Exodus:10

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* Verse 1-11 - The plagues of Egypt show the sinfulness of sin . They warn the children of men not to strive with their Maker . Pharaoh had pretended to humble himself ; but no account was made of it , for he was not sincere therein . The plague of locusts is threatened . This should be much worse than any of that kind which had ever been known . Pharaoh 's attendants persuade him to come to terms with Moses . Hereupon Pharaoh will allow the men to go , falsely pretending that this was all they desired . He swears that they shall not remove their little ones . Satan does all he can to hinder those that serve God themselves , from bringing their children to serve him . He is a sworn enemy to early piety . Whatever would put us from engaging our children in God 's service , we have reason to suspect Satan in it . Nor should the young forget that the Lord 's counsel is , Remember thy Creator in the days of thy youth ; but Satan 's counsel is , to keep children in a state of slavery to sin and to the world . Mark that the great foe of man wishes to retain him by the ties of affection , as Pharaoh would have taken hostages from the Israelites for their return , by holding their wives and children in captivity . Satan is willing to share our duty and our service with the Saviour , because the Saviour will not accept those terms . * Verse 12-20 - God bids Moses stretch out his hand ; locusts came at the call . An army might more easily have been resisted than this host of insects . Who then is able to stand before the great God ? They covered the face of the earth , and ate up the fruit of it . Herbs grow for the service of man ; yet when God pleases , insects shall plunder him , and eat the bread out of his mouth . Let our labour be , not for the habitation and meat thus exposed , but for those which endure to eternal life . Pharaoh employs Moses and Aaron to pray for him . There are those , who , in distress , seek the help of other people 's prayers , but have no mind to pray for themselves . They show thereby that they have no true love to God , nor any delight in communion with him . Pharaoh desires only that this death might be taken away , not this sin . He wishes to get rid of the plague of locusts , not the plague of a hard heart , which was more dangerous . An east wind brought the locusts , a west wind carries them off . Whatever point the wind is in , it is fulfilling God 's word , and turns by his counsel . The wind bloweth where it listeth , as to us ; but not so as it respects God . It was also an argument for their repentance ; for by this it appeared that God is ready to forgive , and swift to show mercy . If he does this upon the outward tokens of humiliation , what will he do if we are sincere ! Oh that this goodness of God might lead us to repentance ! Pharaoh returned to his resolution again , not to let the people go . Those who have often baffled their convictions , are justly given up to the lusts of their hearts . * Verse 21-29 - The plague of darkness brought upon Egypt was a dreadful plague . It was darkness which might be felt , so thick were the fogs . It astonished and terrified . It continued three days ; six nights in one ; so long the most lightsome palaces were dungeons . Now Pharaoh had time to consider , if he would have improved it . Spiritual darkness is spiritual bondage ; while Satan blinds men 's eyes that they see not , he binds their hands and feet , that they work not for God , nor move toward heaven . They sit in darkness . It was righteous with God thus to punish . The blindness of their minds brought upon them this darkness of the air ; never was mind so blinded as Pharaoh 's , never was air so darkened as Egypt . Let us dread the consequences of sin ; if three days of darkness were so dreadful , what will everlasting darkness be ? The children of Israel , at the same time , had light in their dwellings . We must not think we share in common mercies as a matter of course , and therefore that we owe no thanks to God for them . It shows the particular favour he bears to his people . Wherever there is an Israelite indeed , though in this dark world , there is light , there is a child of light . When God made this difference between the Israelites and the Egyptians , who would not have preferred the poor cottage of an Israelite to the fine palace of an Egyptian ? There is a real difference between the house of the wicked , which is under a curse , and the habitation of the just , which is blessed . Pharaoh renewed the treaty with Moses and Aaron , and consented they should take their little ones , but would have their cattle left . It is common for sinners to bargain with God Almighty ; thus they try to mock him , but they deceive themselves . The terms of reconciliation with God are so fixed , that though men dispute them ever so long , they cannot possibly alter them , or bring them lower . We must come to the demand of God 's will ; we cannot expect he should condescend to the terms our lusts would make . With ourselves and our children , we must devote all our worldly possessions to the service of God ; we know not what use he will make of any part of what we have . Pharaoh broke off the conference abruptly , and resolved to treat no more . Had he forgotten how often he had sent for Moses to ease him of his plagues ? and must he now be bid to come no more ? Vain malice ! to threaten him with death , who was armed with such power ! What will not hardness of heart , and contempt of God 's word and commandments , bring men to ! After this , Moses came no more till he was sent for . When men drive God 's word from them , he justly gives them up to their own delusions . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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