Exodus 10:18

And he went out from Pharaoh, and intreated the LORD. Exodus 10:18 (KJV)

The narrative of Exodus places the Israelites in long‑term bondage in Egypt, while God, through Moses, repeatedly confronts Pharaoh to secure their freedom. Prior to verse 18, the eighth plague—an overwhelming swarm of locusts—has devastated the land, stripping fields of vegetation and causing great distress. Recognizing the severity of this disaster, Pharaoh summons Moses and Aaron, asking them to entreat the Lord on his behalf for relief.

Verse 18 records Moses leaving Pharaoh’s presence and turning to the Lord in prayer. He intercedes for Pharaoh, acknowledging God’s sovereignty and pleading for mercy to end the locust plague. This act of intercession underscores the power of prayer and the role of a mediator between God and a ruler.

In response, verse 19 declares that the Lord “turned a strong west wind.” By divine power this wind lifts the locusts and carries them out of the land, leaving no locust remaining in Egypt. The text does not specify where the insects are taken, only that they are removed from the country.

This passage vividly displays God’s authority over the forces of nature. The swift, decisive wind demonstrates that the Creator can command natural elements to accomplish His purposes. Moreover, the episode highlights the efficacy of earnest prayer; God hears Moses’ entreaty and acts immediately.

Beyond the immediate relief, the removal of the locusts serves as a broader testimony to God’s determination to deliver His people. The plagues are not merely punitive measures but purposeful displays of divine power, each pointing toward the ultimate liberation of Israel. By ending the locust devastation, God not only restores the land’s fertility but also reinforces His commitment to protect and preserve His covenant people, affirming that He is attentive to prayer and sovereign over all creation.