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 underscores the direct communication between God and Moses, a central theme in the narrative of Exodus. The Hebrew word for "LORD" is "Yahweh," the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal presence and faithfulness. This divine instruction highlights the unique role of Moses as God's chosen leader and prophet, tasked with delivering the Israelites from bondage. Historically, this reflects the theocratic leadership model where God directly guides His people through appointed leaders.

Stretch out your hand
The act of stretching out one's hand is symbolic of authority and divine intervention. In the Hebrew context, the hand often represents power and action. Moses' obedience in this gesture signifies his role as an instrument of God's will. This action is a precursor to the miraculous events that follow, demonstrating God's sovereignty over creation and His ability to use natural elements to fulfill His purposes.

over the land of Egypt
Egypt, in the biblical narrative, represents a place of oppression and idolatry. The land of Egypt is not just a geographical location but a symbol of the world's systems opposed to God's kingdom. The plagues serve as judgments against the false gods of Egypt, revealing the impotence of their deities compared to Yahweh's supreme power. This phrase sets the stage for the confrontation between God's will and the earthly powers of Egypt.

so that the locusts may swarm
Locusts, in the ancient Near Eastern context, were a dreaded force of destruction, often associated with divine judgment. The Hebrew word for locusts, "arbeh," signifies a multitude, emphasizing the overwhelming nature of this plague. This swarm is a direct challenge to the Egyptian god of crops and fertility, Neper, showcasing Yahweh's control over nature and His ability to disrupt the economic and agricultural stability of Egypt.

over the land and devour every plant
The devastation of every plant signifies a complete stripping away of Egypt's resources and sustenance. In the agrarian society of ancient Egypt, crops were vital for survival, and their destruction would lead to famine and economic collapse. This phrase highlights the severity of God's judgment and the futility of relying on earthly provisions when opposed to divine will. It serves as a reminder of God's power to provide or withhold sustenance.

in the land—everything that the hail has left
The reference to the hail connects this plague to the previous one, showing a progression of judgments. The hail had already damaged the land, and the locusts would complete the destruction. This cumulative effect demonstrates the thoroughness of God's judgment against Egypt. It also serves as a warning of the consequences of hardening one's heart against God's commands, as Pharaoh did. The phrase underscores the relentless nature of divine justice and the call to repentance.

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.