"And they shall cover the face of the earth, that one cannot be able to see the earth: and they shall eat the residue of that which is escaped, which remaineth unto you from the hail, and shall eat every tree which groweth for you out of the field."
Exodus 10:5 is part of the narrative describing the plague of locusts that God sent upon Egypt during the time of Moses. To fully understand this verse, it’s helpful to consider the context and the preceding events.
In Exodus, the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt, and God had sent Moses to Pharaoh to demand their freedom. Pharaoh had repeatedly refused, and as a result, God brought a series of plagues upon the land of Egypt to demonstrate His power and to compel Pharaoh to let the Israelites go.
In this particular verse, God is warning Pharaoh about the impending plague of locusts. The locusts were described as covering the face of the earth, indicating the sheer magnitude of their presence. The intensity of the locust infestation would be so great that it would obscure the ground, making it impossible to see the earth beneath them.
The verse also mentions that the locusts would eat the residue of that which escaped the previous plague of hail. This refers to any crops or vegetation that had managed to survive the hailstorm. Despite the destruction caused by the hail, there would still be remnants left, but the locusts would consume them, leaving no food or sustenance behind.
Furthermore, the locusts would devour every tree that grew out of the field. This emphasizes the widespread devastation the locusts would bring upon the land, as they would not spare any greenery or agricultural resources. The locusts would strip the land bare, intensifying the economic and agricultural impact on the Egyptians.
From a broader perspective, this verse highlights God’s control over nature and His ability to use natural elements to accomplish His purposes. The plague of locusts served as a judgment against Pharaoh and the Egyptian people for their refusal to let the Israelites go. It demonstrated God’s power and authority over the land, showing that no one could stand against Him.
This verse also reflects the concept of reaping what one sows. The Egyptians had been oppressing the Israelites for years, and now they were experiencing the consequences of their actions. The devastation caused by the locusts would serve as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God’s will and the consequences of resisting His commands.
Overall, Exodus 10:5 showcases the severity of the locust plague and its impact on the land of Egypt. It highlights God’s power, His judgment, and the consequences of disobedience.
