Overview of Exodus 10
Exodus 10 describes two more devastating plagues upon Egypt: locusts and darkness. God continues confronting Pharaoh in order to demonstrate His power and compel the release of Israel from slavery.
The plague of locusts destroys what remains after the hailstorm, consuming Egypt’s crops and vegetation. Pharaoh briefly admits his sin and asks Moses to pray for relief, but hardens his heart again after the plague ends.
God then sends a supernatural darkness over Egypt for three days, while the Israelites still have light in their dwellings. Pharaoh again refuses full obedience, and Moses warns that a final judgment is coming.
This chapter highlights divine judgment, hardened hearts, God’s supremacy over creation, separation between God’s people and Egypt, and the growing certainty of deliverance.
Exodus 10 forms the biblical foundation for understanding God’s continued judgments before Israel’s final deliverance from Egypt.
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What Happens in Exodus 10?
God tells Moses to confront Pharaoh again and explains that these signs will demonstrate God’s power for future generations.
Moses warns Pharaoh that if he refuses to let Israel go, locusts will cover Egypt. Pharaoh’s servants urge him to release Israel, recognizing the destruction Egypt is suffering.
Pharaoh offers compromises, but Moses insists that all the Israelites must go worship the LORD.
After Pharaoh refuses, locusts cover Egypt and consume every remaining plant and crop. Pharaoh quickly asks Moses to pray for forgiveness and relief, but after the locusts are removed, Pharaoh hardens his heart again.
God then sends a thick darkness over Egypt for three days. The Egyptians cannot see or move about, but the Israelites have light where they live.
Pharaoh again attempts compromise, but Moses refuses partial obedience. Pharaoh angrily sends Moses away, warning him never to appear again.
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Main Events in Exodus 10
| Event | Description |
| ———————— | —————————— |
| God sends Moses again | Pharaoh warned once more |
| Threat of locusts | Egypt warned of destruction |
| Pharaoh’s servants plead | Egypt recognizes devastation |
| Plague of locusts | Crops and vegetation destroyed |
| Pharaoh seeks relief | Temporary confession made |
| Pharaoh hardens heart | Refuses obedience again |
| Plague of darkness | Egypt covered in darkness |
| Israel has light | God distinguishes His people |
| Pharaoh rejects Moses | Final confrontation approaches |
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Key Verses from Exodus 10
Exodus 10:2
> “That you may know that I am the Lord.”
> God’s signs reveal His authority.
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Exodus 10:7
> “Do you not yet know that Egypt is destroyed?”
> Even Pharaoh’s servants recognize God’s judgment.
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Exodus 10:23
> “But all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.”
> God distinguishes and protects His people.
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Main Themes in Exodus 10
God’s Supremacy Over Creation
Locusts and darkness obey God’s command.
Hardened Hearts
Pharaoh repeatedly refuses true obedience.
God’s Judgment
Egypt experiences escalating devastation.
Light and Separation
God distinguishes His people from judgment.
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Meaning of Exodus 10
Exodus 10 reveals the seriousness of resisting God despite repeated warnings. Pharaoh’s hardened heart leads to greater judgment and destruction.
The chapter also demonstrates God’s sovereign control over nature and His ability to separate and protect His people amid judgment.
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How Exodus 10 Points to Jesus Christ
Exodus 10 points forward to Jesus Christ through the contrast between darkness and light.
Just as Israel had light while Egypt experienced darkness, Jesus is the Light of the World who delivers believers from spiritual darkness.
Exodus 10 ultimately points to Jesus Christ, through whom God brings light, salvation, and deliverance from judgment.
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Life Application from Exodus 10
Do Not Resist God Repeatedly
Continual rebellion hardens the heart.
God’s Warnings Are Merciful
God gave Egypt many opportunities to repent.
God Brings Light to His People
Israel had light even during judgment.
Partial Obedience Is Not True Obedience
Pharaoh repeatedly tried to compromise.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 10
Why did God send locusts?
To continue judgment upon Egypt for resisting God’s command.
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Why was the darkness significant?
It demonstrated God’s authority and symbolized judgment.
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Why did Pharaoh keep hardening his heart?
He continually resisted submitting to God’s authority.
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Why is Exodus 10 important?
It shows the increasing severity of God’s judgments before Israel’s deliverance.
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Discussion Questions
1. What do the plagues reveal about God’s power?
2. Why did Pharaoh continue resisting despite the devastation?
3. What does the contrast between darkness and light symbolize?
4. How does Exodus 10 point to Jesus Christ?
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Prayer Based on Exodus 10
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your power, patience, and mercy. Help us not to harden our hearts against Your truth or seek partial obedience. Lead us out of spiritual darkness into the light of Jesus Christ. Teach us to trust and follow You fully in every area of life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Conclusion
Exodus 10 reveals God’s continuing judgments upon Egypt through the plagues of locusts and darkness as Pharaoh repeatedly resists God’s command. While Egypt experiences devastation and darkness, God protects His people and gives them light. This chapter ultimately points to Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, who delivers His people from darkness, judgment, and slavery to sin.
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- Genesis 1–10 Explained
- Genesis 11–20 Explained
- Genesis 21–30 Explained
- Genesis 31–40 Explained
- Genesis 41–50 Explained
- Exodus 1 Explained – Israel’s Oppression in Egypt
- Exodus 2 Explained – The Birth and Preparation of Moses
- Exodus 3 Explained – The Burning Bush and God’s Calling
- Exodus 4 Explained – God Equips Moses for Deliverance
- Exodus 5 Explained – Pharaoh Rejects God’s Command