Exodus 10:13

KJV

And Moses stretched forth his rod over the land of Egypt, and the LORD brought an east wind upon the land all that day, and all [that] night; [and] when it was morning, the east wind brought the locusts.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} stretched forth {H5186} his rod {H4294} over the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}, and the LORD {H3068} brought {H5090} an east {H6921} wind {H7307} upon the land {H776} all that day {H3117}, and all that night {H3915}; and when it was morning {H1242}, the east {H6921} wind {H7307} brought {H5375} the locusts {H697}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe reached out with his staff over the land of Egypt, and ADONAI caused an east wind to blow on the land all day and all night; and in the morning the east wind brought the locusts.

Berean Standard Bible

So Moses stretched out his staff over the land of Egypt, and throughout that day and night the LORD sent an east wind across the land. By morning the east wind had brought the locusts.

American Standard Version

And Moses stretched forth his rod over the land of Egypt, and Jehovah brought an east wind upon the land all that day, and all the night; and when it was morning, the east wind brought the locusts.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 10:13 vividly describes the divinely orchestrated initiation of the eighth plague upon Egypt: the devastating swarm of locusts. Following Moses' obedient act of stretching forth his rod, the LORD supernaturally brought a sustained east wind that blew relentlessly day and night, precisely delivering the massive insect invasion to consume all remaining vegetation. This event further demonstrated God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His unwavering intent to deliver Israel from Pharaoh's stubborn grasp, leaving no doubt about the source of Egypt's escalating woes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within the escalating narrative of the plagues, specifically initiating the eighth plague. It immediately follows [Exodus 10:12](/exodus/10-12 "The Lord commands Moses to stretch out his hand for the locusts"), where the LORD commands Moses to stretch out his hand (or rod, as the action implies) over Egypt to bring the locusts. This plague is strategically positioned to target the agricultural resources that miraculously survived the devastating hail plague, as noted in [Exodus 9:31-32](/exodus/9-31-32 "Hail destroys flax and barley, but not wheat or spelt"). The preceding plagues—blood, frogs, gnats, flies, livestock disease, boils, and hail—have already inflicted severe damage and economic hardship, yet Pharaoh remains defiantly resistant, despite his own officials urging him to release the Israelites in [Exodus 10:7](/exodus/10-7 "Pharaoh's servants urge him to let Israel go"). Following this verse, [Exodus 10:14-15](/exodus/10-14-15 "The locusts cover the land and devour everything") vividly describe the unprecedented scale and destructive power of the locusts, leaving nothing green in their wake, setting the stage for Pharaoh's temporary concession.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was an agrarian society, with its prosperity intricately linked to the annual inundation of the Nile and the subsequent harvests. Locust plagues were a known, albeit infrequent, natural disaster in the ancient Near East, typically originating from the desert regions to the east. However, the plague described in Exodus is presented as supernatural in its timing, scale, and specific direction, clearly orchestrated by Yahweh. This plague directly challenged Egyptian deities associated with agriculture, fertility, and the elements, such as Osiris (god of the afterlife, the Nile, and agriculture), Seth (god of chaos, deserts, and storms), and even Ra (the sun god, whose light was obscured by the swarm). By demonstrating His supreme power over these very forces, Yahweh systematically dismantled the perceived invincibility of Pharaoh and the efficacy of his gods. Pharaoh's continued refusal to acknowledge Yahweh's authority, despite overwhelming evidence, highlights the cultural concept of a king's divine authority and his perceived invincibility, which Yahweh meticulously undermined with each successive judgment.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 10:13 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Exodus. Primarily, it underscores God's **absolute sovereignty over creation** and natural phenomena. The wind and locusts are not random occurrences but instruments in His hands, demonstrating His ability to manipulate the natural world to achieve His purposes, whether for blessing or judgment. This highlights God's **omnipotence** and His active involvement in human history, directly challenging the polytheism of Egypt. The plague also serves as a potent **judgment against human stubbornness and idolatry**, specifically targeting Egypt's agricultural prosperity and their gods associated with fertility and the elements. Furthermore, it reinforces God's **faithfulness to His covenant people**, as He acts decisively to deliver Israel from bondage, fulfilling His promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (e.g., [Exodus 6:1-8](/exodus/6-1-8 "God's promise to deliver Israel")). The escalating nature of the plagues, culminating in the destruction of remaining crops, also emphasizes the theme of **God's progressive revelation of His power** to both Israel and Egypt, ensuring that "the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD" (as stated in [Exodus 7:5](/exodus/7-5 "Egyptians will know the Lord")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 10:13 meticulously details the divine mechanism behind the locust plague, emphasizing God's direct control over natural phenomena and Moses' role as His obedient agent.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rod (Hebrew, _maṭṭeh_):** While literally a shepherd's staff, in the context of the plagues, the _matteh_ transcends its ordinary function to become a powerful symbol and instrument of divine authority and miraculous power. Moses stretching it forth is not a magical incantation but an act of obedient faith that channels God's omnipotent power, signifying that the ensuing event is a direct result of Yahweh's command, not Moses' inherent ability or any pagan sorcery. It represents God's extended hand of judgment and deliverance.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh_):** The consistent use of the covenant name for God, YHWH (often translated "LORD"), is profoundly significant. It emphasizes that this is not a random natural disaster or the work of a lesser deity, but the deliberate, personal action of the God who is faithful to His promises to Israel and just in His judgment against their oppressors. It underscores His active, sovereign involvement in human history and His unique identity as the self-existent, eternal God.
* **Wind (Hebrew, _rûwach_):** The term _rûwach_ is rich in meaning, encompassing "wind," "spirit," or "breath," often carrying connotations of divine power or influence (e.g., [Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "The Spirit of God hovered over the waters")). In this context, combined with "east" (_qâdîym_), it powerfully conveys a divinely directed, sustained, and specific force. It's not merely a natural breeze but a supernaturally empowered and directed wind, demonstrating God's precise and overwhelming control over the very elements. The wind is the active agent of God's will, bringing about the plague.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses stretched forth his rod over the land of Egypt,"**: This opening clause highlights Moses' immediate and faithful obedience to God's command given in the preceding verse. His action, though physical, is the human catalyst for a divine event. The rod, a simple object, becomes a conduit for God's mighty hand, mirroring previous plague initiations where it was used as an instrument of divine power (e.g., [Exodus 7:20](/exodus/7-20 "Aaron stretches his rod over the waters")). This emphasizes that God works through His chosen servants.
* **"and the LORD brought an east wind upon the land all that day, and all [that] night;"**: This is the core declaration of divine agency and sovereignty. It explicitly states that "the LORD brought" the wind, leaving no doubt about the supernatural origin and precise direction of this natural force. The duration—"all that day, and all that night"—emphasizes the intensity, persistence, and overwhelming nature of God's action. This sustained, divinely directed wind was not a mere gust but a powerful, continuous force meticulously preparing the way for an unprecedented swarm of locusts.
* **"[and] when it was morning, the east wind brought the locusts."**: This final clause reveals the direct consequence and the specific instrument of the plague. The sustained east wind, under God's precise command, was the vehicle for the locusts. The shift to "morning" marks the culmination of the wind's work, as the destructive swarm arrives precisely when God intended, demonstrating His perfect timing and meticulous control over the natural world, ensuring the plague's devastating impact.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to enhance its impact and convey its theological message. The use of **caesura** (pauses within the line) effectively emphasizes the sequence of events: Moses' action, God's initiation of the wind, the wind's sustained duration, and finally, the locusts' arrival. This rhythmic pacing builds a sense of inevitability and divine precision. The **repetition** of "east wind" throughout the verse and the broader narrative reinforces its central role as the divinely appointed carrier of the plague, highlighting God's specific and targeted use of natural phenomena. Furthermore, the **metonymy** of "rod" standing for divine authority and power is evident, as the physical object represents the invisible, supernatural force it channels. The overall narrative structure itself contributes to the dramatic tension, building suspense and anticipation for the devastating appearance of the locusts, a clear demonstration of God's escalating judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates several core theological truths. Primarily, it asserts God's absolute **sovereignty over creation** and natural forces. The wind and locusts are not random occurrences but instruments in His hands, demonstrating His ability to manipulate the natural world to achieve His purposes, whether for blessing or judgment. This highlights God's **omnipotence** and His active involvement in human history, directly challenging the polytheism of Egypt. The plague also serves as a potent **judgment against human stubbornness and idolatry**, specifically targeting Egypt's agricultural prosperity and their gods associated with fertility and the elements. Furthermore, it underscores God's **faithfulness to His covenant people**, as He acts decisively to deliver Israel from bondage, fulfilling His promises.

This theme of God's control over nature for His purposes resonates throughout the biblical narrative, affirming His ultimate authority:
* [Psalm 105:34-35](/psalm/105-34-35 "God sends locusts as judgment") directly recounts this plague, affirming God's sending of the locusts as part of His mighty deeds to deliver His people.
* [Jeremiah 5:24](/jeremiah/5-24 "God gives rain in its season") speaks of God's control over the seasons and natural phenomena, reminding us that even seemingly ordinary weather patterns are ultimately under His dominion and can be withheld or granted according to His will.
* [Romans 9:17](/romans/9-17 "God raised Pharaoh to show His power") explains that God raised Pharaoh up for the very purpose of demonstrating His power through him, and to make His name known throughout the earth, aligning perfectly with the overarching purpose of the plagues.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 10:13 offers a profound reminder that God remains sovereign over all circumstances, including those that appear to be purely "natural." For us today, this instills deep confidence that God is actively involved in the world and in our individual lives. We are called to trust in His perfect timing and methods, even when His plans unfold slowly or through unexpected means. This verse challenges us to look beyond immediate causes and recognize God's ultimate hand at work, whether in global events, personal trials, or daily provisions. It encourages patient endurance, knowing that God's purposes will ultimately prevail, and He will deliver His people according to His perfect will. It also serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of persistent defiance against God's revealed will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God's absolute sovereignty over natural phenomena (like weather, disease, or even economic shifts) impact your perspective on current world events and personal challenges?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to surrender control and trust more deeply in God's timing and method, even when it seems slow or difficult, or when the "wind" seems to be blowing in an unexpected direction?**
* **Moses' obedience in stretching out the rod was crucial, even though the power was God's. How does his example inspire your own response to God's commands, especially when the outcome is uncertain or requires patience and faith?**

### FAQ
**Why did God use a natural phenomenon like wind and locusts instead of something entirely supernatural?**

Answer: God often uses natural phenomena, but orchestrates them with supernatural timing, intensity, and direction to demonstrate His control over all creation. By using an "east wind" to bring locusts, God showed His dominion over the very forces of nature that the Egyptians might have attributed to their own gods. This was not merely a magic trick but a targeted judgment that devastated Egypt's economy and food supply, directly challenging their reliance on their agricultural deities and proving Yahweh's supremacy. It underscored that even the "natural" world is utterly subject to His command, making the judgment all the more potent and undeniable.

**Was Pharaoh truly free to choose, or was he just a puppet if God "brought" the wind and locusts?**

Answer: The Bible presents a complex interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. While God "brought" the plague, Pharaoh had consistently hardened his own heart through the preceding plagues. God's hardening of Pharaoh's heart (e.g., [Exodus 9:12](/exodus/9-12 "The Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart")) often refers to God confirming or intensifying Pharaoh's existing rebellion, using his obstinacy to further display His own power and glory. Pharaoh remained morally responsible for his choices and actions, even as God sovereignly used those choices to fulfill His divine purposes and demonstrate His might to both Egypt and Israel.

**Does this verse imply that all natural disasters are direct judgments from God?**

Answer: Not necessarily. While this specific instance of wind and locusts was a direct, divinely orchestrated judgment for a specific purpose, the Bible also speaks of natural disasters as part of a fallen world (e.g., [Romans 8:22](/romans/8-22 "Creation groans in eager expectation")). However, this verse does teach that God has ultimate control over all natural forces and can, at times, use them for specific purposes of judgment, discipline, or even to reveal His glory, as He did in Egypt. Discerning God's specific intent requires careful biblical interpretation, humility, and a recognition that not every suffering is a direct, punitive judgment for individual sin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 10:13, while describing a specific act of judgment and deliverance in the Old Testament, points forward to Christ in several profound ways. The divine sovereignty over nature displayed here finds its ultimate expression in Jesus Christ, who is God incarnate. Just as the LORD commanded the wind and brought the locusts, Jesus demonstrates His inherent authority over creation by calming storms with a word ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Jesus calms the storm")), walking on water ([Matthew 14:25](/matthew/14-25 "Jesus walks on water")), and multiplying food to feed thousands ([John 6:11](/john/6-11 "Jesus feeds the five thousand")). These acts demonstrate that the same divine power at work in the plagues is resident in Him, signifying His identity as the Son of God, the Creator, and Sustainer of all things. Furthermore, the plagues, including the locusts, served as a means of judgment against sin and a pathway to Israel's deliverance from physical bondage. In a greater sense, Jesus Christ is the ultimate deliverer. He did not come to bring plagues but to bear the ultimate judgment for sin on the cross, thereby delivering humanity from the spiritual bondage of sin and death ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Delivered from darkness into the kingdom of His Son")). He is the greater Moses, not merely leading people out of physical slavery but out of spiritual slavery to sin and Satan, ushering them into the true promised land of eternal life ([Hebrews 3:1-6](/hebrews/3-1-6 "Christ is faithful over God's house")). The judgment against Pharaoh foreshadows the final judgment against all who reject God's authority, while the deliverance of Israel points to the eternal salvation offered to all who believe in Christ ([John 3:16-18](/john/3-16-18 "God so loved the world")).

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

Psalms 107:25

For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.

Psalms 107:28

Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.

Jonah 4:8

And it came to pass, when the sun did arise, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he fainted, and wished in himself to die, and said, [It is] better for me to die than to live.

Exodus 14:21

¶ And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go [back] by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry [land], and the waters were divided.

Matthew 8:27

But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

Psalms 78:26

He caused an east wind to blow in the heaven: and by his power he brought in the south wind.

Psalms 105:34

He spake, and the locusts came, and caterpillers, and that without number,