Exodus 10:14
And the locusts went up over all the land of Egypt, and rested in all the coasts of Egypt: very grievous were they; before them there were no such locusts as they, neither after them shall be such.
Exodus 10:14 (KJV)
Context
This verse records the eighth plague upon Egypt. God sent Moses to warn Pharaoh, and when Pharaoh refused to let the Israelites go, locusts covered the whole land. The text stresses their number and severity: they were “very grievous,” and no such locusts had ever appeared before, nor would they again. This was not a natural disaster but a direct judgment from God, designed to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery. The plague also served as a judgment against the gods of Egypt, showing that the Lord alone is sovereign over all creation.
Meaning
The phrase “very grievous” captures the unbearable weight of the plague. The locusts consumed every plant that the earlier hail had left, leaving the land bare and ruined. Their unprecedented scale proves this was a divine act, not an ordinary swarm. The severity matched Pharaoh’s continued hardness of heart; each refusal brought a heavier judgment. God’s patience was evident in the repeated warnings He gave before executing this judgment, yet Pharaoh’s heart remained stubborn.
Biblical connections
The plagues served two purposes: they judged Egypt for its cruelty, and they showed that the Lord was greater than Egypt’s gods. In Egyptian belief, the locust was linked to the god Seth. By sending this plague, God displayed His authority over that false deity. The destruction also fulfilled the warning Moses gave earlier, that the locusts would fill the houses and the land (Exodus 10:4-6). This event demonstrates God’s absolute sovereignty over nature, as He used small creatures to accomplish His will. The locusts left famine and destruction in their wake, a direct response to Pharaoh’s defiance.
Application
This account reminds us that God rules over all creation. He can use even small creatures to carry out His purposes. It also teaches us about His patience. God warned Pharaoh repeatedly, giving him chances to repent. Pharaoh refused, and his heart grew harder. We should not ignore God’s warnings. His Word and the Holy Spirit call us today to turn from sin and obey Him. The plagues also remind us of God’s faithfulness to His promises of deliverance for His people. His judgments are just, and His power is absolute.
God’s power is limitless. He can intervene in our lives to accomplish His purposes, just as He sent the locusts.
God’s warnings are serious. He gives us time to respond, but we must not waste it.
God’s patience leads to repentance. He is slow to anger and desires that we turn back to Him.
Reflection
When we read about the locusts, we see both judgment and mercy. God judged Egypt, but He also protected His people in Goshen. He is faithful to His promises. This verse calls us to humble ourselves before Him, to recognize His justice, and to trust that He will deliver those who belong to Him. Let us learn from Pharaoh’s mistake and respond to God with soft hearts, ready to obey.
