Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryExodus 10

Exodus 10:1−11: The Plagues of Egypt – The Threat of LocustsIn this passage, God tells Moses to go to Pharaoh again. God explains that He has allowed Pharaoh’s heart to be hard so that He can show His power through miracles. These events are meant to be remembered and told to future generations, so everyone will know that the LORD is the true God. Moses warns Pharaoh about the coming plague of locusts, which will destroy what is left after the hail. Pharaoh’s officials urge him to let the Israelites go, but Pharaoh only wants to let the men leave, not the women and children. Because of this, the negotiations break down.v. 1-2: God tells Moses to go to Pharaoh because He has hardened Pharaoh’s heart and the hearts of his officials. God wants to show His signs and miracles, so that the Israelites will remember and teach their children about God’s power in Egypt (v. 1, 2 ).

v. 3: Moses and Aaron go to Pharaoh and ask, “How long will you refuse to humble yourself before God?” They repeat God’s command to let His people go and serve Him. God expects even the greatest rulers to humble themselves before Him (v. 3 ).

v. 4-6: Moses warns Pharaoh that if he refuses, God will send locusts the next day. The locusts will cover the land, eat everything left after the hail, and fill every house. This will be worse than anything Egypt has ever seen. After giving the warning, Moses leaves Pharaoh’s presence (v. 4-6 ).

v. 7: Pharaoh’s officials beg him to let the Israelites go, saying that Egypt is already ruined. They see that Moses is a danger to Egypt and want to avoid more suffering (v. 7 ).

v. 8-9: Moses and Aaron are brought back to Pharaoh. Pharaoh asks who will go to worship the Lord

v. 10-11: Pharaoh refuses to let all the Israelites go. He says only the men can leave, keeping the women and children as hostages. He becomes angry and drives Moses and Aaron out of his presence. This shows Pharaoh’s stubbornness and his desire to keep control over the Israelites (v. 10, 11 ).

Exodus 10:12−20: The Plague of LocustsThis passage tells how God sends the plague of locusts on Egypt. God commands Moses to stretch out his hand so the locusts will come and cover the land. The locusts destroy every green thing left after the hail. Pharaoh admits his sin and asks Moses to pray for relief, but after God removes the locusts, Pharaoh hardens his heart again. This shows how God controls even the smallest creatures, and how people can confess sin in trouble but still refuse to truly change.v. 12-13: God tells Moses to stretch out his hand so the locusts will come. Moses obeys, and God brings an east wind that blows all day and night. In the morning, the wind brings the locusts into Egypt (v. 12, 13 ).

v. 14-15: The locusts spread across the land, more than ever seen before or after. They cover everything, making the land dark, and eat all the plants and fruit that the hail had left. Nothing green is left in Egypt. This shows how completely God’s judgment can destroy when He chooses (v. 14, 15 ).

v. 16-17: Pharaoh quickly calls Moses and Aaron. He admits he has sinned against the Lord

v. 18-19: Moses leaves Pharaoh and prays to God. God sends a strong west wind that blows the locusts away into the Red Sea. Not one locust remains in Egypt. This proves God’s power to both bring and remove disasters (v. 18, 19 ).

v. 20: But the Lord

Exodus 10:21−29: The Plague of DarknessThis passage describes the ninth plague—three days of total darkness over the land of Egypt. This darkness is so thick it can be felt, and no one moves from their place during that time. However, the Israelites still have light where they live. Pharaoh tries once again to bargain with Moses, but refuses to let the Israelites take their animals. Moses insists that everything must go. Pharaoh becomes angry and tells Moses never to come before him again, but Moses agrees, saying he will not see Pharaoh again until the final plague.v. 21-23: God tells Moses to stretch out his hand toward heaven, and thick darkness covers Egypt for three days. The darkness is so heavy that people cannot see each other or move from their places. But the Israelites have light in their homes. This shows God’s power to make a difference between His people and others (v. 21-23; Psalm 105:28 ).

v. 24: Pharaoh calls for Moses and says the Israelites can go with their children, but their animals must stay behind. This is another attempt by Pharaoh to control and bargain with God (v. 24 ).

v. 25-26: Moses refuses Pharaoh’s offer. He explains that they must take all their animals because they do not know yet what God will require for sacrifices. Moses insists that not even a hoof will be left behind. This teaches us that we must be ready to give everything to God’s service (v. 25, 26 ).

v. 27: The Lord

v. 28: Pharaoh angrily tells Moses to leave and threatens to kill him if he sees Moses again. This shows how anger and pride can blind people to the truth (v. 28 ).

v. 29: Moses answers that he will not see Pharaoh’s face again. This means that the next time they meet, it will be because Pharaoh is desperate and will ask the Israelites to leave Egypt (v. 29; Exodus 12:31 ).