Exodus 10:4
Else, if thou refuse to let my people go, behold, to morrow will I bring the locusts into thy coast:
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֛י
Else
H3588
כִּ֛י
Else
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
2 of 12
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
לְשַׁלֵּ֣חַ
go
H7971
לְשַׁלֵּ֣חַ
go
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
5 of 12
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עַמִּ֑י
to let my people
H5971
עַמִּ֑י
to let my people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
7 of 12
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
מֵבִ֥יא
will I bring
H935
מֵבִ֥יא
will I bring
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
9 of 12
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
מָחָ֛ר
behold to morrow
H4279
מָחָ֛ר
behold to morrow
Strong's:
H4279
Word #:
10 of 12
properly, deferred, i.e., the morrow; usually (adverbially) tomorrow; indefinitely, hereafter
Cross References
Revelation 9:3And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.Proverbs 30:27The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands;Joel 2:25And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.
Historical Context
Osiris ruled agriculture and resurrection, while Isis protected crops. Locusts were ancient Near Eastern terror, but this swarm's density exceeded natural plague. The total devastation left Egypt economically ruined.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God demonstrate His power through natural means taken to supernatural extremes?
- What does Pharaoh's servants' fear teach about recognizing God's hand in judgment?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Verse 4 describes the locust plague, targeting Osiris (agriculture god) and Isis (grain goddess). Moses warns locusts will 'cover the face of the earth' and devour everything the hail left. Pharaoh's servants beg him to relent, recognizing Egypt's destruction.