Exodus 10:4

But if you refuse to let My people go, I will bring locusts into your territory tomorrow.

Study Bible

But if you refuse to let My people go
This phrase is part of the series of demands made by God through Moses to Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt. The context is the ongoing struggle between God and Pharaoh, where God is demonstrating His power and sovereignty over the Egyptian gods and Pharaoh himself. The phrase "let My people go" is a recurring demand throughout the plagues narrative, emphasizing God's desire for the liberation of the Israelites from slavery. This demand highlights the theme of divine deliverance and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The refusal of Pharaoh is symbolic of human resistance to divine will, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture.

I will bring locusts into your territory
The threat of locusts is significant in the ancient Near Eastern context, where agriculture was the backbone of the economy. Locusts were known to cause devastating plagues, consuming crops and leading to famine. This plague is the eighth in a series of ten, each demonstrating God's power over the natural world and the gods of Egypt. Locusts are often used in the Bible as instruments of judgment (e.g., Joel 1:4, Revelation 9:3). The locusts serve as a symbol of divine retribution and a call to repentance. The use of locusts also connects to the broader biblical theme of God using creation to fulfill His purposes.

tomorrow
The specification of "tomorrow" indicates the immediacy and certainty of God's judgment. It underscores the urgency of Pharaoh's decision and the impending nature of the consequences of his continued disobedience. This immediacy is a common feature in the prophetic literature, where prophets often announce imminent judgment to provoke repentance. The precise timing also serves to authenticate the divine origin of the message, as only God can predict and control future events with such accuracy. This element of timing is a reminder of God's sovereignty over time and history.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The prophet and leader chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. He is the one delivering God's message to Pharaoh.

2. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt who is obstinately refusing to release the Israelites from slavery, despite the plagues that have already afflicted his land.

3. The Israelites
God's chosen people, who are enslaved in Egypt and are the central focus of God's deliverance plan.

4. Egypt
The land where the Israelites are enslaved and where God is demonstrating His power through the plagues.

5. The Plague of Locusts
The eighth plague that God threatens to bring upon Egypt if Pharaoh continues to refuse to release the Israelites. Locusts are a symbol of devastation and judgment.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty and Power
The plagues, including the locusts, demonstrate God's supreme authority over nature and nations. He uses these events to fulfill His purposes and to show that He is the one true God.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Pharaoh's refusal to obey God's command leads to severe consequences for Egypt. This serves as a warning about the dangers of hardening one's heart against God.

God's Faithfulness to His People
Despite the hardships, God is committed to delivering the Israelites. This reassures believers of God's unwavering faithfulness and His plans for redemption.

The Call to Repentance
The plagues are not just acts of judgment but also opportunities for Pharaoh and the Egyptians to repent. This highlights God's desire for repentance and transformation.

The Importance of Obedience
Moses' role in delivering God's message emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, even in the face of opposition.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the plague of locusts in Exodus 10:4 illustrate God's power and authority over creation?

2. In what ways does Pharaoh's response to God's command serve as a warning for us today about the dangers of a hardened heart?

3. How can we see God's faithfulness to His people in the account of the plagues, and how does this encourage us in our own faith journey?

4. What lessons can we learn from Moses' obedience in delivering God's message, and how can we apply these lessons in our own lives?

5. How do the plagues, including the locusts, serve as both acts of judgment and opportunities for repentance, and what does this teach us about God's character?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Joel 1:4
This verse describes a locust invasion, drawing a parallel to the devastation that locusts can bring, similar to the plague in Egypt.

Revelation 9:3
Locusts are used symbolically in the end times, showing the continuity of locusts as instruments of divine judgment.

Psalm 105:34-35
This passage recounts the plagues in Egypt, including the locusts, as a testament to God's power and faithfulness to His people.