“And he went out from Pharaoh, and entreated the LORD. And the LORD turned a mighty strong west wind, which took away the locusts and cast them into the Red sea; there remained not one locust in all the coasts of Egypt.”
In this verse, we witness a pivotal moment in the narrative of the book of Exodus. To provide some context, the Israelites had been enslaved in Egypt for many years, and Moses, under the guidance of God, was sent to Pharaoh to demand their release. God had performed various miraculous signs and plagues to demonstrate His power and demand Pharaoh’s compliance.
In the preceding verses, we see the eighth plague upon Egypt, which was a massive swarm of locusts. These destructive insects devoured all the vegetation and crops throughout the land, causing great devastation and distress. Pharaoh, recognizing the severity of the situation, called for Moses and Aaron to entreat the Lord on his behalf, asking for the removal of the locusts.
Verse 18 begins with Moses leaving Pharaoh’s presence and turning to the Lord in prayer. He intercedes on behalf of Pharaoh, requesting God’s intervention. As Moses entreats the Lord, acknowledging His sovereignty and seeking His mercy, the divine response is swift and powerful.
The verse states that the Lord “turned a mighty strong west wind.” This wind, brought about by God’s power, serves as the means to accomplish His purpose. The wind’s strength was such that it took hold of the locusts and carried them away. The insects were carried across the Red Sea and deposited far away from Egypt’s borders. The result was a complete eradication of the locusts from the entire land of Egypt. Not a single locust remained in any part of the country.
This verse showcases God’s authority over the forces of nature and His ability to control and direct them for His purposes. It also highlights the efficacy of prayer and intercession. Moses, acting as an intermediary between Pharaoh and God, approached the Lord on Pharaoh’s behalf, seeking relief from the plague. God responded to Moses’ plea, demonstrating His willingness to hear and answer prayers.
Furthermore, this passage serves as a testament to God’s sovereignty and His determination to deliver His people. The plagues in Egypt were not merely acts of punishment, but also displays of God’s power and His commitment to freeing the Israelites from their bondage. By removing the locusts, God brought relief to the land and demonstrated His ability to protect and preserve His people.
In summary, Exodus 10:18 portrays Moses’ intercession, God’s response through a powerful wind, and the subsequent removal of the locusts from Egypt. It reveals God’s sovereignty, His attentiveness to prayer, and His determination to deliver His people from oppression.
