Exodus 10 4

Exodus 10:4 kjv

Else, if thou refuse to let my people go, behold, to morrow will I bring the locusts into thy coast:

Exodus 10:4 nkjv

Or else, if you refuse to let My people go, behold, tomorrow I will bring locusts into your territory.

Exodus 10:4 niv

If you refuse to let them go, I will bring locusts into your country tomorrow.

Exodus 10:4 esv

For if you refuse to let my people go, behold, tomorrow I will bring locusts into your country,

Exodus 10:4 nlt

If you refuse, watch out! For tomorrow I will bring a swarm of locusts on your country.

Exodus 10 verses

Exodus 10 4 Meaning

Exodus 10:4 presents a direct warning from God to Pharaoh: if he continues to refuse to release the Israelite people, a devastating plague of locusts will arrive "tomorrow" throughout Egypt's borders. This declaration emphasizes God's sovereign authority, His precise control over creation, and the immediate, destructive consequence of Pharaoh's continued defiance against His divine command. It highlights a pivotal moment where divine patience meets hardened rebellion, signifying that the Lord’s word is certain and inescapable.

Exodus 10 4 Context

Exodus 10:4 is a critical verse in the unfolding narrative of the plagues in Egypt. It marks God's warning for the eighth plague, that of locusts, issued by Moses and Aaron directly to Pharaoh. This warning follows a partial concession by Pharaoh in chapter 9 regarding the cattle and a brief attempt to send the Israelite men without their families. God's declaration in verse 4 highlights His refusal to accept partial obedience or a compromise that falls short of His full command to "Let My people go."

Historically and culturally, Egypt was an agricultural society deeply reliant on the Nile's fertility for its immense wealth and sustenance. Grain, flax, and fruits were cornerstones of their economy. A locust plague, which literally devours all vegetation, represented absolute ruin and starvation, striking at the very heart of Egyptian prosperity and well-being. Furthermore, this plague was a direct challenge and polemic against various Egyptian deities: gods like Min and Renenutet, associated with harvest and fertility, and even the sun god Ra, whose blessing was essential for crops, would appear powerless before Yahweh's unleashed destruction. It profoundly demonstrated the supremacy of the God of Israel over the entire Egyptian pantheon, stripping Pharaoh of his divine pretense and demonstrating the impotency of the gods he believed protected his land. The warning itself, a specific and timed threat of judgment, also emphasizes God's patience and justice, giving Pharaoh one last clear opportunity to yield before a further, devastating act of divine power.

Exodus 10 4 Word analysis

• Else: (Hebrew: וְאִם, v'im) - A conjunction signaling a conditional clause, translating to "and if" or "otherwise." It highlights the direct consequence linked to Pharaoh's decision, presenting a stark choice and indicating God's forbearance by giving a final warning before executing judgment.
• if thou refuse: (Hebrew: תְּמָאֵן, t'ma'en) - From the root ma'en, meaning "to refuse," "to be unwilling," "to decline." This word underscores Pharaoh's stubborn, willful rejection of God's command. It implies a deliberate act of rebellion rather than mere ignorance or oversight. Pharaoh is actively choosing to oppose God's will.
• to let My people go: (Hebrew: לְשַׁלֵּחַ אֶת עַמִּי, l'shale'ach et 'ammi) -
  • לְשַׁלֵּחַ (l'shale'ach): The infinitive form of shalach, "to send," "to send away," "to release." It signifies God's ultimate objective: the full liberation of Israel from bondage.
  • אֶת עַמִּי (et 'ammi): "My people." This phrase is profoundly significant, emphasizing God's unique covenantal relationship with Israel and His claim of ownership. It reinforces that Pharaoh is holding captive not just a group of slaves, but the chosen possession of the Almighty God.
• behold: (Hebrew: הִנֵּה, hinneh) - An interjection calling for attention, often preceding a significant declaration or an imminent event. Here, it conveys certainty and immediate gravity, emphasizing that what follows is a definite divine action.
• tomorrow: (Hebrew: מָחָר, machar) - Specifies the precise timing of the impending judgment. This demonstrates God's absolute control over time and natural forces, proving His sovereignty and removing any doubt about the imminence of the plague. It is not a vague threat, but a fixed appointment.
• will I bring: (Hebrew: מֵבִיא, mevi) - From the verb bo, "to come" or "to bring." This is an active participle, emphasizing God as the direct, intentional agent behind the locust plague. It stresses divine initiative, not just allowing a natural event to occur, but actively "bringing" it.
• locusts: (Hebrew: אַרְבֶּה, arbeh) - Refers to the specific type of locust swarm known for its devastating consumption of vegetation. In the ancient Near East, locust plagues were a feared natural disaster. God, however, is presented as directing this natural phenomenon for His redemptive purpose, turning a natural occurrence into a supernatural act of judgment. This directly counters Egyptian reliance on their land's fertility and their agricultural gods.
• into thy border: (Hebrew: בִּגְבֻלֶךָ, big'vulekha) - "Into your boundary" or "territory." This signifies the widespread, comprehensive nature of the coming destruction. The plague would not be localized but would engulf the entire land of Egypt, demonstrating God's pervasive power and His ability to strike at every corner of Pharaoh's domain.

Words-group analysis:

• "Else, if thou refuse to let My people go": This conditional phrase lays out the absolute terms of God's interaction with Pharaoh. It establishes a direct cause-and-effect relationship, placing the onus of the upcoming judgment squarely on Pharaoh's unyielding will and continued rebellion against God's direct command for His cherished people's liberation.
• "behold, tomorrow will I bring locusts into thy border": This declaration asserts the divine authority and inevitability of the impending plague. "Behold" signifies certainty, "tomorrow" implies precision and swiftness, "I will bring" highlights God's active agency, and "into thy border" emphasizes the scope of the judgment—total and inescapable across the entire land of Egypt.

Exodus 10 4 Bonus section

• Progression of Plagues: The plague of locusts follows the plague of hail (Ex 9:22-26), which had already damaged the visible crops like flax and barley. The locusts were designed to consume "every green thing" (Ex 10:5), ensuring the complete destruction of what remained, including wheat and spelt, completing the desolation of Egypt's agricultural bounty. This highlights God's calculated and escalating judgment.
• "Let My People Go, That They May Serve Me": This core demand (Ex 7:16, 8:1, 9:1, 10:3) reveals the purpose of Israel's freedom is for them to worship God without hindrance. Pharaoh's refusal is ultimately a rejection of true worship and obedience to God.
• Knowing the Lord: Throughout the plagues, a recurring theme is that both Egyptians and Israelites would "know that I am the LORD" (e.g., Ex 7:5, 8:22, 9:14, 10:2). The severity and distinctiveness of these judgments served as divine education.
• God's control over creation: This plague is a stark reminder of God's dominion over all creation, even seemingly natural phenomena. He commands the winds that bring and take away the locusts (Ex 10:13, 19), illustrating that even forces considered part of chaotic nature are utterly subservient to His word.

Exodus 10 4 Commentary

Exodus 10:4 delivers a powerful and precise divine warning, signifying that the time for negotiation or further delay has ended. It encapsulates God's patience, allowing Pharaoh ample opportunity to repent, yet underscores His absolute determination to execute His will. The phrasing emphasizes Pharaoh's active choice to "refuse" to obey God's clear, consistent demand to release His "people." The immediate and detailed nature of the threat – "tomorrow," "locusts," "into thy border" – demonstrates God's sovereignty, not just over the forces of nature, but also over time and geography. This plague specifically targets Egypt's agricultural foundation, striking at the very heart of their economic stability and rendering their fertility gods impotent. It serves as another undeniable manifestation of Yahweh's supreme power, meticulously demonstrating His ability to bless and to destroy, ensuring that all may know He is the Lord. This verse teaches the grave consequences of persistent disobedience and highlights that divine judgment is purposeful, not arbitrary, and is often preceded by gracious warnings.