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 is the eighth in the series and serves as a divine judgment against Pharaoh and the Egyptian gods, demonstrating the power and sovereignty of the God of Israel. The account 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 to perform these signs among them. The purpose is to ensure that the Israelites will recount these events to future generations, recognizing the LORD's mighty acts. The LORD commands Moses to warn Pharaoh of the impending plague, saying, "If you refuse to let My people go, I will bring locusts into your territory tomorrow" (Exodus 10:4).

The locusts are described as an overwhelming force that will cover the face of the land, consuming what little vegetation remains after the previous plague of hail. In Exodus 10:5-6, the LORD warns that the locusts will fill the houses of the Egyptians, something unprecedented in the history of Egypt.

Pharaoh's servants plead with him to release the Israelites, recognizing the devastation that the plagues have already wrought upon Egypt. However, Pharaoh's heart remains hardened, and he refuses to let the Israelites go, leading to the fulfillment of God's warning.

The Plague Unleashed

In Exodus 10:13-15, Moses stretches out his staff over Egypt, and the LORD drives an east wind across the land, bringing the locusts. The locusts swarm over the entire land of Egypt, settling in every area and consuming all the vegetation and fruit left by the hail. The text emphasizes the unprecedented nature of this plague: "Never before had there been such a plague of locusts, nor will there ever be again" (Exodus 10:14).

The locusts' devastation is total, leaving no green thing in Egypt, which symbolizes the complete judgment of God upon the land. This plague not only affects the physical sustenance of the Egyptians but also serves as a direct challenge to the Egyptian deities associated with agriculture and fertility.

Pharaoh's Response

In desperation, Pharaoh summons Moses and Aaron, confessing his sin against the LORD and the Israelites. He pleads for forgiveness and asks them to pray to the LORD to remove the plague. Moses prays, and the LORD responds by shifting the wind to a strong west wind, which carries the locusts into the Red Sea, removing them from Egypt (Exodus 10:18-19).

Despite this act of mercy, Pharaoh's heart remains hardened, and he does not let the Israelites go, setting the stage for the subsequent plagues and the eventual Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt.

Theological Significance

The Plague of Locusts serves as a powerful demonstration of God's authority over creation and His ability to use natural phenomena to achieve His divine purposes. It underscores the futility of resisting God's will and the consequences of hardening one's heart against Him. The plague also highlights the LORD's supremacy over the Egyptian pantheon, as the locusts devastate the land that the Egyptian gods were believed to protect and nurture.

In the broader narrative of Exodus, the Plague of Locusts is a pivotal moment that illustrates the escalating intensity of God's judgments upon Egypt, ultimately leading to the liberation of His chosen people. The account serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises and His power to deliver His people from bondage.