“And they shall fill thy houses, and the houses of all thy servants, and the houses of all the Egyptians; which neither thy fathers, nor thy fathers’ fathers have seen since the day that they were upon the earth unto this day. And he turned himself, and went out from Pharaoh.”
Context: In the book of Exodus, the Israelites were held in bondage as slaves in Egypt. Moses, appointed by God, confronted Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, and demanded the release of the Israelites. Pharaoh had repeatedly refused to let them go, despite experiencing various plagues as a consequence. The verse in question is part of the narrative describing the plague of locusts.
Historical background: This verse highlights the severity and uniqueness of the plague of locusts that was about to come upon Egypt. It mentions that neither Pharaoh’s fathers nor his fathers’ fathers had witnessed anything like it before. This emphasizes the extraordinary nature of the event, indicating that it would surpass any previous experience or knowledge.
Fulfillment of God’s warning: Prior to this, Moses had warned Pharaoh about the impending locust plague if he refused to release the Israelites. In Exodus 10:4-5, Moses tells Pharaoh, “Else, if thou refuse to let my people go, behold, tomorrow will I bring the locusts into thy coast: And they shall cover the face of the earth so that one cannot be able to see the earth.” This verse in Exodus 10:6 signifies the fulfillment of Moses’ warning and demonstrates that God’s words are true and cannot be disregarded.
Divine authority and power: The plague of locusts was a demonstration of God’s authority over creation. By allowing the locusts to fill the houses of the Egyptians, including Pharaoh’s house and the houses of his servants, God displayed His power over the land and its inhabitants. This event showcased that the God of the Israelites was not only able to bring destruction upon the land but also had control over every aspect of nature.
Persistence of Pharaoh: After witnessing the devastation brought by previous plagues, one might expect Pharaoh to relent and release the Israelites. However, Exodus 10:6 states that “he turned himself, and went out from Pharaoh.” This implies that despite the severity of the plagues and the warnings given by Moses, Pharaoh remained stubborn and unyielding. It portrays the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart and his refusal to submit to the will of God.
Application to our lives: The account of the plagues in Exodus teaches us important lessons. It reminds us of the consequences of pride and disobedience. Pharaoh’s unwillingness to submit to God’s command resulted in the suffering of his people and the land of Egypt. Likewise, we should be mindful of the state of our hearts and be willing to humble ourselves before God, acknowledging His authority and following His will.
In conclusion, Exodus 10:6 emphasizes the severity and uniqueness of the locust plague that was about to befall Egypt. It highlights God’s authority, power, and fulfillment of His warnings. The verse also portrays Pharaoh’s persistent resistance and refusal to release the Israelites. As we reflect on this passage, we can learn valuable lessons about humility, obedience, and the consequences of pride.
