Explanation of Exodus Chapter 10

Explanation of Exodus Chapter 10

Exodus 10 continues the story of God's judgment on Egypt through the ten plagues, specifically the eighth and ninth plagues: Locusts and Darkness. This chapter highlights Pharaoh's increasing stubbornness and God's power over creation.

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Verse-by-Verse Explanation

1. God’s Purpose for the Plagues (Verses 1-2)

"Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Go to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the hearts of his officials so that I may perform these signs of mine among them, and so that you may tell your children and grandchildren how I dealt harshly with the Egyptians and how I performed my signs among them, and that you may know that I am the LORD.'”

• God hardens Pharaoh’s heart: This does not mean Pharaoh had no free will. Pharaoh had already rejected God multiple times, so God allowed his stubbornness to increase.

• The purpose of the plagues:

  • To show God's power over Egypt.

  • To create a lasting testimony for future generations of Israelites.

  • To make Israel recognize Yahweh as the only true God.

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2. The Eighth Plague: Locusts (Verses 3-6)

"So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said to him, 'This is what the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, says: How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me? Let my people go, so that they may worship me. If you refuse to let them go, I will bring locusts into your country tomorrow...'"

• Pharaoh is warned: Moses asks, "How long will you refuse to humble yourself?" showing that the issue is Pharaoh’s pride.

• The severity of the locusts:

  • They will cover the land and consume what remains after the hail (7th plague).

  • Egypt’s economy and food supply will be devastated.

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3. Pharaoh’s Officials Try to Convince Him (Verses 7-11)

"Pharaoh’s officials said to him, 'How long will this man be a snare to us? Let the people go, so that they may worship the LORD their God. Do you not yet realize that Egypt is ruined?'”

• Even Pharaoh’s advisors recognize the devastation and urge him to let Israel go.

• Pharaoh attempts to compromise, allowing only the men to leave, but Moses insists that all people—men, women, children, and livestock—must go.

• Pharaoh’s stubbornness remains, and Moses and Aaron are driven out of his presence.

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4. The Plague of Locusts Strikes (Verses 12-15)

"And the LORD said to Moses, 'Stretch out your hand over Egypt so that locusts swarm over the land and devour everything growing in the fields, everything left by the hail.'”

• A strong east wind brings locusts, covering Egypt in an overwhelming swarm.

• Complete destruction: The locusts eat all remaining crops and trees, leaving the land barren.

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5. Pharaoh’s False Repentance (Verses 16-20)

"Pharaoh quickly summoned Moses and Aaron and said, 'I have sinned against the LORD your God and against you. Now forgive my sin once more and pray to the LORD your God to take this deadly plague away from me.'”

• Pharaoh admits his sin but is not truly repentant. He only wants relief, not to obey God.

• Moses prays, and God removes the locusts with a strong west wind, casting them into the Red Sea.

• Pharaoh hardens his heart again, refusing to let Israel go.

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6. The Ninth Plague: Darkness (Verses 21-23)

"Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Stretch out your hand toward the sky so that darkness spreads over Egypt—darkness that can be felt.'”

• A supernatural darkness covers Egypt for three days.

• The Egyptians could not move, but the Israelites had light in their dwellings.

• This plague directly attacks Ra, the Egyptian sun god, proving Yahweh’s power over their false gods.

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7. Pharaoh’s Final Attempt to Bargain (Verses 24-29)

"Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and said, 'Go, worship the LORD. Even your women and children may go with you; only leave your flocks and herds behind.'”

• Pharaoh tries to negotiate again, but Moses insists that all people and livestock must leave.

• Pharaoh's anger reaches its peak, and he threatens Moses, saying that if he sees his face again, Moses will die.

• Moses replies, 'Just as you say. I will never appear before you again', setting the stage for the final and most devastating plague: the death of the firstborn.

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Key Lessons from Exodus 10

1. God’s Sovereignty Over All Creation

   • God controls nature (locusts, wind, darkness) to accomplish His purposes.

   • The plagues show that Yahweh is supreme over Egypt’s gods.

2. The Dangers of a Hardened Heart

   • Pharaoh continually resists God despite overwhelming evidence.

   • False repentance does not lead to real change.

3. God Protects His People

   • The Israelites were spared from the darkness, symbolizing God's favor and care.

4. Compromise is Not an Option in Obedience to God

   • Pharaoh tried to negotiate partial obedience, but Moses stood firm.

   • True worship requires full surrender.

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Conclusion

Exodus 10 is a powerful chapter that demonstrates God's power and Pharaoh’s stubbornness. It teaches us about the consequences of resisting God and the importance of genuine repentance. It also foreshadows the final plague, which will ultimately lead to Israel’s freedom.