Exodus 10:5

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

And they shall cover {H3680} the face {H5869} of the earth {H776}, that one cannot be able {H3201} to see {H7200} the earth {H776}: and they shall eat {H398} the residue {H3499} of that which is escaped {H6413}, which remaineth {H7604} unto you from the hail {H1259}, and shall eat {H398} every tree {H6086} which groweth {H6779} for you out of the field {H7704}:

Complete Jewish Bible

One won't be able to see the ground, so completely will the locusts cover it. They will eat anything you still have that escaped the hail, including every tree you have growing in the field.

Berean Standard Bible

They will cover the face of the land so that no one can see it. They will devour whatever is left after the hail and eat every tree that grows in your fields.

American Standard Version

and they shall cover the face of the earth, so that one shall not 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:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 10:5 powerfully depicts the overwhelming scale and devastating impact of the eighth plague, the locusts, sent by God upon Egypt. This verse describes an unprecedented swarm so vast that it would completely obscure the very ground, consuming every remaining shred of vegetation that had miraculously survived the preceding hail plague, thereby ensuring a total and catastrophic agricultural obliteration as a direct divine judgment against Pharaoh's unyielding defiance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the escalating narrative of the ten plagues, specifically introducing the horrific details of the eighth plague: locusts. It immediately follows God's solemn warning to Pharaoh through Moses and Aaron regarding the impending swarm, emphasizing the divine origin and purpose of this judgment ([Exodus 10:4](/exodus/10-4 "God's Warning of Locusts")). The vivid description of the locusts' destructive capacity in this verse directly precedes the desperate plea from Pharaoh's own officials for him to release Israel, highlighting the immediate and profound impact of the impending disaster on the Egyptian court ([Exodus 10:7](/exodus/10-7 "Pharaoh's Servants Urge Release")). Crucially, this plague targets the "residue" of vegetation that had been spared by the devastating hail plague ([Exodus 9:25](/exodus/9-25 "The Hail Plague")), underscoring God's cumulative, precise, and comprehensive judgment against Egypt's agricultural foundation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt's prosperity and very survival were inextricably linked to its agricultural abundance, sustained primarily by the annual inundation of the Nile River. Plagues like locust infestations were known natural disasters in the region, capable of causing widespread famine. However, the plague described in Exodus 10:5 transcends ordinary natural phenomena, being presented as a supernatural act of Yahweh, meticulously orchestrated to demonstrate His sovereignty. Each plague was a direct, targeted assault not only on Egyptian life and economy but also, implicitly, on their vast pantheon of gods. For example, the locusts would have challenged deities associated with fertility, crops, and the harvest, such as Min (god of fertility and vegetation) or Renenutet (goddess of the harvest). Pharaoh, considered a divine king and the guarantor of cosmic order (Ma'at) and prosperity for his land, was systematically humiliated as his inability to protect Egypt from these escalating disasters exposed the impotence of both himself and his gods in the face of Yahweh's absolute power.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 10:5 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes woven throughout the book of Exodus. Foremost among these is the theme of **God's absolute sovereignty** over creation and all earthly powers. The plague demonstrates that Yahweh, not Pharaoh or Egypt's gods, controls the natural world and can wield its forces as instruments of His will and judgment. It also powerfully illustrates the theme of **divine judgment against rebellion**, as Pharaoh's persistent hardening of his heart leads to increasingly severe and comprehensive devastation. This verse, by detailing the consumption of all remaining vegetation, underscores the **cumulative nature of God's wrath**, systematically dismantling every source of Egyptian security and sustenance. Finally, for the Israelites, this plague, like the others, served as a tangible sign of **God's faithfulness to His covenant promises** to deliver them from bondage, reinforcing their understanding of Yahweh as their mighty deliverer and protector, as seen in the broader narrative of God's mighty hand and outstretched arm ([Exodus 6:6](/exodus/6-6 "God's Promise of Deliverance")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 10:5 meticulously details the two primary destructive actions of the locusts: their overwhelming numerical density and their complete consumption of vegetation, leaving nothing behind.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **cover (Hebrew, _kâçâh'_):** From H3680, this verb signifies not merely a partial covering but a complete obscuring or concealment, implying a total blanketing. In this context, it vividly portrays a dark, moving carpet of insects so dense that the very "face of the earth" (the ground itself, H5869 `ʻayin` combined with H776 `ʼerets`) would become invisible. This emphasizes the unprecedented, unimaginable scale and density of the locust invasion, creating an eerie, living darkness.
* **residue (Hebrew, _yether'_):** From H3499, this term specifically refers to what was "left over" or "remained" after the previous, devastating plague of hail (H1259 `bârâd`). The hail had destroyed much of the crops and trees ([Exodus 9:25](/exodus/9-25 "The Hail Plague")), but some vegetation had survived. The locusts were sent precisely to consume this remnant, highlighting God's meticulous precision and the cumulative, comprehensive nature of His judgment, ensuring nothing was spared.
* **tree (Hebrew, _ʻêts'_):** From H6086, the inclusion of "every tree which groweth for you out of the field" (H7704 `sâdeh`) underscores the totality and long-term impact of the destruction. Unlike annual crops that might regrow relatively quickly, trees represent perennial agricultural investment, providing fruit, shade, and timber. Their consumption (H398 `ʼâkal`) by the locusts signified not merely a temporary setback but a complete and lasting devastation of Egypt's food supply, natural landscape, and economic stability.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they shall cover the face of the earth, that one cannot be able to see the earth:"** This opening clause immediately establishes the overwhelming, unprecedented scale of the locust plague. The phrase "cover the face of the earth" (literally, "the eye of the land") emphasizes the sheer numerical density of the insects, so vast that they would completely obscure the ground beneath them. The consequence, "that one cannot be able to see the earth," underscores the visual impact: the land would appear as a moving, dark mass of insects, creating an eerie, suffocating darkness and conveying a sense of utter helplessness.
* **"and they shall eat the residue of that which is escaped, which remaineth unto you from the hail,"** This segment highlights God's precise and cumulative judgment. The locusts were not a random natural disaster but were specifically directed to consume what the preceding, devastating hail plague had left untouched. This ensured that no part of Egypt's agricultural foundation would survive, demonstrating God's intent to systematically strip Egypt of its resources and expose its vulnerability.
* **"and shall eat every tree which groweth for you out of the field:"** This final phrase confirms the comprehensive and absolute nature of the destruction. Not only annual crops but also perennial trees, vital for fruit, shade, and timber, would be devoured. This signifies a total economic and environmental collapse, leaving Egypt utterly barren and its long-term agricultural prospects ruined, a stark consequence of Pharaoh's persistent refusal to obey God.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Exodus 10:5 is **Hyperbole**, particularly evident in the phrase "cover the face of the earth, that one cannot be able to see the earth." While locust swarms are indeed massive and destructive, this phrasing exaggerates their density to convey an almost supernatural scale, emphasizing the overwhelming terror and the completeness of the judgment. The **Vivid Imagery** of the land being "covered" and "every tree" being "eaten" paints a stark picture of utter desolation and environmental ruin. There is also an element of **Repetition** with the phrase "and they shall eat," which underscores the relentless and comprehensive nature of the locusts' consumption.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 10:5 powerfully illustrates several core theological truths concerning God's character and His interaction with humanity. This plague unequivocally demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His ability to wield natural forces as precise instruments of His judgment. It was not a random natural disaster but a divinely orchestrated act, meticulously timed and devastating in its scope, directly targeting Egypt's agricultural foundation and challenging their reliance on their own pantheon of gods. This underscores that Yahweh is the ultimate authority, capable of dismantling human power and prosperity at will. Furthermore, the verse highlights the escalating consequences of persistent rebellion against God; Pharaoh's repeated hardening of his heart led to increasingly severe and comprehensive judgments, serving as a stark warning that defiance against God's will brings escalating and devastating repercussions. Conversely, for the Israelites, this plague was a powerful sign of God's active intervention on their behalf, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises to deliver them from bondage, even against the mightiest empire of the day.

* [Joel 2:2-3](/joel/2-2-3 "The Day of the Lord and Locusts"): This prophetic passage uses strikingly similar imagery of a devastating locust plague to describe the "day of the Lord," highlighting the destructive power of such an invasion as a metaphor for divine judgment and the complete desolation that precedes God's intervention.
* [Psalm 105:34-35](/psalms/105-34-35 "God's Plagues in Egypt"): This psalm recounts God's mighty acts in delivering Israel from Egypt, specifically mentioning that 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," affirming the historical and theological significance of this plague.
* [Revelation 9:3-5](/revelation/9-3-5 "Locusts from the Abyss"): The apocalyptic vision of locusts emerging from the abyss, while symbolic and distinct in their purpose (to torment rather than destroy vegetation), draws upon the terrifying imagery of the Exodus plague to depict a future divine judgment, emphasizing the destructive power God can unleash when His wrath is poured out.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 10:5 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers, reminding us of God's active involvement in human history and the absolute nature of His power. It serves as a powerful testament that for those who persist in defiance against God's revealed will, there are real, escalating, and comprehensive consequences. While we may not experience literal plagues today, the principle holds true: rejecting divine wisdom and authority can lead to spiritual, relational, and societal decay. This verse challenges us to consider areas in our own lives where we might be subtly or overtly resisting God's commands, and to recognize that such resistance can lead to a "consumption" of our peace, joy, and fruitfulness. Conversely, for those who trust in God, this verse is a powerful reminder of His unwavering commitment to His people and His ability to deliver them from any oppression or overwhelming circumstance. It encourages us to cultivate a posture of humility and surrender to God, recognizing His ultimate sovereignty and trusting in His redemptive plan for our lives and for the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the comprehensive nature of this plague (consuming "residue" and "every tree") challenge our modern tendency to compartmentalize our lives, thinking some areas are outside God's purview or judgment?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be hardening your heart against God's clear commands, and what "residue" might be left for further divine discipline if you persist in that resistance?**
* **How does God's use of natural phenomena for His purposes in Exodus encourage or challenge your view of natural disasters in the world today, and how do you reconcile divine sovereignty with human suffering?**

### FAQ
**Why were the plagues, especially the locusts, so devastating and seemingly excessive?**

Answer: The plagues were not merely punitive but profoundly pedagogical, serving multiple divine purposes. They were designed to demonstrate Yahweh's absolute sovereignty over all creation and to expose the impotence of Egypt's gods, proving Him to be the one true God. They also served to break Pharaoh's hardened will, compelling him to release Israel, and to prove God's faithfulness to His covenant people. The escalating severity and comprehensive nature of the plagues, like the locusts consuming *everything* that remained, were necessary to leave no doubt about God's power and to ensure that His glory would be known throughout the earth ([Exodus 9:16](/exodus/9-16 "God's Purpose in Pharaoh")). The "excessiveness" was a direct response to Pharaoh's extraordinary stubbornness, ensuring the complete dismantling of Egypt's power and the unequivocal triumph of God's will.

**Does God still send plagues or natural disasters as judgment today?**

Answer: While the Bible clearly shows God using natural phenomena for specific acts of judgment in historical contexts (like the Exodus plagues or the flood in [Genesis 7](/genesis/7 "The Great Flood")), interpreting every modern natural disaster as direct, targeted divine judgment for specific sins is generally problematic and can misrepresent God's complex character and ways. God is indeed sovereign over all creation, and natural events, including disasters, occur within a fallen world. However, the Exodus narrative serves as a timeless reminder that God *can* and *does* intervene in history, and that persistent societal or individual rebellion against Him can lead to severe consequences, though not always in the form of literal, targeted plagues as seen in Exodus. Ultimately, the most significant judgment for sin has been poured out on Christ on the cross ([Romans 8:3](/romans/8-3 "God Condemned Sin in the Flesh")), and the final, comprehensive judgment is yet to come ([Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11-15 "The Great White Throne Judgment")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Exodus 10:5 describes a specific historical judgment, its underlying themes find profound fulfillment and reinterpretation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The plague of locusts powerfully demonstrated God's absolute power over creation and His ability to deliver His people from physical bondage through overwhelming judgment on their oppressor. In Christ, we witness God's ultimate power demonstrated not primarily through physical destruction, but through redemptive suffering, resurrection, and spiritual victory. Jesus, as God incarnate, possesses inherent authority over all creation, famously calming storms with a word ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Jesus Calms the Storm")) and demonstrating His dominion over all natural forces. More significantly, Christ delivers humanity from a far greater bondage than Pharaoh's oppression: the bondage to sin and death. His sacrificial death on the cross and triumphant resurrection constitute the ultimate act of deliverance, overcoming the spiritual "oppressor" (Satan) and bringing about a new covenant of freedom, life, and reconciliation with God ([Colossians 2:13-15](/colossians/2-13-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")). The judgment that fell upon Egypt for its rebellion foreshadows the judgment for sin that Christ Himself bore on the cross, allowing all who trust in Him to escape the ultimate "plague" of eternal separation from God ([Romans 5:8-9](/romans/5-8-9 "Justification by Christ's Blood")). Thus, the power, sovereignty, and deliverance vividly displayed in Exodus 10:5 are amplified, perfected, and eternally secured in Jesus, who brings about a spiritual liberation that transcends any physical deliverance.

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 9:32

But the wheat and the rie were not smitten: for they [were] not grown up.

Joel 1:4

That which the palmerworm hath left hath the locust eaten; and that which the locust hath left hath the cankerworm eaten; and that which the cankerworm hath left hath the caterpiller eaten.

Joel 2:25

And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.