Exodus 10:12

KJV

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the land of Egypt for the locusts, that they may come up upon the land of Egypt, and eat every herb of the land, [even] all that the hail hath left.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto Moses {H4872}, Stretch out {H5186} thine hand {H3027} over the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714} for the locusts {H697}, that they may come up {H5927} upon the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}, and eat {H398} every herb {H6212} of the land {H776}, even all that the hail {H1259} hath left {H7604}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI said to Moshe, "Reach out your hand over the land of Egypt, so that locusts will invade the land and eat every plant that the hail has left."

Berean Standard Bible

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the land of Egypt, so that the locusts may swarm over it and devour every plant in the land—everything that the hail has left behind.”

American Standard Version

And Jehovah said unto Moses, Stretch out thy hand over the land of Egypt for the locusts, that they may come up upon the land of Egypt, and eat every herb of the land, even all that the hail hath left.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 10:12 records God's direct command to Moses to initiate the eighth plague upon Egypt: a devastating swarm of locusts. This plague was specifically designed to consume every remaining plant and herb in the land, including all vegetation that had survived the preceding hail plague. This divine act serves as a profound demonstration of God's absolute sovereignty over creation and an escalating, comprehensive judgment against Pharaoh's persistent defiance, aiming to utterly break his will and secure the long-awaited release of the Israelites.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the escalating narrative of the [Ten Plagues](/exodus/7 "The Ten Plagues of Egypt"), serving as the divine instruction for the eighth plague. It immediately follows the severe [hail plague](/exodus/9-22 "The Plague of Hail"), which had already devastated much of Egypt's crops and livestock. Prior to this command, Moses and Aaron had delivered a dire warning to Pharaoh regarding the unprecedented scale and destructive power of the impending locust plague, as detailed in [Exodus 10:1-6](/exodus/10-1-6 "Moses warns Pharaoh about the locust plague"). Witnessing the profound ruin and fearing utter destruction, Pharaoh's own officials had urged him to release the Israelites in [Exodus 10:7](/exodus/10-7 "Pharaoh's officials urge release of Israelites"). However, Pharaoh, still clinging to his pride, offered only a partial concession—allowing only the men to go—which Moses unequivocally rejected in [Exodus 10:8-11](/exodus/10-8-11 "Pharaoh's partial concession and Moses' rejection"). Thus, [Exodus 10:12](/exodus/10-12 "The command for the locust plague") marks the moment of divine resolve, initiating the next, more comprehensive judgment. Immediately after this command, Moses obeys, and an east wind brings the vast swarms of locusts, fulfilling the prophecy of total agricultural devastation, as recounted in [Exodus 10:13-15](/exodus/10-13-15 "The locusts arrive and devastate Egypt").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was an agrarian civilization, its prosperity and very survival inextricably linked to the annual inundation of the Nile River, which fertilized its fertile lands and supported its abundant crops. Agriculture formed the bedrock of their economy and sustenance, making any threat to it a direct assault on the nation's lifeblood. While locust swarms were a known, albeit terrifying, natural disaster in the ancient Near East, capable of causing widespread famine, the plague described in Exodus transcends any natural occurrence. It is portrayed as a divinely orchestrated event, unprecedented in its intensity, scale, and destructive completeness. This plague directly challenged not only Egypt's agricultural foundation but also the authority of Pharaoh, who was revered as a divine king, and the efficacy of their numerous fertility deities, such as Min (god of fertility and harvest) or Renenutet (goddess of nourishment and harvest). The complete destruction of all vegetation would have been an unimaginable catastrophe, unequivocally signaling the futility of resistance against Yahweh, the God of Israel, and His supreme power over the land and its resources.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several major theological and narrative themes prevalent throughout the book of Exodus. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **God's absolute sovereignty and power** over all creation, demonstrating His ability to command natural forces as instruments of His will. This directly challenges the perceived power of Pharaoh and the Egyptian pantheon. Secondly, the plague highlights the theme of **divine judgment against persistent rebellion and hardened hearts**. Pharaoh's repeated refusal to obey God's command leads to escalating and increasingly severe consequences, illustrating that God's patience, while vast, is not without limits. The thoroughness of this plague, consuming "all that the hail hath left," emphasizes the comprehensive nature of divine judgment when warnings are ignored. Thirdly, it advances the theme of **God's faithfulness to His covenant people and His purpose of liberation**. By utterly devastating Egypt, God not only punishes Pharaoh but also demonstrates His unmatched power to both the Egyptians and the Israelites, solidifying His identity as the one true God who actively delivers His chosen people from oppression, preparing them for their journey to the [Promised Land](/exodus/3-8 "God's promise of a land flowing with milk and honey").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 10:12 presents a concise yet potent divine command that initiates the eighth plague, emphasizing God's direct agency and the comprehensive nature of the impending devastation.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Locusts (Hebrew, אַרְבֶּה - _'arbeh'_):** This Hebrew term (H697) refers to a specific type of locust, known for forming immense, destructive swarms. The word itself often evokes the image of a vast, overwhelming multitude, emphasizing the sheer scale and destructive power of the impending plague, far beyond a typical infestation. It signifies a force of nature under divine command, an instrument of God's judgment.
* **Eat (Hebrew, אָכַל - _'akhal'_):** The verb "eat" (H398) here implies not just consumption, but a thorough, complete devouring. It conveys the idea of stripping the land bare, leaving nothing behind. This is not merely a nuisance but an act of total agricultural annihilation, signifying a fundamental assault on Egypt's ability to sustain itself and a direct blow to its economic and social fabric.
* **Left (Hebrew, שָׁאַר - _shâʼar'_):** This word (H7604), meaning "to be redundant, to leave, remain, remnant," is crucial in the phrase "all that the hail hath left." It highlights the cumulative and comprehensive nature of God's judgment. The locusts are not just a new affliction but are specifically sent to complete the destruction initiated by the previous plague. This detail underscores God's meticulous and thorough judgment, ensuring no agricultural recovery is possible, leaving Egypt utterly destitute and without hope for immediate sustenance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD said unto Moses,"**: This opening phrase immediately establishes divine initiative and authority. The plague is not a random natural occurrence but a direct, intentional command from Yahweh (H3068), demonstrating His ultimate control over all creation and His direct involvement in human history. Moses (H4872) is merely His chosen instrument.
* **"Stretch out thine hand over the land of Egypt for the locusts,"**: Moses (H4872) acts as God's obedient instrument. The act of "stretching out" (H5186, _nâṭâh_) the hand (H3027, _yâd_) is a recurring motif throughout the plague narratives, symbolizing the divine power channeled through Moses to bring about supernatural events. This emphasizes that the plague is a miraculous act, not a coincidence, and that God is actively working through His servant. The command is directed over the "land of Egypt" (H776, H4714), indicating the national scope of the judgment.
* **"that they may come up upon the land of Egypt, and eat every herb of the land,"**: This describes the purpose and extensive scope of the plague. The locusts (H697, _'arbeh_) are commanded to "come up" (H5927, _'âlâh_ – ascend, implying a vast, overwhelming invasion from the east) and "eat" (H398, _'âkal_) "every herb" (H6212, _'eseb_) of the land (H776, _'erets_). This signifies a complete and widespread devastation of all plant life across the entire nation, leaving no part untouched.
* **"[even] all that the hail hath left."**: This final clause emphasizes the thoroughness, finality, and cumulative nature of the judgment. It signifies that the locusts are sent to finish what the hail (H1259, _bârâd_) started, consuming "all that the hail hath left" (H7604, _shâʼar_). This highlights the escalating and relentless nature of God's judgment in response to Pharaoh's unyielding rebellion, ensuring absolute agricultural ruin and leaving no hope for immediate recovery or sustenance.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **direct command** ("Stretch out thine hand") to convey God's absolute authority and immediate agency in bringing about the plague. The phrase "eat every herb of the land, even all that the hail hath left" utilizes **hyperbole** to vividly emphasize the totality and unprecedented nature of the destruction, though in this context, it is a divinely guaranteed outcome rather than mere exaggeration. The narrative structure of the plagues, with each one building on the previous one's effects (the locusts consuming what the hail spared), is a powerful literary and theological device demonstrating the progressive **escalation** and intensifying severity of God's judgment against Pharaoh's hardened heart and Egypt's oppression of Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 10:12 powerfully illustrates several core theological truths. Primarily, it underscores God's **absolute sovereignty over creation** and His use of natural forces as precise instruments of divine judgment. This is not a random act of nature but a targeted, purposeful display of Yahweh's power over all things, including the very elements and agricultural systems that sustained Egypt. It demonstrates that no human ruler, no matter how powerful or deified, can withstand the will of the Almighty, and that all creation is subservient to His command. Secondly, the verse highlights God's unwavering **justice against persistent rebellion**. Pharaoh's repeated refusal to obey God's clear command to "Let my people go" leads to escalating and increasingly severe consequences. The thoroughness of this plague, consuming "all that the hail hath left," signifies the comprehensive and unavoidable nature of divine judgment when warnings are ignored and hearts remain hardened. This theme resonates throughout the biblical narrative, where disobedience brings consequences, and God's patience, while vast, is not endless, ultimately leading to a just recompense. Finally, this plague serves God's overarching purpose of **delivering His people and displaying His glory**. By utterly devastating Egypt, God not only punishes Pharaoh but also demonstrates His unmatched power to both the Egyptians and the Israelites, solidifying His identity as the one true God who delivers His covenant people from oppression and establishes His renown throughout the earth. The plagues were not merely punitive but redemptive, designed to reveal God's character and secure His people's freedom.

* This plague is explicitly recounted in [Psalm 105:34-35](/psalms/105-34-35 "God's power over locusts and caterpillars"), affirming God's direct control over the natural world for His redemptive purposes: "He spake, and the locusts came, and caterpillers, and that without number, And did eat up all the herbs in their land, and devoured the fruit of their ground."
* The devastating impact of locusts as a sign of divine judgment and a call to repentance is also seen in prophetic books like [Joel 1:4](/joel/1-4 "Locust devastation in Joel"), where multiple stages of locusts devour everything, serving as a stark warning of impending judgment and a summons to national lament and repentance.
* The broader theological purpose of the plagues, including this one, is articulated in [Romans 9:17](/romans/9-17 "Pharaoh's purpose in Romans"), where Paul quotes Exodus 9:16, emphasizing God's sovereign hand in raising up Pharaoh precisely "that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 10:12 serves as a powerful reminder that God is actively involved in human history and holds ultimate authority over all creation. For us today, it underscores the serious consequences of persistent disobedience and hardened hearts. Just as Pharaoh faced escalating judgment for his defiance, we are called to heed God's warnings and respond with humility, repentance, and obedience. This verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty, recognizing that even seemingly destructive events can be orchestrated by Him for His righteous and redemptive purposes. It challenges us to consider where we might be resisting God's will in our own lives, reminding us that true freedom, flourishing, and peace come not from stubborn defiance, but from aligning ourselves with His divine plan and submitting to His loving authority. The thoroughness of God's judgment also prompts us to consider the seriousness of sin and the unwavering nature of His justice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Pharaoh's escalating defiance challenge or affirm your understanding of God's justice and patience in the face of human rebellion?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be resisting God's clear commands, and what might be the potential spiritual or practical consequences of such resistance?**
* **The thoroughness of this judgment (eating "all that the hail hath left") highlights God's commitment to His purposes. How does this inform your view of God's unwavering resolve and His ultimate victory over all opposition?**

### FAQ
**Why did God use such a destructive plague like locusts?**

Answer: God used the locust plague as an act of escalating judgment to break Pharaoh's stubborn will and demonstrate His absolute power over all of Egypt's gods and resources. The goal was not merely destruction, but to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites and to show both Egyptians and Israelites that Yahweh alone is the true God. The thoroughness of the plague (destroying what the hail left) emphasized that God's judgment was comprehensive and left no room for recovery, leaving Pharaoh with no option but to submit to the divine will.

**Was this plague "fair" to the ordinary Egyptians who suffered?**

Answer: The biblical narrative often portrays national judgments where the consequences of a leader's sin affect the entire nation. While Pharaoh was the primary target of God's judgment, the plagues served multiple purposes: to demonstrate God's power, to secure Israel's release, and to offer a chance for repentance to all. The Egyptians had witnessed multiple plagues and had the opportunity to acknowledge Yahweh's power and the futility of their gods. Ultimately, God's justice is perfect, and His ways are higher than ours. The suffering of the Egyptians was a direct consequence of their nation's prolonged oppression of Israel and Pharaoh's unyielding defiance, which affected everyone under his rule.

**How could Pharaoh keep hardening his heart despite such overwhelming evidence?**

Answer: The Bible presents a complex interplay between God hardening Pharaoh's heart and Pharaoh hardening his own heart. In [Exodus 10:1](/exodus/10-1 "God hardens Pharaoh's heart"), God states He will harden Pharaoh's heart to multiply His signs. This doesn't mean God forced Pharaoh against his will, but rather that God used Pharaoh's existing stubborn disposition and allowed him to persist in his rebellion, thereby providing more opportunities to display His power and glory. Pharaoh's immense pride, self-exaltation, and deep-seated idolatry prevented him from acknowledging Yahweh's supremacy, leading him to continually choose defiance despite the devastating consequences he and his nation endured.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 10:12, an Old Testament account of divine judgment and liberation, finds profound fulfillment and amplification in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Firstly, the **authority of God over creation** displayed in commanding the locusts foreshadows Jesus's own divine authority over nature. Just as God orchestrated the plague to demonstrate His sovereign control, Jesus, as God incarnate, demonstrated His power by calming raging storms ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Jesus calms the storm")), multiplying meager food supplies to feed thousands ([Matthew 14:19-21](/matthew/14-19-21 "Jesus feeds the five thousand")), and even walking on water ([Matthew 14:25](/matthew/14-25 "Jesus walks on water")). These acts reveal Christ as the one through whom all things were created and by whom all things are sustained, echoing the sovereign power of the God who sent the plagues, confirming His divine identity. Secondly, the plagues, including the locusts, represent God's **judgment against sin and spiritual oppression**. Pharaoh's stubbornness and Egypt's enslavement of Israel are powerful types of humanity's universal bondage to sin and the dominion of Satan. Jesus Christ, through His perfect life, atoning death, and victorious resurrection, delivers humanity from this ultimate spiritual bondage. He is the ultimate deliverer, freeing His people not from physical slavery in Egypt, but from the spiritual slavery of sin and death ([John 8:34-36](/john/8-34-36 "Jesus speaks of true freedom from sin")). The thoroughness of the locust plague, leaving nothing behind, can be seen as a foreshadowing of the complete and decisive victory Christ achieves over the forces of evil, ultimately crushing sin's power and ensuring the final, comprehensive judgment of all unrighteousness at the end of the age. Finally, the purpose of the plagues was to demonstrate God's glory and secure the release of His people. In the New Testament, Christ's work on the cross is the ultimate, most profound display of God's glory and sacrificial love, securing the **ultimate liberation** for all who believe. Through Christ, God's name is declared throughout all the earth, not through destructive plagues, but through the life-giving gospel that offers true freedom, reconciliation with God, and eternal life, fulfilling God's redemptive plan in a way far surpassing the Exodus.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 7:19

And the LORD spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and stretch out thine hand upon the waters of Egypt, upon their streams, upon their rivers, and upon their ponds, and upon all their pools of water, that they may become blood; and [that] there may be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, both in [vessels of] wood, and in [vessels of] stone.

Exodus 10:4

Else, if thou refuse to let my people go, behold, to morrow will I bring the locusts into thy coast:

Exodus 10:5

And they shall cover the face of the earth, that one cannot be able to see the earth: and they shall eat the residue of that which is escaped, which remaineth unto you from the hail, and shall eat every tree which groweth for you out of the field: