Exodus 10 Plagues of Egypt – Locusts and Darkness

Intro: Exodus 10 – Locusts and Darkness

In Exodus 10, the Exodus 10 plagues of Egypt reach new extremes with locusts that devour the land and a deep darkness that covers Egypt for three days. These signs reveal Yahweh’s unmatched authority over nature and light itself, while Pharaoh’s hardened heart exposes the futility of resisting God’s will. You can read the full chapter here: Exodus 10 (KJV).

The Plague of Locusts

God commanded Moses to stretch out his hand, and an east wind brought locusts so thick that they covered the land. They consumed every green plant left after the hail, stripping Egypt of its agricultural wealth. The plague struck directly at Egyptian gods tied to crops and fertility, such as Min and Neper, revealing their impotence before Yahweh.

Pharaoh confessed his sin once more and pleaded with Moses to pray for deliverance. God sent a west wind, and the locusts were blown into the Red Sea. Yet, when relief came, Pharaoh hardened his heart again, refusing to release Israel.

Lesson

False gods cannot protect what belongs to the Lord. Egypt’s economy and survival were devastated, proving that only God sustains life and prosperity.

The Plague of Darkness

Next came a plague unlike any other: darkness so thick it could be felt. For three days, Egyptians could not see one another or leave their homes. Yet in Goshen, where Israel lived, there was light. This was a direct blow to Ra, the Egyptian sun god, considered the most powerful of their deities.

The Exodus 10 plagues of Egypt showed Yahweh’s power over the greatest of Egypt’s gods. Pharaoh attempted negotiation, offering to let Israel go but insisting their livestock remain. Moses rejected the compromise, declaring that all must go to serve the Lord. Pharaoh’s fury reached its peak, and he threatened Moses with death if he ever appeared before him again.

Lesson

God is the source of true light. Darkness covers those who reject Him, while His people walk in His light. Compromise with sin leads only to bondage.

God Rules All Realms

The Exodus 10 plagues of Egypt dismantled Egypt’s idols step by step:

• Locusts: Devoured crops, showing Yahweh’s power over fertility and harvest gods.
• Darkness: Silenced Ra, the sun god, proving Yahweh rules over light and creation itself.

These judgments revealed that no god of Egypt could resist the Lord. They also prepared the stage for the ultimate judgment in Exodus 11.

The Fear of the LORD

The Exodus 10 plagues of Egypt reveal the awe-inspiring power of God. To Egypt, He was terror—locusts that stripped the land bare and darkness that blotted out the sun. To Israel, He was protection, providing light in their dwellings. The fear of the Lord means reverence and humility, knowing He is both Judge and Savior. Pharaoh’s pride turned fear into defiance, but for God’s people, fear became the beginning of wisdom.

Spiritual Lessons from the Exodus 10 Plagues of Egypt

• God sustains life — crops and food security rest in His hands, not false gods.
• God gives true light — those who follow Him walk in clarity, while rebels stumble in darkness.
• Mercy precedes judgment — Pharaoh was warned, but his refusal led to devastation.
• No compromise with sin — Moses refused half-measures, teaching that obedience to God must be complete.
• Fear of the LORD matters — the same God who brought terror on Egypt gave light to His people.

Practical Applications Today

The Exodus 10 plagues of Egypt remind believers that modern idols—wealth, status, even technology—are just as powerless as Ra and Min when compared to the Lord. God still calls His people to walk in His light, refuse compromise with sin, and trust Him as the source of provision. Just as Egypt’s power collapsed before God’s hand, the powers of this world will one day bow before Him.

Conclusion of Exodus 10 Plagues of Egypt: Locusts and Darkness

Exodus 10 shows God dismantling Egypt’s idols, humbling Pharaoh, and protecting Israel. The Exodus 10 plagues of Egypt devastated agriculture and struck at the very heart of Egyptian religion by silencing Ra, the sun god. Pharaoh’s stubbornness revealed the futility of pride against the Almighty. Above all, the Exodus 10 plagues of Egypt declare Yahweh as Lord of life, light, and creation itself.

Visit our Exodus hub article for a summary of the entire book and links to each chapter study. For how the gods of Egypt were dismantled in Chapter7, Chapter 8, and Chapter 9, visit these links.