Exodus 10:4

Else, if thou refuse to let my people go, behold, to morrow will I bring the locusts into thy coast:

Exodus 10:4 (KJV)

Context

This verse belongs to the story of the Ten Plagues, which God sent through Moses to persuade Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery. Several plagues had already struck Egypt, yet Pharaoh continued to refuse. In Exodus 10:4, Moses delivers God’s warning that a swarm of locusts will come the next day if Pharaoh still will not let the people go. The warning is part of a larger pattern: God kept sending His message through Moses, giving Pharaoh repeated opportunities to change his mind.

Meaning

The warning is specific and urgent. God says “to morrow” to show that the consequence is near. The locusts were not a random natural disaster but a direct act of judgment against Pharaoh and the Egyptian people for their refusal to let the Israelites go. They would devour whatever crops remained after the earlier plague of hail, causing severe loss to Egypt’s food supply and economy. This shows that refusal to obey God brings swift and serious results. It also demonstrates God’s power and authority over the land of Egypt, proving that no one could stand against Him.

Biblical connections

In Exodus 10:1-2, God explains that He hardened Pharaoh’s heart so that He could perform His signs and so that the Israelites could tell their children how He dealt with the Egyptians. This plague was not only punishment but also a lesson for future generations. It demonstrated God’s power over nature and over the gods of Egypt, proving that He alone is the LORD. The locusts were a divine act, not a mere natural event, and they served to show God’s control over all creation.

Application

God’s patience is clear: He gave Pharaoh another chance to change his mind. Yet His justice is also clear: continued stubbornness leads to consequences. For believers, this verse encourages honest response to God’s call. It warns against hardening the heart and reminds us that God uses even small creatures to accomplish His purposes. The Egyptians had oppressed the Israelites for years, and now they were experiencing the consequences of their actions, reflecting the principle of reaping what one sows.

Reflection

God’s message through Moses did not stop, even after many refusals. This persistence reflects His desire for people to turn back to Him. The locust plague was a call to repentance, an invitation to recognize the God of Israel as the one true God. It reminds us that God’s warnings are also opportunities for mercy. As we read this account, we can ask ourselves whether we are responding to God’s voice or hardening our hearts like Pharaoh.