Exodus Chapter 10 Bible Study: Plagues of Locusts and Darkness – God’s Judgment, Mercy, and Call to Obedience

Exodus Chapter 10 details the eighth and ninth plagues—locusts and darkness—as God intensifies His judgment on Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery. These plagues devastate Egypt’s agriculture and challenge its religious system, while God continues to protect His people and reveal His sovereign power. The chapter explores themes of divine authority, the consequences of a hardened heart, and God’s purpose to display His glory. This study examines the events, their theological significance, practical lessons, and connections to other Scriptures, providing a thorough yet concise exposition for a blog post or study guide.

The Eighth Plague: Locusts Devastate the Land

God instructs Moses to confront Pharaoh, explaining that the plagues serve to demonstrate His power and ensure that future generations of Israelites know He is the Lord (Exodus 10:1-2). This divine purpose underscores the plagues’ role in revealing God’s identity to both Israel and Egypt. God warns that if Pharaoh refuses to let His people go, He will send locusts to consume what remains of Egypt’s crops after the hail (Exodus 10:3-6). The locusts will invade homes and fields, an unprecedented plague that will leave Egypt in ruin.

Pharaoh’s officials, recognizing the nation’s peril, urge him to release the Israelites, asking, “How long shall this man be a snare to us?” (Exodus 10:7). Pharaoh partially relents, offering to let the men go but not the women, children, or livestock (Exodus 10:8-10). His compromise reflects a desire to maintain control, as retaining families and animals ensures Israel’s return. Moses rejects this, insisting that all Israelites and their possessions must go to worship God (Exodus 10:9). Angered, Pharaoh expels Moses and Aaron (Exodus 10:11).

God then sends an east wind, bringing a massive swarm of locusts that covers the land, darkening the sky and devouring every green plant and tree (Exodus 10:12-15). This plague targets Egypt’s food supply, threatening famine and exposing the powerlessness of agricultural deities like Osiris. The locusts’ invasion of homes further intensifies the personal impact, leaving no aspect of Egyptian life untouched.

Pharaoh hastily summons Moses and Aaron, confessing, “I have sinned against the Lord your God, and against you” (Exodus 10:16). He pleads for the locusts’ removal, and Moses prays, prompting God to send a west wind to drive the locusts into the Red Sea (Exodus 10:17-19). Yet, God hardens Pharaoh’s heart, and he refuses to release the Israelites (Exodus 10:20), continuing the cycle of rebellion.

Theological Significance: The locust plague reveals God’s control over creation and His ability to use nature to execute judgment. By targeting Egypt’s food supply, God dismantles its self-sufficiency, showing that He alone sustains life. The plague also fulfills God’s purpose to display His power to Israel and the nations (Exodus 10:2), a theme echoed in Romans 9:17. Pharaoh’s false repentance highlights the need for genuine contrition, while God’s hardening of his heart reflects divine judgment on persistent rebellion.

Practical Lesson: The locusts remind believers that God can strip away worldly security to draw us to Himself. Pharaoh’s compromise teaches us to reject partial obedience, pursuing full surrender to God’s will. His insincere confession challenges us to examine our repentance for authenticity (2 Corinthians 7:10).

Cross-References: Joel 1:4-7 describes a locust plague as divine judgment, paralleling Exodus 10. Psalm 105:34-35 recounts the locusts as part of God’s wonders in Egypt. Matthew 3:8 calls for repentance that bears fruit, contrasting Pharaoh’s empty words.

The Ninth Plague: Darkness Over Egypt

Without prior warning, God commands Moses to stretch out his hand, bringing a palpable darkness over Egypt for three days (Exodus 10:21-22). This darkness is so intense that it can be “felt,” halting all activity as Egyptians cannot see or move (Exodus 10:23). Yet, the Israelites in Goshen have light, emphasizing God’s protection and distinction between His people and their oppressors.

The darkness challenges Ra, Egypt’s sun god, revered as the source of life and order. By extinguishing light, God asserts His supremacy over Egypt’s most powerful deity, proving that He controls both light and darkness (Isaiah 45:7). The three-day duration may foreshadow the three days of Christ’s burial, symbolizing death and divine judgment (Matthew 12:40).

Pharaoh summons Moses, offering to let the Israelites go with their families but demanding they leave their livestock (Exodus 10:24). This compromise again seeks to limit Israel’s freedom, as livestock were essential for worship and survival. Moses insists that all must go, as they need animals for sacrifices to God (Exodus 10:25-26). Pharaoh, enraged, warns Moses never to return, threatening death (Exodus 10:28). Moses agrees, stating he will not see Pharaoh again (Exodus 10:29), setting the stage for the final plague.

Theological Significance: The darkness symbolizes spiritual blindness and divine judgment, exposing the futility of Egypt’s gods. The light in Goshen reflects God’s covenant faithfulness, protecting His people while judging their enemies. Pharaoh’s repeated compromises highlight the human tendency to resist God’s full demands, while Moses’ insistence on complete obedience underscores the call to worship God on His terms.

Practical Lesson: The darkness teaches believers to trust God as the source of light and life, especially in times of spiritual or emotional darkness (John 8:12). Pharaoh’s partial offers warn against compromising with God’s commands, urging us to obey fully. The distinction in Goshen assures us of God’s care, encouraging steadfast faith.

Cross-References: Psalm 105:28 recalls the darkness, affirming God’s power. John 1:5 describes Jesus as light overcoming darkness, fulfilling the theme of divine deliverance. Revelation 16:10 echoes this plague with darkness as an end-time judgment, highlighting God’s consistent authority.

Theological Themes in Exodus Chapter 10

God’s Sovereign Power and Glory

The locusts and darkness demonstrate God’s dominion over creation and false gods. By targeting Egypt’s agriculture and light, God dismantles their sources of sustenance and worship, declaring His supremacy (Exodus 10:2). This theme culminates in Christ’s victory over spiritual powers (Colossians 2:15), proclaiming God’s name to all nations (Acts 1:8).

The Hardened Heart and Human Rebellion

Pharaoh’s heart, hardened by both his choices and God’s action (Exodus 10:20, 27), illustrates the consequences of resisting divine authority. His false confessions and compromises reveal a heart blinded by pride, a warning echoed in Hebrews 3:13. This theme challenges believers to remain responsive to God’s voice.

Divine Protection and Covenant Faithfulness

The light in Goshen during the darkness plague reaffirms God’s commitment to Israel, protecting them while judging Egypt. This distinction foreshadows the believer’s security in Christ, who shields us from ultimate judgment (1 Peter 2:9). It encourages trust in God’s care during trials.

The Call to Wholehearted Obedience

Pharaoh’s attempts to limit Israel’s release (Exodus 10:10, 24) reflect a refusal to submit fully to God. Moses’ insistence on taking all people and possessions underscores that true worship requires complete surrender. This principle applies to Christians, called to love God with all their heart, soul, and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5; Mark 12:30).

Practical Applications for Today

Exodus 10 offers timeless lessons for believers. First, trust God’s sovereignty when facing loss or darkness, knowing He controls all circumstances (Romans 8:28). Second, avoid Pharaoh’s pattern of partial obedience by committing to God’s commands fully, whether in worship, service, or repentance. Third, rest in God’s protection, as seen in Goshen, trusting that He preserves His people amidst chaos (Psalm 91:7). Finally, share God’s works with future generations (Exodus 10:2), ensuring His glory is proclaimed through testimony and teaching (Deuteronomy 6:7).

Connections to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Exodus 10 foreshadows Christ’s redemptive work. The locusts, devastating Egypt’s sustenance, point to God’s judgment on sin, borne by Jesus on the cross (2 Corinthians 5:21). The darkness prefigures Christ’s burial and victory over spiritual darkness (John 1:4-5). The call to release Israel for worship reflects the New Testament theme of freedom in Christ for service to God (Romans 12:1). Pharaoh’s hardened heart parallels those who reject Jesus (John 12:39-40), while the Egyptians’ response to earlier warnings (Exodus 9:20) foreshadows those who accept the gospel (Acts 16:31).

The plagues also connect to eschatological themes. The locusts resemble the judgment in Revelation 9:3-11, and the darkness echoes Revelation 16:10, pointing to God’s final reckoning. Yet, God’s purpose to make His name known (Exodus 10:2) finds fulfillment in the global spread of the gospel (Matthew 28:19-20), calling all to repentance before the end (2 Peter 3:9).

Conclusion of the Chapter’s Message

Exodus Chapter 10 reveals a God who wields unmatched power to judge rebellion, yet protects His people and offers opportunities for obedience. The locusts and darkness dismantle Egypt’s resources and idols, while God’s preservation of Israel affirms His covenant love. Pharaoh’s hardened heart warns against resisting God, and his compromises challenge us to obey fully. This chapter calls believers to trust God’s sovereignty, repent sincerely, and worship wholeheartedly, knowing He is working to deliver His people and glorify His name.