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Book of Exodus - Chapter 10 - Verse 12

10:12
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.

Meaning

In this particular verse from the book of Exodus, God commands Moses to stretch out his hand over the land of Egypt so that a plague of locusts may come upon the land and devour all the vegetation that was not destroyed by the previous plague of hail. This verse illustrates God's power and control over nature, as well as his ability to bring about destruction as a form of punishment or judgment. The locusts were a common agricultural pest in ancient Egypt, and a swarm of locusts could devastate crops, leading to famine and hardship for the people. By sending this plague, God was not only showing his authority over the natural world but also using it as a means to demonstrate his divine power to the Egyptians and ultimately to deliver his people, the Israelites, from bondage. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and the consequences of disobedience.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the Lord instructs Moses to stretch out his hand over the land of Egypt so that locusts may come and devour what the hail had left behind. The theological interpretation of this verse reflects the power and sovereignty of God over nature. The locusts are seen as a tool of God's judgment against Egypt for their refusal to release the Israelites from slavery. The word "locusts" in Hebrew is "arbeh," which can also mean "swarm" or "multitude." This emphasizes the sheer number and devastation that the locusts would bring upon the land. The imagery used in this verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of heeding God's commandments. It also highlights the faithfulness of God in fulfilling his promises, even through seemingly destructive means.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah said unto Moses, Stretch out thy 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.
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