Exodus 10

The Plagues of Egypt: Lessons from Exodus 10

As we dive into Exodus 10, we find ourselves immersed in the dramatic narrative of the plagues, particularly the devastating plague of locusts and the ominous darkness that follows. These events not only reveal God's power but also offer profound lessons about creation, judgment, and redemption.

The Plague of Locusts: A Warning and a Reminder

In verses 1-2, we witness the plague of locusts, which serves as a stark reminder of God's dominion over all creation. The sky goddess Nut, whom the Egyptians worshiped, proves powerless against this divine judgment. This prompts us to reflect on the importance of sharing our experiences of God's actions with future generations. Just as Moses was instructed to tell his children and grandchildren what they witnessed, we too are called to recount God's faithfulness and sovereignty in our lives.

Pharaoh’s response is equally telling. In a desperate attempt to gaslight Moses, he accuses him of having evil intentions (10:10). It's ironic, coming from a man who enslaved others under brutal conditions. This back-and-forth negotiation between Pharaoh and Moses exemplifies the struggle between divine authority and human pride. Moses insists that everyone—men, women, children, and livestock—must go to worship God. Yet, even in this critical moment, God’s plan remains shrouded in mystery for Moses. This uncertainty can resonate with us; often, we find ourselves unsure of God's detailed plans for our lives.

The Darkness: A Symbol of Judgment

Moving on to verses 21-29, we encounter a darkness that envelops the land. This isn’t just any darkness; it mirrors the chaotic void before creation. God is deliberately unraveling what He has made good, reimposing darkness as a symbol of judgment. When we reject God as our Creator and Savior, we, too, experience a disintegration of our being—a theme echoed in Romans 1:18-32.

In this moment of darkness, God reveals His desire to display His glory to those He has called (Romans 9:22-24). It’s a humbling reminder that our relationship with God isn’t based on our merit but solely on His mercy.

Echoes of Redemption

The ninth plague of darkness foreshadows a greater darkness that would come centuries later. On the cross, as Jesus bore the weight of humanity's sin, a supernatural darkness fell over the land for three hours (Luke 23:44). Just as the darkness in Egypt marked a time of judgment, so too did the darkness at the crucifixion. Yet, out of this darkness came the hope of resurrection—an echo of re-creation for all who believe in Christ.

Isaiah 45:6-7 reminds us of God's sovereign authority: “I form the light and create darkness; I bring prosperity and create disaster.” For the Egyptians, who worshiped the sun god Ra, the three days of darkness signified that God could strip away their idols and illuminate their profound need for Him. It’s a sobering thought that those who choose to dwell in darkness face a bleak reality.

Conclusion: The Call to Light

As we reflect on Exodus 10, we are reminded of the stark choices before us. We can choose to walk in the light of God’s truth or remain in the darkness of our own making. The plagues serve as a powerful testament to God’s desire for us to acknowledge His sovereignty and mercy.

Let us take these lessons to heart, sharing them with our children and grandchildren, and striving to live in the light of God's grace, aware that in Him, we find true life and freedom. The story of Exodus calls us to remember, reflect, and respond—to embrace the light and reject the darkness. Together, we can be witnesses to God’s redemptive work in our lives and in the world around us.