Introduction

Exodus 10 records the final plagues before the death of the firstborn. Locusts consume Egypt's remaining crops, and impenetrable darkness covers the land. Pharaoh's officials beg him to let Israel go, and Pharaoh himself offers compromises—but God will accept nothing less than full release.

Purpose of the Signs

[1-2] Why the plagues continue.

• Hardened heart [1]: "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."
• For future generations [2]: "...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."
• The purpose: The plagues are not just punishment but pedagogy—for Egypt, for Israel, and for all future generations

The Eighth Plague: Locusts

[3-20] Destruction of remaining crops.

• The warning [3-6]: "How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me? If you refuse to let my people go, I will bring locusts into your country tomorrow. They will cover the face of the ground so that it cannot be seen. They will devour what little you have left after the hail."
• Moses and Aaron leave [6]: They deliver the message and turn and leave
• Officials plead with Pharaoh [7]: "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?"
• Pharaoh's compromise [8-11]: Moses and Aaron are brought back. Pharaoh says, "Go, worship the Lord your God. But tell me who will be going." Moses says, "We will go with our young and our old, with our sons and our daughters, and with our flocks and herds." Pharaoh refuses: "The Lord be with you—if I let you go, along with your women and children! Clearly you are bent on evil. No! Have only the men go." They are driven from Pharaoh
• The locusts come [12-15]: Moses stretches out his staff. The Lord brings an east wind all day and night. By morning, locusts cover the land. They devour everything the hail left. Nothing green remains
• Pharaoh's quick confession [16-17]: Pharaoh quickly summons Moses and Aaron: "I have sinned against the Lord your God and against you. Now forgive my sin once more and pray to the Lord to take this deadly plague from me."
• Locusts removed [18-19]: Moses prays. The Lord changes the wind to a strong west wind, which catches up the locusts and carries them into the Red Sea. Not a locust is left
• Heart hardened again [20]: But the Lord hardens Pharaoh's heart, and he will not let the Israelites go

The Ninth Plague: Darkness

[21-29] Three days of impenetrable darkness.

• No warning [21]: The Lord tells Moses, "Stretch out your hand toward the sky so that darkness spreads over Egypt—darkness that can be felt."
• Total darkness [22-23]: Moses stretches out his hand, and total darkness covers all Egypt for three days. No one can see anyone else or move about for three days. Yet all the Israelites have light in their dwellings
• Pharaoh's compromise [24]: Pharaoh summons Moses: "Go, worship the Lord. Even your women and children may go with you; only leave your flocks and herds behind."
• Moses refuses [25-26]: "You must allow us to have sacrifices and burnt offerings to present to the Lord our God. Our livestock too must go with us; not a hoof is to be left behind."
• Final break [27-29]: The Lord hardens Pharaoh's heart, and he is unwilling to let them go. Pharaoh says to Moses, "Get out of my sight! Make sure you do not appear before me again! The day you see my face you will die." Moses replies, "Just as you say. I will never appear before you again."

Theological Significance

• Attack on Ra: The sun god Ra was Egypt's chief deity. Total darkness showed YHWH's supremacy
• Light for Israel: The distinction continues—Israel has light while Egypt is in darkness
• Partial obedience rejected: Each of Pharaoh's compromises (men only, leave livestock) is rejected. God demands complete obedience
• Final confrontation set: The relationship between Pharaoh and Moses reaches breaking point

Key Takeaways

• God's signs teach generations [2]: We tell the stories so children know who God is
• Partial obedience isn't acceptable [24-26]: God wants all of us, not just what's convenient
• Light amid darkness [23]: God's people have light when the world is dark
• Hardness reaches a point of no return [28]: Pharaoh threatens death if Moses appears again

Reflection Questions

• What stories of God's faithfulness are you passing to the next generation?
• Are there areas where you offer God partial obedience while holding something back?
• How do you maintain light when darkness surrounds you?