Exodus 10:13

So Moses stretched out his staff over the land of Egypt, and throughout that day and night the LORD sent an east wind across the land. By morning the east wind had brought the locusts.

Study Bible

So Moses stretched out his staff over the land of Egypt
The act of Moses stretching out his staff is a recurring motif in the narrative of the plagues, symbolizing divine authority and intervention. The staff, a simple shepherd's tool, becomes a powerful instrument of God's will. In Hebrew, the word for "staff" is "מַטֶּה" (matteh), which can also mean "tribe" or "branch," symbolizing leadership and authority. This act signifies Moses' role as God's chosen leader, executing divine judgment upon Egypt. Historically, staffs were symbols of power and authority in ancient cultures, and Moses' use of the staff underscores the supremacy of God's power over the might of Egypt.

and the LORD drove an east wind across the land all that day and all that night
The "east wind" in Hebrew is "רוּחַ קָדִים" (ruach qadim), often associated with destruction and judgment in the Bible. This wind is not a mere natural phenomenon but a direct act of God, demonstrating His control over creation. The east wind's persistence "all that day and all that night" emphasizes the thoroughness and inevitability of God's judgment. In the ancient Near East, winds from the east were known to bring harsh, dry conditions, often leading to devastation, which aligns with the narrative of the plagues as acts of divine retribution.

By morning the east wind had brought the locusts
The arrival of the locusts, driven by the east wind, marks the eighth plague upon Egypt. Locusts, in Hebrew "אַרְבֶּה" (arbeh), are a symbol of overwhelming destruction, consuming everything in their path. This plague is a direct assault on Egypt's agricultural economy, which was the backbone of its wealth and sustenance. The timing "by morning" suggests a new beginning, but instead of hope, it brings devastation. Scripturally, locusts are often used as instruments of divine judgment, as seen in the prophetic literature (e.g., Joel 1:4), reinforcing the theme of God's sovereignty and the consequences of defying His will.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The prophet and leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egyptian bondage. In this verse, Moses acts in obedience to God's command, demonstrating his role as an intermediary between God and Pharaoh.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenantal name of God, who is actively involved in delivering His people from slavery. His power is demonstrated through the plagues, including the plague of locusts.

3. Egypt
The land where the Israelites are enslaved. It is the setting for the plagues, which serve as judgments against Pharaoh and the Egyptian gods.

4. East Wind
A natural phenomenon used by God to bring about His purposes. In this context, it is the means by which the locusts are brought to Egypt, showcasing God's control over nature.

5. Locusts
The agents of the eighth plague, sent by God to devastate the land of Egypt. They symbolize destruction and judgment, emphasizing the severity of God's actions against Pharaoh's hardened heart.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Commands
Moses' action of stretching out his staff is a model of obedience. Believers are called to trust and obey God's instructions, even when the outcome is not immediately visible.

God's Sovereignty Over Nature
The use of the east wind to bring locusts demonstrates God's control over creation. Christians can find comfort in knowing that God is sovereign over all aspects of life, including natural events.

Judgment and Repentance
The plague of locusts serves as a warning of judgment for disobedience. It is a call for self-examination and repentance, reminding believers of the consequences of hardening one's heart against God.

God's Deliverance
The plagues, including the locusts, are part of God's plan to deliver His people. This encourages believers to trust in God's deliverance in their own lives, even when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Moses' obedience in this passage challenge us to respond to God's commands in our own lives?

2. In what ways does the east wind in this account illustrate God's control over nature, and how can this understanding impact our view of current natural events?

3. What can we learn from the plague of locusts about the seriousness of God's judgment and the importance of repentance?

4. How does the account of the plagues, including the locusts, encourage us to trust in God's deliverance in difficult situations?

5. How do the themes of judgment and restoration seen in the account of the locusts connect to other parts of Scripture, and what practical applications can we draw from these connections?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Joel 2:25
This verse speaks of God restoring the years that the locusts have eaten, highlighting God's power to both judge and restore. It connects to the theme of locusts as instruments of divine judgment and the possibility of redemption.

Revelation 9:3
Locusts are used symbolically in the end times, representing a form of divine judgment. This connection underscores the recurring biblical theme of locusts as instruments of God's wrath.

Psalm 78:46
This psalm recounts the plagues of Egypt, including the locusts, as a reminder of God's mighty acts and His deliverance of Israel. It serves as a historical reflection on God's power and faithfulness.