Overview:

Exodus 10 continues the story of the plagues, focusing on the eighth and ninth plagues: locusts and darkness. As God escalates His judgment against Egypt, Pharaoh’s refusal to let the Israelites go becomes more entrenched, despite moments of seeming repentance. The locusts destroy what little remained of Egypt’s crops after the hailstorm, plunging the nation deeper into ruin. The ninth plague, a thick darkness, serves as a direct assault on one of Egypt’s chief gods, Ra, the sun god. Pharaoh briefly entertains negotiations, but his heart remains hardened, setting the stage for the final and most devastating plague to come.

This chapter explores the severity of God’s judgment on those who refuse to submit to His authority, while also emphasizing the patience and persistence of God’s efforts to break through Pharaoh’s hardened heart. The ongoing theme of God’s sovereign control over creation and His distinction between Egypt and Israel remains evident as God continues to protect His people while judging Egypt.

Historical and Literary Context:

Exodus 10 is part of the escalating series of plagues leading to the final plague, the death of the firstborn. The locusts, which devour all remaining crops, deal a devastating blow to Egypt’s agricultural economy. In the ancient world, locusts were a symbol of destruction and could devastate an entire nation’s food supply. The ninth plague of darkness challenges Egypt’s most important deity, Ra, the sun god. For three days, the sun is blotted out, symbolizing God’s control over even the greatest of Egypt’s gods.

Pharaoh’s continued hardening of his heart, despite the devastation, reflects the depth of human rebellion against God. While Pharaoh briefly offers compromises, he ultimately refuses to submit fully to God’s demand. The chapter sets the stage for the final confrontation between God and Pharaoh, leading to the climactic judgment of the tenth plague.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points:

The Devastation of Judgment:

The plagues of locusts and darkness represent the final stages of God’s judgment on Egypt before the ultimate plague. The locusts devour all that remains of Egypt’s crops, leaving the land in total ruin.

“They covered all the ground until it was black. They devoured all that was left after the hail—everything growing in the fields and the fruit on the trees. Nothing green remained on tree or plant in all the land of Egypt” (Exodus 10:15).

The complete destruction brought by the locusts demonstrates the thoroughness of God’s judgment. This devastation highlights that when people persist in rebellion, God’s judgment becomes increasingly severe.

The Hardening of Pharaoh’s Heart:

Pharaoh’s refusal to fully surrender to God’s will becomes even more evident in this chapter. Even after seeing the devastation brought by the plagues, Pharaoh’s repentance is short-lived, and he quickly returns to his defiance.

“But the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not let the Israelites go” (Exodus 10:20).

Pharaoh’s hardened heart serves as a warning of the dangers of pride and rebellion against God. The more he resists, the more entrenched his opposition becomes, illustrating the destructive nature of sin and defiance against God.

God’s Sovereignty Over Creation:

The plagues demonstrate God’s absolute control over nature. The locusts come at His command, and the darkness falls over Egypt at His word. God’s ability to manipulate nature showcases His sovereignty over all creation.

“So Moses stretched out his staff toward the sky, and total darkness covered all Egypt for three days” (Exodus 10:22).

The ninth plague, in particular, is a direct assault on Egypt’s worship of Ra, the sun god. By blotting out the sun for three days, God demonstrates His authority over even Egypt’s most revered deity, showing that He alone is the true God.

The Distinction Between Egypt and Israel:

As with previous plagues, God makes a distinction between Egypt and His people. While Egypt is plunged into darkness, the Israelites continue to live in the light.

“Yet all the Israelites had light in the places where they lived” (Exodus 10:23).

This distinction emphasizes God’s covenant protection over His people and foreshadows the ultimate deliverance that is about to occur. It also illustrates the difference between those who belong to God and those who are subject to His judgment.

Verse-by-Verse Analysis:

Exodus 10:1-2:

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 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 reveals the purpose behind the plagues: not only to deliver Israel but also to demonstrate His power and sovereignty in a way that will be remembered for generations. The plagues are not just acts of judgment but are also meant to teach the Israelites—and future generations—about God’s justice and power.

Exodus 10:3-6:

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. 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, including every tree that is growing in your fields. They will fill your houses and those of all your officials and all the Egyptians—something neither your parents nor your ancestors have ever seen from the day they settled in this land till now.’” Then Moses turned and left Pharaoh.

Moses warns Pharaoh of the impending plague of locusts and calls him to humble himself before God. The locusts will complete the destruction of Egypt’s agriculture that began with the plague of hail. The reference to future generations underscores the unprecedented nature of this judgment and the depth of Pharaoh’s stubbornness.

Exodus 10:7-11:

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?” Then Moses and Aaron were brought back to Pharaoh. “Go, worship the Lord your God,” he said. “But tell me who will be going.” Moses answered, “We will go with our young and old, with our sons and daughters, and with our flocks and herds, because we are to celebrate a festival to the Lord.” Pharaoh said, “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 and worship the Lord, since that’s what you have been asking for.” Then Moses and Aaron were driven out of Pharaoh’s presence.

Even Pharaoh’s officials urge him to let the Israelites go, recognizing the devastation brought by the plagues. Pharaoh briefly entertains the idea of releasing the Israelites but attempts to negotiate by allowing only the men to leave. Moses insists that all of the Israelites must go, leading to Pharaoh rejecting the request again.

Exodus 10:12-15:

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.” So Moses stretched out his staff over Egypt, and the Lord made an east wind blow across the land all that day and all that night. By morning the wind had brought the locusts; they invaded all Egypt and settled down in every area of the country in great numbers. Never before had there been such a plague of locusts, nor will there ever be again. They covered all the ground until it was black. They devoured all that was left after the hail—everything growing in the fields and the fruit on the trees. Nothing green remained on tree or plant in all the land of Egypt.

The locusts swarm over Egypt, devouring every remaining crop and plant. The severity of the plague emphasizes the totality of God’s judgment, leaving Egypt desolate. The locusts are a divine instrument of destruction, completing the devastation begun by the previous plague.

Exodus 10:16-20:

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.” Moses then left Pharaoh and prayed to the Lord. And the Lord changed the wind to a very strong west wind, which caught up the locusts and carried them into the Red Sea. Not a locust was left anywhere in Egypt. But the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not let the Israelites go.

Pharaoh once again appears to repent, acknowledging his sin and asking for the plague to be lifted. Moses prays, and God removes the locusts, but Pharaoh’s repentance proves to be insincere as he hardens his heart once again. This pattern of temporary repentance followed by renewed rebellion reflects the depth of Pharaoh’s defiance.

Exodus 10:21-23:

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward the sky so that darkness spreads over Egypt—darkness that can be felt.” So Moses stretched out his hand toward the sky, and total darkness covered all Egypt for three days. No one could see anyone else or move about for three days. Yet all the Israelites had light in the places where they lived.

The ninth plague, a thick darkness, falls over Egypt for three days. This plague is especially significant because it directly challenges the worship of Ra, the sun god, who was central to Egypt’s religion. By blotting out the sun, God demonstrates His supremacy over Egypt’s greatest deity. In contrast, the Israelites are spared from the darkness, emphasizing the distinction between God’s people and the Egyptians.

Exodus 10:24-27:

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.” But Moses said, “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. We have to use some of them in worshiping the Lord our God, and until we get there we will not know what we are to use to worship the Lord.” But the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he was not willing to let them go.

Pharaoh once again offers a compromise, allowing the Israelites to leave but demanding that they leave behind their livestock. Moses refuses, insisting that the Israelites must take everything with them in order to worship God fully. Pharaoh’s heart hardens again, and he refuses to let them go.

Exodus 10:28-29:

Pharaoh said 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.” “Just as you say,” Moses replied. “I will never appear before you again.”

The chapter ends with Pharaoh’s anger boiling over. He dismisses Moses and threatens him with death if he returns. Moses agrees, signaling that the next confrontation will be the final one, leading to the climactic moment of God’s judgment in the next chapter.

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ:

Exodus 10 showcases the escalating consequences of hard-heartedness and rebellion against God. Pharaoh’s repeated refusals to submit to God’s authority lead to devastating judgment for Egypt. This pattern reflects the broader biblical theme of the consequences of sin and the necessity of repentance. In the New Testament, Jesus calls people to repentance, warning that failure to do so will result in eternal separation from God (Luke 13:3).

The plague of darkness serves as a powerful image of spiritual darkness. In the New Testament, Jesus is described as the “light of the world” (John 8:12), and those who reject Him remain in spiritual darkness. The distinction between the Egyptians, who were plunged into physical darkness, and the Israelites, who remained in the light, foreshadows the separation between those who are in Christ and those who remain in spiritual blindness (John 12:35-36).

Sermon Outline and Flow:

1. Introduction: The Eighth and Ninth Plagues
   • Set the context for the locusts and darkness as God’s escalating judgment on Egypt.
   • Introduce the themes of hard-heartedness, judgment, and spiritual light versus darkness.
2. Point 1: The Devastation of God’s Judgment
   • Discuss the locust plague and the total destruction of Egypt’s crops.
   • Application: God’s judgment is thorough and just. How should we respond to His warnings today?
3. Point 2: The Dangers of a Hardened Heart
   • Explore Pharaoh’s repeated hardening of heart and his insincere repentance.
   • Application: How can we guard against hard-heartedness and ensure that our repentance is genuine?
4. Point 3: God’s Sovereignty Over Creation and False Powers
   • Highlight the plague of darkness as a direct challenge to Egypt’s worship of Ra.
   • Application: God is sovereign over all creation and false gods. How does this affect the way we view the powers of this world?
5. Point 4: The Distinction Between God’s People and the World
   • Emphasize the distinction between Egypt and Israel in the plagues, particularly the light for the Israelites during the darkness.
   • Application: As believers, we are called to live in the light of Christ. How does this shape our identity and mission in the world?

Illustrations and Examples:

• Share a personal or historical story of someone who experienced the consequences of ignoring God’s warnings, contrasted with someone who responded in repentance and found redemption.
• Use a metaphor of light and darkness to illustrate the distinction between living in the light of Christ and remaining in spiritual blindness.

Application for Today’s Christian:

Exodus 10 reminds believers of the seriousness of sin and the necessity of repentance. Pharaoh’s refusal to submit to God’s will led to devastating consequences, illustrating the dangers of a hardened heart. As Christians, we are called to respond to God’s warnings with genuine repentance and humility. The distinction between Egypt and Israel during the plagues also serves as a reminder that believers are called to live in the light of Christ, separate from the darkness of the world. This chapter challenges us to trust in God’s sovereignty and submit to His authority in every area of our lives.

Connection to the Father in Exodus 10:

God the Father’s authority over all creation is on full display in Exodus 10. His control over the elements—locusts, darkness, and the very forces of nature—demonstrates His power as Creator and Judge. His patience with Pharaoh, despite his repeated rebellion, shows God’s desire for repentance but also His commitment to justice. God’s protection of Israel during the plagues reflects His covenant love and faithfulness to His people.

Connection to Jesus Christ in Exodus 10:

The ninth plague of darkness serves as a powerful foreshadowing of Jesus’ role as the “light of the world” (John 8:12). Just as the Egyptians were plunged into darkness while the Israelites remained in the light, so too are those who reject Christ left in spiritual darkness, while those who follow Him walk in the light of life. The escalating judgment in Exodus points to the final judgment that Jesus will bring upon the world, but His offer of salvation is extended to all who will repent and believe (John 3:19-21).

Connection to the Holy Spirit in Exodus 10:

The Holy Spirit’s work in softening hearts stands in contrast to Pharaoh’s hard-heartedness. Throughout the Bible, the Spirit calls people to repentance, convicting them of sin and leading them toward God. In Exodus 10, we see the consequences of resisting this call. The Spirit empowers believers to live in the light, walking in obedience to God’s commands, while those who resist the Spirit remain in spiritual darkness (Ephesians 5:8).

Connection to God’s Love in Exodus 10:

God’s love is demonstrated in His continued protection of Israel throughout the plagues. Even as He brings judgment upon Egypt, He spares His people, showing His covenant faithfulness. This love is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who offers salvation and deliverance from the judgment of sin. The light that shines on the Israelites during the plague of darkness foreshadows the light of Christ that brings life to all who believe in Him.

Reflection Questions:

1. How does the plague of locusts demonstrate the thoroughness of God’s judgment, and what does this teach us about His justice?
2. In what ways can we guard our hearts from becoming hardened like Pharaoh’s, and how can we cultivate genuine repentance?
3. How does the plague of darkness challenge the false powers of this world, and how does it point to Jesus as the light of the world?
4. What does the distinction between Egypt and Israel during the plagues teach us about the protection and identity of God’s people today?
5. How can we live as people of the light, reflecting the light of Christ in a world that is often spiritually dark?