Exodus 10

Chapter 10: The Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth Plagues: Locusts, Darkness, and Death of the Firstborn

Background History and Timeline: Exodus continues the narrative of the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt, likely occurring around the late 15th or early 14th century BCE.

Locations Mentioned: The chapter primarily takes place in Egypt, focusing on the land affected by the plagues and the royal court of Pharaoh.

Themes and Conflicts: Exodus 10 depicts the culmination of the plagues upon Egypt and Pharaoh's eventual capitulation to God's demands. It explores themes of divine judgment, perseverance, and the consequences of obstinacy.

Main Characters: The main characters in this chapter include Moses, Aaron, Pharaoh, and the Egyptian people.

Specific Passages:

• Exodus 10:21-22: "Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Stretch out your hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, a darkness to be felt.' So Moses stretched out his hand toward heaven, and there was pitch darkness in all the land of Egypt three days."

Explanation: In Exodus 10, God sends the seventh plague upon Egypt, unleashing a horde of locusts that devour every green plant and tree, leaving the land desolate. Despite the devastation, Pharaoh's heart remains hardened, and he refuses to let the Israelites go.

As a result, God sends the eighth plague of darkness upon Egypt, enveloping the land in thick darkness for three days. The darkness is so intense that it can be felt, plunging Egypt into chaos and despair.

Despite the darkness, Pharaoh remains obstinate, refusing to heed the warnings of Moses and Aaron. As a final warning, Moses warns Pharaoh of the impending tenth plague—the death of the firstborn throughout Egypt.

Exodus 10 highlights the escalating confrontation between Yahweh and Pharaoh, underscoring the consequences of Pharaoh's stubbornness and refusal to submit to God's will.

The authorship of Exodus is traditionally attributed to Moses, who recorded the events and interactions with God during the Israelites' journey to liberation. While non-biblical sources may not directly verify the specific accounts, archaeological evidence corroborates aspects of ancient Egyptian history and culture, providing context for the biblical narrative.

Exodus 10 marks the climax of the plagues, setting the stage for the dramatic events of the Passover and the liberation of the Israelites from bondage.