The Eighth and Ninth Plagues: Locusts and Darkness

Exodus 10 details the continuation of God’s plagues upon Egypt with the eighth and ninth plagues—locusts and darkness. These plagues further demonstrate God’s power and set the stage for the final dramatic events leading to Israel’s release from bondage.

Plague of Locusts

• Warning to Pharaoh: Moses and Aaron again approach Pharaoh with a warning from God, who intends to bring locusts that will cover the land and consume what was left by the previous plague of hail. This plague threatens to devastate Egypt’s remaining crops, bringing severe famine (Exodus 10:1-6).
• Pharaoh’s Partial Repentance: Pharaoh’s officials, now desperate, urge him to let the Israelites go. Pharaoh briefly relents, offering to let only the men go. Moses and Aaron insist that everyone must go with their flocks and herds. Negotiations break down, and Pharaoh refuses (Exodus 10:7-11).
• Locusts Descend: At God’s command, Moses stretches out his staff, and an east wind brings the locusts. They devastate all Egyptian crops, filling the houses and darkening the land. Egypt is left without any greenery (Exodus 10:12-15).
• Pharaoh’s Temporary Submission: Pharaoh hastily summons Moses and Aaron, confessing his sin against the Lord and asking for forgiveness. He pleads for the removal of the locusts, and Moses intercedes. God shifts the wind, driving the locusts into the Red Sea, but Pharaoh’s heart hardens once again once the immediate threat is gone (Exodus 10:16-20).

Plague of Darkness

• A Darkness That Can Be Felt: God instructs Moses to stretch out his hand toward the sky, bringing a darkness over Egypt so thick it can be felt. This darkness lasts for three days, isolating the Egyptians completely, yet the Israelites have light where they live, emphasizing the distinction between God’s people and the Egyptians (Exodus 10:21-23).
• Pharaoh’s Last Offer: Pharaoh makes another conditional offer, allowing the Israelites to go but demanding that their flocks and herds be left behind. Moses refuses, stating they need their animals for sacrifices. Pharaoh, furious, warns Moses never to appear before him again, threatening his life (Exodus 10:24-29).

Theological Significance and Connection to Jesus Christ

Christological Echoes

• Judgment and Redemption: The plagues serve as a form of divine judgment but also prefigure the redemption that comes through Jesus Christ, who delivers believers from the spiritual darkness of sin.
• Distinction Between Light and Darkness: The contrast between the darkness over Egypt and the light in Goshen where the Israelites dwell can be seen as a metaphor for Christ as the Light of the World, who illuminates the lives of those who follow Him, contrasting with the spiritual darkness of those who do not (John 8:12).

Divine Love and Its Implications

• God’s Protective Love: The distinction between Egyptians and Israelites during the plagues demonstrates God’s protective love for His people, ensuring their safety even amidst widespread judgment.
• Purposeful Hardening of Heart: The repeated hardening of Pharaoh’s heart serves to magnify God’s power and ultimately confirms His sovereignty, showing that all events serve His divine plan, including the liberation of His people.

Contemporary Relevance

Why Exodus 10 Still Matters Today

• Moral Responsibility and Repentance: Pharaoh’s repeated false repentance serves as a warning about the dangers of insincere repentance and the need for genuine change.
• Environmental and Economic Disasters: The plagues of locusts and darkness resonate in today’s context of environmental and economic crises, highlighting the importance of responsible stewardship and the potential consequences of ignoring divine laws or natural limits.
• Spiritual Enlightenment and Guidance: The plague of darkness contrasted with light for the Israelites illustrates the role of spiritual enlightenment and divine guidance in overcoming trials and navigating life’s challenges.

Exodus 10 enriches our understanding of God’s dealings with humanity, emphasizing His justice, mercy, and the overarching plans He has for His people, which are as relevant today as they were in Moses’ time.