Old Testament
Exodus 10:12
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The LORD said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand over the land of Egypt to summon the locusts. They will swarm across the land and eat every plant — everything the hail left behind."
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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.
What Exodus 10:12 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, God instructs Moses to stretch out his hand over Egypt to bring forth a swarm of locusts. This swarm will consume all the remaining plants that survived the previous hailstorm. The locusts symbolize destruction and the consequences of disobedience. God is demonstrating His power and control over nature, showing that nothing can withstand His will. The devastation caused by the locusts serves as a warning to Pharaoh and the Egyptians about the importance of listening to God's commands. This event is part of a series of plagues meant to persuade Pharaoh to free the Israelites from slavery. The imagery of the locusts highlights the severity of the situation and the urgency for change. It reminds us that ignoring warnings can lead to dire consequences, both personally and collectively. The locusts' arrival is a pivotal moment in the story, emphasizing the struggle between divine authority and human stubbornness. Ultimately, it illustrates the lengths to which God will go to achieve justice and liberation for His people.
How to apply Exodus 10:12 to your life
This passage encourages us to heed warnings in our lives. Just as Pharaoh faced consequences for his stubbornness, we too can face challenges when we ignore guidance. Reflect on areas where you might be resistant to change and consider the potential outcomes of your choices. Embrace the opportunity for growth and transformation instead of waiting for a crisis to act. Listening to wise counsel can lead to positive change and freedom.
Curated for this public verse page. Exodus Summary
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: The Plague of Locusts (Exodus 10:1–20)
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Moses
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
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At a Glance — the Book of Exodus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Exodus 10:12 mean?
Exodus 10:12 describes God's command to Moses to summon locusts that will devastate Egypt's crops. This act symbolizes God's power and serves as a warning to Pharaoh about the consequences of disobedience.
What is the significance of locusts in Exodus 10:12?
In Exodus 10:12, locusts represent destruction and the consequences of ignoring God's commands. Their arrival signifies the severity of the plagues and the urgency for Pharaoh to change his ways.
How does Exodus 10:12 relate to the plagues in Egypt?
Exodus 10:12 is part of the series of plagues God sent to persuade Pharaoh to free the Israelites. The locusts' destruction emphasizes the consequences of Pharaoh's stubbornness and the need for change.
What lesson can we learn from Exodus 10:12?
Exodus 10:12 teaches the importance of heeding warnings and being open to change. Just as Pharaoh faced dire consequences for his disobedience, we should reflect on our own resistance to guidance.
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