moses and Aaron approach Pharaoh, warning him that if he refuses to let the Israelites go, God will bring a plague of locusts that will cover the land and consume what is left after the hail. ^Reference: Exodus 10:3-6^ 3. Pharaoh's Officials Urge Him to Release the Israelites Pharaoh's officials plead with him to let the Israelites go, recognizing the destruction that has already come upon Egypt. ^Reference: Exodus 10:7^ 4. Pharaoh Negotiates with Moses and Aaron Pharaoh calls Moses and Aaron back and attempts to negotiate, asking who will go to worship the LORD. Moses insists that everyone, including the young and old, sons and daughters, and flocks and herds, must go. ^Reference: Exodus 10:8-11^ 5. The Plague of Locusts Descends on Egypt After Pharaoh refuses to let all the Israelites go, Moses stretches out his staff over Egypt, and the LORD brings an east wind that carries a swarm of locusts, covering the land and consuming all vegetation. ^Reference: Exodus 10:12-15^ 6. Pharaoh Confesses His Sin and Pleads for Relief Pharaoh quickly summons Moses and Aaron, admitting his sin against the LORD and asking them to pray for the removal of the locusts. ^Reference: Exodus 10:16-17^ 7. The LORD Removes the Locusts Moses prays to the LORD, and a strong west wind blows the locusts into the Red Sea, removing them from Egypt. However, the LORD hardens Pharaoh's heart again, and he does not let the Israelites go. ^Reference: Exodus 10:18-20^ 8. The Plague of Darkness Covers Egypt The LORD instructs Moses to stretch out his hand toward the sky, bringing a thick darkness over Egypt for three days. The Israelites, however, have light in their dwellings. ^Reference: Exodus 10:21-23^ 9. Pharaoh Attempts Another Compromise Pharaoh calls Moses and offers to let the people go, but insists they leave their flocks and herds behind. Moses refuses, stating that they need their livestock for sacrifices. ^Reference: Exodus 10:24-26^ 10. Pharaoh's Heart is Hardened Again The LORD hardens Pharaoh's heart once more, and he refuses to let the Israelites go. Pharaoh warns Moses never to appear before him again, under penalty of death. ^Reference: Exodus 10:27-29^ Connections to Additional Scriptures God's Sovereignty Romans 9:17-18 discusses God's purpose in raising Pharaoh to demonstrate His power. Spiritual Blindness John 12:40 references the hardening of hearts and spiritual blindness, echoing the themes of Exodus 10. Light in Darkness John 1:5 speaks of the light shining in the darkness, a reminder of God's presence and guidance. Prayer Points Pray for a heart that is open and responsive to God's leading, avoiding the pitfalls of pride and stubbornness. Ask for God's light to shine in areas of darkness in your life, bringing clarity and direction. Thank God for His provision and protection, even in challenging times. Seek opportunities to share the stories of God's faithfulness with others, especially the next generation. Bible Study Questions 1. How does God's power manifest throughout this chapter? 2. Discuss the implications of Pharaoh's hardened heart. How does this affect his decision-making? 3. What do the plagues signify in the context of God's relationship with Egypt and His people, Israel? 4. How does Moses demonstrate his faith and obedience to God in this chapter? 5. In what ways do the actions of the Egyptian officials differ from Pharaoh? What does this reveal about leadership and responsibility? 6. How does the locust plague reflect the spiritual condition of Egypt? 7. Why do you think the LORD allowed the Israelites to have light in their dwellings during the darkness plague? 8. Discuss the importance of the phrase "Let my people go, so that they may worship Me." What does this reveal about God's intentions? 9. How does Pharaoh's reaction to the plagues reflect the human tendency to resist God's will? 10. Why was it important for Moses to insist that the livestock also be allowed to go with the Israelites? 11. How do the plagues and Pharaoh's response to them enhance our understanding of sin's consequences? 12. Discuss the concept of repentance as demonstrated by Pharaoh. What can we learn from his interaction with Moses and Aaron? 13. How can Moses' role as an intercessor for the Egyptians inform our understanding of prayer and mediation? 14. How does the narrative of the plagues influence our understanding of God's justice and mercy? 15. In what ways does this chapter illuminate the struggle between human will and divine plan? 16. If faced with similar plagues today, how would our response be similar or different from Pharaoh's? 17. How might we see and respond to "hardened hearts" in our society today? 18. How can we apply the lessons from this chapter to our relationship with God? 19. How does God's dealings with the Egyptians influence our perspective on His character and commitment to His people? 20. In the light of this chapter, how can we better understand the importance of obedience and worship in our lives? Topics 1. The Eighth Plague: Locusts (Exodus 10:1-6) God instructs Moses to go to Pharaoh and warn him of the impending plague of locusts. This plague is a direct consequence of Pharaoh's hardened heart, which God uses to demonstrate His power and to ensure that His signs are remembered by future generations. The Hebrew word for "hardened" (כָּבֵד, ^kaved^) implies a heaviness or stubbornness in Pharaoh's heart. 2. Pharaoh's Servants Plead (Exodus 10:7-11) Pharaoh's servants urge him to let the Israelites go, recognizing the destruction that has already befallen Egypt. Pharaoh attempts to negotiate with Moses, allowing only the men to go and worship the LORD, but Moses insists that everyone must go, including women and children. 3. The Plague of Locusts Unleashed (Exodus 10:12-15) At God's command, Moses stretches out his staff over Egypt, and an east wind brings a swarm of locusts that cover the land, consuming all the vegetation left after the hail. The Hebrew term for "locusts" (אַרְבֶּה, ^arbeh^) signifies a devastating force that leaves nothing behind. 4. Pharaoh's Confession and Plea (Exodus 10:16-20) Pharaoh hastily calls for Moses and Aaron, admitting his sin against the LORD and asking for forgiveness. He pleads for the removal of the locusts. Moses prays, and God sends a strong west wind to drive the locusts into the Red Sea, but Pharaoh's heart remains hardened. 5. The Ninth Plague: Darkness (Exodus 10:21-23) God instructs Moses to stretch out his hand toward the sky, bringing a palpable darkness over Egypt for three days. This darkness is so intense that the Egyptians cannot see one another, yet the Israelites have light in their dwellings. The Hebrew word for "darkness" (חֹשֶׁךְ, ^choshech^) conveys a deep, oppressive gloom. 6. Pharaoh's Final Offer and Rejection (Exodus 10:24-29) Pharaoh summons Moses and offers to let the people go, but insists on keeping their livestock. Moses refuses, stating that they need their animals for sacrifices. Pharaoh, angered by Moses' persistence, warns him never to appear before him again, to which Moses agrees, foretelling their final encounter. Themes 1. Divine Sovereignty and Judgment God demonstrates His supreme authority over creation and the false gods of Egypt through the plagues. In Exodus 10:1-2, God tells Moses, "Go to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the hearts of his officials, so that I may perform these miraculous signs of Mine among them, and so that you may tell your children and grandchildren how severely I dealt with the Egyptians and how I performed My signs among them, and that you may know that I am the LORD." The Hebrew word for "hardened" (חָזַק, chazaq) implies strengthening or making firm, indicating God's control over Pharaoh's resistance. 2. The Plague of Locusts as a Sign of Devastation The eighth plague, locusts, is a direct attack on Egypt's agriculture, symbolizing total devastation. In Exodus 10:4-5, God warns, "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." The locusts represent a comprehensive judgment, leaving nothing behind, as seen in the Hebrew word for "cover" (כָּסָה, kasah), meaning to conceal or overwhelm. 3. Pharaoh's Continued Hardness of Heart Despite the severity of the plagues, Pharaoh's heart remains hardened. In Exodus 10:20, it states, "But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not let the Israelites go." This theme highlights the tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility, with the Hebrew root חָזַק (chazaq) again emphasizing the firmness of Pharaoh's resolve against God's command. 4. The Plague of Darkness as a Symbol of Spiritual Blindness The ninth plague, darkness, serves as a metaphor for spiritual blindness and separation from God. Exodus 10:21-23 describes, "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Stretch out your hand toward the sky so that darkness will spread over the land of Egypt—a darkness that can be felt.' So Moses stretched out his hand toward the sky, and total darkness covered all Egypt for three days." The Hebrew word for "darkness" (חֹשֶׁךְ, choshek) signifies not only physical absence of light but also a deeper spiritual obscurity. 5. God's Distinction Between Egypt and Israel Throughout the plagues, God makes a clear distinction between His people and the Egyptians. In Exodus 10:23, it is noted, "No one could see anyone else or leave his place for three days. Yet all the Israelites had light in their dwellings." This theme underscores God's protective care and covenant relationship with Israel, contrasting the darkness of Egypt with the light provided to His people. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions