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: "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 Response

Initially, Pharaoh's officials plead with him to release the Israelites, recognizing the devastation that has already befallen Egypt. Pharaoh summons Moses and Aaron and offers to let the men go to worship the LORD, but he refuses to allow the women and children to leave. Moses insists that everyone must go, leading to Pharaoh's refusal and the subsequent unleashing of the plague.

The Plague's Devastation

In Exodus 10:13-15, Moses stretches out his staff over Egypt, and the LORD drives an east wind that brings the locusts. The locusts swarm over the land, consuming every plant and fruit left after the hail. The devastation is total, as "nothing green remained on any tree or plant in all the land of Egypt" (Exodus 10:15).

Pharaoh's Plea and Temporary Repentance

Faced with the catastrophic destruction, Pharaoh hastily summons Moses and Aaron, confessing his sin against the LORD and pleading for forgiveness. He asks them to pray to the LORD to remove the locusts. Moses prays, and the LORD sends a strong west wind that drives the locusts into the Red Sea, leaving not a single locust in Egypt (Exodus 10:18-19).

Hardened Heart

Despite the relief from the plague, the LORD hardens Pharaoh's heart once more, and he refuses to let the Israelites go (Exodus 10:20). This pattern of temporary repentance followed by a hardened heart continues throughout the plagues, illustrating Pharaoh's obstinacy and the LORD's ultimate control over the events.

Theological Significance

The Plague of Locusts serves as a powerful demonstration of God's judgment and His ability to control nature. It highlights the futility of resisting God's will and the consequences of hard-heartedness. The plague also underscores the LORD's supremacy over the Egyptian gods, as locusts were often associated with divine judgment in the ancient Near East. Through this plague, God reveals His power and His commitment to liberating His people from bondage, setting the stage for the eventual Exodus from Egypt.