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
This phrase speaks to the overwhelming nature of the impending plague of locusts. The Hebrew word for "fill" is "מָלֵא" (male), which conveys a sense of complete saturation or abundance. In the context of the plagues, this signifies not just a physical filling but a spiritual and emotional inundation, representing the totality of God's judgment against Egypt. Historically, locusts were known to devastate crops and livelihoods, symbolizing the stripping away of Egypt's prosperity and security.

and the houses of all your officials
The inclusion of the officials' houses indicates that the plague would affect not just Pharaoh but the entire Egyptian hierarchy. The Hebrew term for "officials" is "עֲבָדֶיךָ" (avadekha), meaning servants or ministers. This highlights the comprehensive nature of God's judgment, sparing no one in authority. It serves as a reminder that earthly power and status offer no protection against divine will.

and every Egyptian
This phrase underscores the universality of the plague's impact. The Hebrew word "כָּל" (kol) means "all" or "every," emphasizing that no Egyptian would be exempt from the consequences of Pharaoh's hardened heart. It reflects the collective responsibility and suffering of a nation under judgment, reminding us of the communal nature of sin and its repercussions.

something neither your fathers nor your grandfathers have seen
This statement places the event in a historical context, emphasizing its unprecedented nature. The Hebrew words "אָבוֹת" (avot) and "סָבִים" (savim) refer to fathers and grandfathers, respectively. This generational reference highlights the severity of the plague, marking it as a unique and unparalleled act of divine intervention. It serves as a warning to future generations about the consequences of defying God.

since the day they came into this land until now
This phrase situates the event within the timeline of Israel's history in Egypt. The Hebrew "בָּאָרֶץ הַזֹּאת" (ba'aretz hazot) means "in this land," referring to Egypt. It underscores the long duration of Israel's sojourn in Egypt and the culmination of God's plan to deliver His people. This historical context reminds us of God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises, even amidst prolonged suffering.

Then Moses turned and left Pharaoh’s presence
Moses' action of turning and leaving signifies a prophetic declaration and a finality to the warning. The Hebrew "וַיִּפֶן" (vayifen) means "and he turned," indicating a decisive action. This moment marks a turning point in the narrative, as Moses, God's chosen leader, delivers the message and leaves the outcome to God's sovereign will. It serves as an example of obedience and trust in God's timing and justice.

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.