Exodus 10

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with God instructing Moses to go to Pharaoh and warn him of the eighth plague, the plague of locusts, which will devour what is left of the crops after the hail storm. Pharaoh's officials urge him to let the Israelites go, but he refuses, asking Moses to pray to God to remove the locusts. After the locusts are gone, Pharaoh again hardens his heart and refuses to let the Israelites go. The ninth plague, a thick darkness, lasts for three days, and Pharaoh threatens Moses, saying he will never see his face again if he comes before him again. Moses replies that he will indeed see Pharaoh's face again, but it will be the last time. The chapter concludes with Moses and Aaron being thrown out of Pharaoh's presence, as the stage is set for the final, tenth plague.

Context for the Chapter

Exodus chapter 10 is part of the larger narrative of the Israelites' deliverance from Egyptian bondage, which serves as a backdrop for understanding God's character, His relationship with His people, and the concept of redemption. The chapter follows the pattern established in the previous chapters, with God sending plagues upon Egypt to demonstrate His power and to convince Pharaoh to release the Israelites. This narrative is also connected to the broader biblical story, as it foreshadows the redemption that would come through Jesus Christ and serves as a reminder of God's patience, mercy, and sovereignty.

Heart Application

As we reflect on Exodus chapter 10, we are reminded of the importance of humility and obedience to God's commands. We must be careful not to harden our hearts against God's warnings and instructions, lest we face the consequences of our disobedience. Instead, we should seek to serve God with humility and reverence, recognizing His sovereignty and mercy in our lives.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Exodus chapter 10 tells the story of the eighth and ninth plagues God sent upon Egypt, the plague of locusts and the plague of darkness. These plagues were a result of Pharaoh's continued refusal to let the Israelites go, and they serve as a reminder of God's power and sovereignty. As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of humility and obedience to God's commands, lest we face the consequences of our disobedience (Exodus 10:3, Exodus 10:16).

Voices from the Church

“The plague of locusts was a terrible visitation, and yet it was but a faint shadow of the desolation which sin brings upon the soul.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The hardness of Pharaoh's heart was a punishment from God, but it also served as a warning to all who would harden their hearts against the Lord.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. The Eighth Plague: Locusts (Exodus 10:1-20) — God sends the eighth plague, a massive swarm of locusts that devours what is left of the crops after the hail storm, and Pharaoh's officials urge him to let the Israelites go.
2. Pharaoh's Refusal and the Ninth Plague (Exodus 10:21-29) — Pharaoh refuses to let the Israelites go, and God sends the ninth plague, a thick darkness that lasts for three days, after which Pharaoh threatens Moses and Aaron.
3. The Warning of the Tenth Plague (Exodus 10:28-29) — Moses warns Pharaoh of the tenth and final plague, the death of every firstborn son, and is thrown out of Pharaoh's presence.
4. The Stage is Set for the Final Plague — The chapter concludes with the stage set for the final, tenth plague, which will ultimately lead to the Israelites' freedom from Egyptian bondage.
5. Conclusion — The events of Exodus chapter 10 serve as a reminder of God's power, sovereignty, and mercy, and they foreshadow the redemption that would come through Jesus Christ.

Core Doctrines

Sovereignty of God

Exodus chapter 10 teaches us about the sovereignty of God, as He demonstrates His power and control over creation through the plagues sent upon Egypt.

Hardness of Heart

The chapter also warns us about the dangers of a hardened heart, as Pharaoh's consistent refusal to obey God ultimately leads to his downfall and the suffering of his people.

Redemption

The narrative of Exodus 10 points to the concept of redemption, as God's actions are motivated by His desire to free the Israelites from bondage and to have them serve Him, foreshadowing the redemption that would come through Jesus Christ.

Patience and Mercy

The chapter highlights God's patience and mercy, as He gives Pharaoh numerous opportunities to repent and obey His commands, demonstrating His desire to save and redeem His people.

Lessons from Exodus 10

1. The Importance of Humility — Exodus 10 teaches us about the importance of humility and obedience to God's commands, lest we face the consequences of our disobedience.
2. The Dangers of a Hardened Heart — The chapter warns us about the dangers of a hardened heart, as Pharaoh's consistent refusal to obey God ultimately leads to his downfall and the suffering of his people.
3. God's Patience and Mercy — The narrative of Exodus 10 highlights God's patience and mercy, as He gives Pharaoh numerous opportunities to repent and obey His commands.
4. The Power of Redemption — The chapter points to the concept of redemption, as God's actions are motivated by His desire to free the Israelites from bondage and to have them serve Him, foreshadowing the redemption that would come through Jesus Christ.
5. The Importance of Obedience — Exodus 10 emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, as the Israelites' freedom from Egyptian bondage is ultimately dependent on their obedience to God's instructions.

Themes from Exodus 10

1. God's Sovereignty — The chapter teaches us about God's sovereignty, as He demonstrates His power and control over creation through the plagues sent upon Egypt.
2. Redemption — The narrative of Exodus 10 points to the concept of redemption, as God's actions are motivated by His desire to free the Israelites from bondage and to have them serve Him.
3. Hardness of Heart — The chapter warns us about the dangers of a hardened heart, as Pharaoh's consistent refusal to obey God ultimately leads to his downfall and the suffering of his people.
4. Patience and Mercy — The chapter highlights God's patience and mercy, as He gives Pharaoh numerous opportunities to repent and obey His commands.
5. Obedience — Exodus 10 emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, as the Israelites' freedom from Egyptian bondage is ultimately dependent on their obedience to God's instructions.

Questions for Meditation

1. What can we learn from Pharaoh's example about the dangers of a hardened heart?
2. How does God's patience and mercy towards Pharaoh serve as a warning and an encouragement to us?
3. What role do the plagues play in the larger narrative of the Israelites' deliverance from Egyptian bondage?
4. How does the theme of redemption in Exodus 10 point to the redemption that would come through Jesus Christ?
5. What practical lessons can we apply to our own lives from the events of Exodus chapter 10?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Exodus 10

	Sermon	Description
	(Exodus) Exodus 10:1-7 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher discusses how God hardened Pharaoh's heart in order to reveal his true nature as a godless man. The preacher explains that God could have immediately t
	(Exodus) Exodus 10:12-20 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the eighth plague that God sent upon Egypt, which was a swarm of locusts. Unlike the previous plagues, the locusts did not appear miraculousl
	(Exodus) Exodus 10:21-29 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the darkness that fell upon the land of Egypt during the time of Moses. He highlights the miraculous nature of this darkness and how it affect
	(Exodus) Exodus 10:8-11 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the subtle temptation that Christian parents face in wanting their children to succeed in the world. He emphasizes the importance of training
	Danger of Compromise by Chuck Smith	This sermon emphasizes the danger of compromise in our walk with the Lord, using the story of Moses and Pharaoh in Exodus as an example. It warns against compromising our commitmen
	(Exodus) Exodus 8:20-32 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of making a choice between following the ways of the world or living according to God's word. He uses the analogy of two horse
	The Character of Samson by L.E. Maxwell	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Samson from the Bible and highlights the power of the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes that Samson, despite his great strength, was ov
	(Through the Bible) Exodus 6-10 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the response of God to Moses' despair and the increasing hardships faced by the children of Israel under Pharaoh's rule. God assures Moses t
	Redemption by G.W. North	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of redemption and the significance of the Passover in the Bible. He emphasizes that God's love for Israel led him to redeem them c
	Exodus 5-8 by Brian Brodersen	This sermon delves into the story of Moses and Aaron confronting Pharaoh in Egypt, showcasing God's power through various plagues directed at the Egyptian gods. Despite the miracul

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Exodus 10

In Exodus 10, we see the eighth and ninth plagues sent upon Egypt, the plague of locusts and the plague of darkness. These plagues serve as a demonstration of God's power and a warning to Pharaoh to obey God's commands. The hardening of Pharaoh's heart is a warning to us all, as it demonstrates the dangers of a hardened heart and the importance of humility and obedience. The chapter also highlights God's patience and mercy, as He gives Pharaoh numerous opportunities to repent and obey His commands. As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of obedience to God's commands and the dangers of a hardened heart, and we are encouraged to seek humility and repentance, lest we face the consequences of our disobedience. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?