Albert Barnes Commentary Exodus 10
Albert Barnes Commentary
Exodus 10
Albert Barnes Commentary
Exodus 10
"Else, if thou refuse to let my people go, behold, to-morrow will I bring locusts into thy border:" — Exodus 10:4 (ASV)
The locusts - The locust is less common in Egypt than in many eastern countries, yet it is well known, and dreaded as the most terrible of scourges. They come generally from the western deserts, but sometimes from the east and the southeast. No less than nine names are given to the locust in the Bible, of which the word used here is the most common (ארבה 'arbeh); it signifies “multitudinous,” and whenever it occurs reference is made to its terrible devastations.
"and they shall cover the face of the earth, so that one shall not 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 (ASV)
The face - Literally, cover “the eye of the earth,” alluding to the darkness which follows, when the whole atmosphere is filled on all sides and to a great height by an innumerable quantity of these insects.
Shall eat every tree - Not only the leaves, but the branches and even the wood were attacked and devoured. The Egyptians were passionately fond of trees.
"and thy houses shall be filled, and the houses of all thy servants, and the houses of all the Egyptians; as neither thy fathers nor thy fathers` fathers have seen, since the day that they were upon the earth unto this day. And he turned, and went out from Pharaoh." — Exodus 10:6 (ASV)
Fill thy houses - The terraces, courts, and even the inner apartments are said to be filled in a moment by a locust storm. Compare Joel 2:9.
"And Pharaoh`s servants said unto him, How long shall this man be a snare unto us? let the men go, that they may serve Jehovah their God: knowest thou not yet that Egypt is destroyed?" — Exodus 10:7 (ASV)
For the first time, the officers of Pharaoh intervene before the scourge is inflicted, showing at once their belief in the threat, and their special terror of the infliction. Also, for the first time, Pharaoh takes measures to prevent the evil; he does not indeed send for Moses and Aaron, but he permits them to be brought into his presence.
Let the men go — that is, the men only, not all the people. See Exodus 10:8.
"And Moses said, We will go with our young and with our old; with our sons and with our daughters, with our flocks and with our herds will we go; for we must hold a feast unto Jehovah." — Exodus 10:9 (ASV)
With our young ... - The demand was not contrary to Egyptian usage, as great festivals were kept by the whole population.
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