Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the wind is often depicted as a powerful force under the command of God, used to accomplish His divine purposes. One of the most striking instances of the wind being used in a miraculous event is the bringing of locusts upon Egypt, as recorded in the Book of Exodus.Biblical Context The event of the locusts is part of the ten plagues that God inflicted upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from bondage. Each plague was a demonstration of God's supremacy over the Egyptian gods and a direct challenge to Pharaoh's hardened heart. The Eighth Plague: Locusts The account of the locusts is found in Exodus 10:12-15. After Pharaoh's continued refusal to let the Israelites go, the Lord instructed Moses to stretch out his hand over the land of Egypt to bring forth the locusts. The text states: "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Stretch out your hand over the land of Egypt, so that locusts will swarm over the land and devour every plant in the fields—everything that the hail has left.' So Moses stretched out his staff over the land of Egypt, and the LORD directed an east wind over the land all that day and all that night. By morning the wind had brought the locusts; they invaded all the land of Egypt and settled 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." (Exodus 10:12-14) The Role of the Wind The east wind, as described in the passage, was the divine instrument used by God to bring the locusts into Egypt. This wind blew all day and night, emphasizing the deliberate and controlled nature of the miracle. The locusts, carried by the wind, covered the land in such a vast number that they consumed every green thing left by the previous plague of hail. Significance The use of the wind to bring locusts serves multiple purposes in the biblical narrative. It demonstrates God's control over nature, as He commands the elements to fulfill His will. The locusts, a natural phenomenon, are transformed into a supernatural event through the timing and intensity orchestrated by God. This plague, like the others, was a direct affront to the Egyptian deities, particularly those associated with agriculture and fertility, showcasing the impotence of these gods in the face of Yahweh's power. Furthermore, the locusts' devastation of the land symbolized the totality of God's judgment against Egypt, leaving no sustenance and highlighting the futility of resisting His commands. The east wind, therefore, is not merely a meteorological occurrence but a divine tool wielded with precision to achieve God's redemptive purposes for His people. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the miracle of the locusts brought by the wind underscores the sovereignty of God over creation. It serves as a reminder of His ability to use natural forces to execute His divine will and to bring about His plans for deliverance and judgment. The event also foreshadows the ultimate liberation of the Israelites, pointing to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His chosen people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 10:13And Moses stretched forth his rod over the land of Egypt, and the LORD brought an east wind on the land all that day, and all that night; and when it was morning, the east wind brought the locusts. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Of the Three Woe Trumpets. I Know that My Redeemer Liveth Exposition of Chap. Iii. (ii. 28-32. ) Acts II Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses. Resources What is the new birth? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to be born of God? | GotQuestions.org What did Jesus mean when He said, “Peace, be still”? | GotQuestions.org Wind: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Wind of Iniquity Which Leads to Destruction The Wind of Terrors Which Pursue the Soul The Wind of the Operations of the Holy Spirit The Wind of the Speeches of the Desperate The Wind: (Bringing Forth) of Disappointed Expectations The Wind: (Chaff or Stubble Before) of the Wicked The Wind: (Feeding Upon) of Vain Hopes The Wind: (Sowing) a Course of Sin The Wind: (When Destructive) the Judgments of God The Wind: (Without Rain) One Who Boasts of a False Gift The Wind: Accomplishes the Purposes of God The Wind: Frequently Brings Rain The Wind: from the North Drives Away Rain The Wind: God: Brings Forth, out of his Treasuries The Wind: God: Gathers, in his Hand The Wind: Miracles Connected With: Calmed by Casting out Jonah The Wind: Miracles Connected With: Calmed by Christ The Wind: Miracles Connected With: Locusts Brought By The Wind: Miracles Connected With: Locusts Removed By The Wind: Miracles Connected With: Quails Brought By The Wind: Miracles Connected With: Raises on Account of Jonah The Wind: Miracles Connected With: Red Sea Divided By The Wind: Miracles Connected With: Rocks and Mountains Rent By The Wind: Movement of the Leaves of Trees By, Noticed The Wind: Tempestuous: Destroys Houses The Wind: Tempestuous: Drives About the Largest Ships The Wind: Tempestuous: Raises the Sea in Waves The Wind: The Simoom or Pestilential Wind The Wind: Theory of, Above Man's Comprehension The Wind: when Violent Called: Fierce Wind The Wind: when Violent Called: Great and Strong Wind The Wind: when Violent Called: Mighty Wind The Wind: when Violent Called: Rough Wind The Wind: when Violent Called: Storm The Wind: when Violent Called: Stormy Wind The Wind: when Violent Called: Tempest The Wind: when Violent Called: Windy Storm Wind: East in the Valley of the Euphrates River Wind: East: At the City of Nineveh Wind: East: Hot and Blasting in Egypt Wind: East: Tempestuous in the Land of Uz Wind: North: Free from Humidity in Canaan Wind: West: Took Away the Plague of Locusts from the Land of Egypt Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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