- Book: [[Exodus]] - Previous chapter: [[Exodus 9]] - Next chapter: [[Exodus 11]] > [!summary] Summary > - Eighth plague: locusts devour everything the hail left; even [[Pharaoh]]'s officials urge him to relent > - Ninth plague: three days of thick, tangible darkness over [[Egypt]], while [[Israel]] has light > - [[Pharaoh]] makes increasingly narrow offers but will not let [[Israel]] go with their flocks; [[Moses]] declares he will never see [[Pharaoh]] again > [!info] Why is this here? > - The locusts and darkness bring [[Egypt]] to near-total ruin, setting the stage for the final, decisive plague > - The darkness plague — [[Egypt]]'s sun-god [[Ra]] neutralized — is an attack on [[Egypt]]'s highest deity > - [[Moses]]' final exit from [[Pharaoh]]'s presence signals that negotiation is over and the last plague is imminent # Overview ## v. 1-2: Purpose stated - God tells [[Moses]] he has hardened [[Pharaoh]]'s heart "so that I may perform these signs among them" and so [[Israel]] will tell their children how God dealt with [[Egypt]] - The plagues are a story to be passed down — they are formative for [[Israel]]'s identity ## v. 3-20: Eighth plague — locusts - [[Pharaoh]] is asked: "How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me?" - Even [[Pharaoh]]'s officials plead with him: "[[Egypt]] is ruined" - [[Pharaoh]] offers to let the men go, but not women, children, or flocks; [[Moses]] refuses - Locusts cover all [[Egypt]], devour everything left after the hail — "nothing green remained" - [[Pharaoh]] quickly summons [[Moses]], confesses sin, asks for forgiveness; locusts removed by west wind - God hardens [[Pharaoh]]'s heart ## v. 21-29: Ninth plague — darkness - [[Moses]] stretches his hand toward the sky; total darkness covers [[Egypt]] for three days - "Darkness that can be felt" — tangible, oppressive - [[Israelites]] have light in their dwellings > [!note] Darkness over [[Ra]] > [[Egypt]]'s sun god [[Ra]] was the supreme deity. Three days of impenetrable darkness was a direct attack on the heart of [[Egyptian]] religion and royal authority, since [[Pharaoh]] was considered [[Ra]]'s son. ## v. 24-29: Final confrontation - [[Pharaoh]] offers to let all the people go but not the flocks - [[Moses]] declines: "not a hoof is to be left behind" - God hardens [[Pharaoh]]'s heart; [[Pharaoh]] orders [[Moses]] out and threatens death if he returns - [[Moses]] agrees: "I will never appear before you again"