Old Testament
Exodus 10:5
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, a vivid image is painted of a devastating swarm of locusts.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
They will cover every inch of ground until you can't even see the earth beneath them. They will devour whatever the hail left behind and strip every tree still growing in your fields.
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:
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, a vivid image is painted of a devastating swarm of locusts. They will cover the ground so completely that the earth itself becomes invisible. These locusts will consume everything that remains after a hailstorm, leaving nothing behind. They will strip every tree in the fields, ensuring that the land is left barren. This serves as a warning of the consequences of disobedience and the severity of the situation. The imagery emphasizes the totality of destruction that can occur when nature is unleashed. It’s a reminder of how quickly things can change and how vulnerable we are to forces beyond our control. The locusts symbolize not just physical destruction but also the loss of hope and sustenance. This moment in the narrative highlights the importance of heeding warnings and recognizing the impact of our actions on the world around us. It’s a call to reflect on our choices and their consequences, both for ourselves and for the environment we depend on for life.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Exodus 10:5 to your life
Consider the impact of your actions on your surroundings. Just as the locusts left devastation, our choices can lead to significant consequences. Reflect on how you can make positive changes in your life and community to foster growth and healing instead of destruction. Every small action counts towards a better future for all of us. Be mindful of the environment and your role in it, as it shapes our lives and the lives of others.
Curated for this public verse page. Exodus Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Exodus 10:5 mean?
Exodus 10:5 describes a swarm of locusts that will cover the ground completely, making the earth invisible. This imagery illustrates the total destruction that will occur as the locusts consume everything left after a hailstorm, emphasizing the consequences of disobedience.
What is the significance of locusts in Exodus 10:5?
In Exodus 10:5, locusts symbolize overwhelming destruction and the loss of sustenance. Their ability to strip the land bare serves as a warning about the severe consequences of ignoring divine commands.
What does the phrase 'cover the face of the earth' in Exodus 10:5 mean?
The phrase 'cover the face of the earth' in Exodus 10:5 means that the locusts will swarm in such large numbers that they will obscure the ground completely. This highlights the extent of the devastation they will cause.
How does Exodus 10:5 relate to the theme of consequences?
Exodus 10:5 illustrates the theme of consequences by showing how disobedience leads to severe destruction. The locusts' devastation represents the tangible results of ignoring warnings and the impact of one's actions on the environment.
The Book of Exodus
Exodus 1: Israel's Oppression in Egypt
The sons of Israel settle in Egypt, and their families grow rapidly until the land is filled with them. A new Pharaoh arises who does not know Joseph and fears that the Israelites will join Egypt's enemies if war comes, so he places them under harsh labor and forces them to build the store cities Pithom and Raamses. The more they are oppressed, the more they multiply, which increases Egyptian fear. Pharaoh commands the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, to kill every male child at birth, but they fear God and let the boys live. When Pharaoh confronts them, they say the Hebrew women deliver before the midwives arrive, and God blesses the midwives with households. Pharaoh then commands all his people to cast every Hebrew son into the river while allowing the daughters to live.
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