God sends a plague of locusts upon Egypt as Pharaoh continues to harden his heart and refuse to let the Israelites go. The locusts cover the land and consume all the vegetation left after the hail.
Theological significance
This plague demonstrates God's sovereignty over creation and His power to bring judgment upon those who oppose His will. It also highlights the persistent hardness of Pharaoh's heart despite witnessing God's mighty acts.
In the broader story
The plagues serve as a demonstration of God's power and a precursor to the ultimate deliverance of Israel, foreshadowing the greater deliverance through Christ.
God brings a thick darkness over Egypt for three days, a darkness so profound that it could be felt. Despite this, the Israelites have light in their dwellings.
Theological significance
The plague of darkness symbolizes the spiritual blindness and judgment upon Egypt, contrasting with the light given to God's people. It underscores God's ability to distinguish between His people and their oppressors.
In the broader story
This event prefigures the spiritual darkness of sin and the light of salvation offered through Jesus Christ, who is the Light of the World.
In the order the chapter tells them. The corpus records sequence, not dates — biblical chronology is contested, and this does not take a position on it.