It's easy to focus on the sheer destructive power of the locusts, but notice the verse emphasizes they will eat "what is left to you after the hail." This isn't just about total destruction; it's about God systematically undoing everything that Egypt thought they had saved. It shows how God's judgment is thorough, targeting even the remnants of what was spared.
and they shall cover the face of the land, so that no one can see the land. And they shall eat what is left to you after the hail, and they shall eat every tree of yours that grows in the field, and they shall fill your houses and the houses of all your servants and of all the Egyptians, as neither your fathers nor your grandfathers have seen, from the day they came on earth to this day.’” Then he turned and went out from Pharaoh.
English Standard Version (ESV)
God, through Moses, warns Pharaoh of an impending plague of locusts that will consume any remaining crops not destroyed by the previous hailstorm. These insects will darken the sky and leave nothing green, not even the trees, in a devastating display of divine power meant to finally break the Pharaoh's stubborn heart. This plague marks the seventh of the ten, pushing Egypt closer to total devastation and the Israelites towards freedom.
Imagine a darkness that isn't just the absence of light, but a living, moving blanket descending upon everything you own. This plague wasn't just an inconvenience; it was an assault on the very senses.
The locusts are described with an intensity that goes beyond mere insect infestation. They literally 'cover the face of the earth, so that no one can see the land.' This isn't just hyperbole; it paints a picture of an almost unimaginable swarm that obscures vision, creating a unique kind of darkness.
Sensory Deprivation
This phenomenon wasn't just about visual obstruction. The sheer density of the locusts could block out the sun, creating a profound sense of dread and helplessness. It's a tangible manifestation of God's power, overwhelming the Egyptians' senses and their understanding of the world.
A Living Darkness
Unlike a storm cloud that passes, this 'darkness' was alive, moving, and consuming. It represented an encroaching doom that left no room for escape or even clear sight, emphasizing the totality of God's judgment.
After the hail destroyed so much, you might think things couldn't get worse. But this plague left absolutely nothing untouched, revealing a comprehensive judgment.
This plague of locusts wasn't selective; it was an indiscriminate devourer. The verse states they would 'eat what is left to you after the hail, and they shall eat every tree of yours that grows in the field.' This highlights the thoroughness of God's judgment against Egypt's stubborn refusal to obey.
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Consuming the Remnants
The locusts consumed not just the remaining crops (like wheat and rye mentioned in commentaries) but every single tree that had survived the hail. This left the Egyptians with no food reserves and no future harvest prospects from their fields.
Beyond Leaves and Fruit
Commentaries note that locusts could strip trees bare, consuming leaves, fruit, and even bark. This signifies a destruction so complete that even the structures of life – the trees themselves – were not spared, illustrating the utter devastation brought by this plague.
This plague of locusts wasn't just about destruction; it was a strategic escalation by God, consuming what the devastating hail left behind. It shows God's power to use even the smallest creatures to bring about His judgment and advance His redemptive plan.
c. 1446 BC
Israelites Enslaved in Egypt
The Israelites had been in Egypt for over 400 years, experiencing increasing hardship and brutal enslavement under the Egyptians.
c. 1446 BC
First Nine Plagues Unleashed
God sent nine devastating plagues upon Egypt to break Pharaoh's stubborn will and demonstrate His power, including water turning to blood, frogs, gnats, flies, livestock disease, boils, hail, and locusts.
c. 1446 BC
The Plague of Hail
A fierce hailstorm destroyed much of Egypt's crops and vegetation that had not already been ruined by the plague of flies.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
The Plague of Locusts Arrives
Following the hail, locusts were sent, covering the land so densely that the ground could not be seen, and devouring all remaining vegetation and trees.
c. 1446 BC
Pharaoh's Heart Hardens Again
Despite the devastation of the locusts, Pharaoh's heart remained hardened, refusing to let the Israelites go, leading to further plagues.
c. 1446 BC
The Plague of Darkness
A thick, tangible darkness fell over Egypt for three days, a plague that specifically spared the Israelites.
c. 1446 BC
The Exodus Begins
After the final plague, Pharaoh finally relented, allowing the Israelites to leave Egypt, marking their liberation from centuries of bondage.
This passage describes the utter devastation caused by locusts, echoing the complete destruction of crops and trees mentioned in Exodus 10:5. It portrays the locusts as an unstoppable force, much like the plague sent upon Egypt.
Joel 2:2-3Similar to Exodus 10:5, Joel describes a darkness caused by a massive swarm of locusts covering the land, making it impossible to see. This passage highlights the overwhelming and all-encompassing nature of the plague.
Psalm 105:34This Psalm recounts God's plagues on Egypt, directly mentioning the devouring of their crops and trees by locusts. It shows how this event was remembered as a significant act of God's judgment and deliverance.
Nahum 3:15-17This passage uses the imagery of locusts to describe the destruction of Nineveh, highlighting their voracious appetite that consumes everything, leaving nothing behind. It parallels the total consumption described in the Exodus plague.
Revelation 9:3-4This future prophecy describes locusts that torment humanity but are specifically commanded not to harm the grass, trees, or any green thing, but only those who do not have God's seal. This contrasts with the Exodus plague where all vegetation was destroyed, showing a difference in purpose and execution of locust-like destruction.
clarkeExodus 10:5: "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:"
They shall cover the face of the earth - They sometimes cover the whole ground to the depth of six or eight inches. See the preceding accounts.
bensonExodus 10:5: "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:"
Exodus 10:5 . They shall cover the face — Hebrew, the eye; of the earth — That is, of its inhabitants; that one cannot be able to see the earth — It is observable that no living creature multiplies so fast as the locust. It is almost in…
It's easy to focus on the sheer destructive power of the locusts, but notice the verse emphasizes they will eat "what is left to you after the hail." This isn't just about total destruction; it's about God systematically undoing everything that Egypt thought they had saved. It shows how God's judgment is thorough, targeting even the remnants of what was spared.
God, through Moses, warns Pharaoh of an impending plague of locusts that will consume any remaining crops not destroyed by the previous hailstorm. These insects will darken the sky and leave nothing green, not even the trees, in a devastating display of divine power meant to finally break the Pharaoh's stubborn heart. This plague marks the seventh of the ten, pushing Egypt closer to total devastation and the Israelites towards freedom.
God, through Moses, warns Pharaoh of an impending plague of locusts that will consume any remaining crops not destroyed by the previous hailstorm. These insects will darken the sky and leave nothing green, not even the trees, in a devastating display of divine power meant to finally break the Pharaoh's stubborn heart. This plague marks the seventh of the ten, pushing Egypt closer to total devastation and the Israelites towards freedom.
"and they shall cover the face of the land, so that no one can see the land. And they shall eat what is left to you after the hail, and they shall eat every tree of yours that grows in the field, and they shall fill your houses and the hous…" — It's easy to focus on the sheer destructive power of the locusts, but notice the verse emphasizes they will eat "what is left to you after the hail." This isn't just about total destruction; it's abo…
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Last reviewed October 2026
