The Eighth Plague: Swarm of Locusts
(Exodus 10:1–20)
God told Moses to go back to Pharaoh. God said, “I have kept Pharaoh stubborn so that you can tell your children and grandchildren what I have done in Egypt. This is so everyone will know that I am the Lord, the only true God.”
Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and warned him that if he did not let God’s people go, the whole land would be covered with a terrifying plague of locusts. Locusts are insects, like gigantic, hungry grasshoppers, that travel in huge swarms. These swarms would be so massive that they would eat every single green plant that was left in the fields after the hail storm, leaving nothing but bare ground across the country.
Pharaoh’s own officials begged him, “Please let these men go! Can’t you see that the whole country of Egypt is being destroyed?” Pharaoh called Moses back and asked, “Who exactly is going to leave?” Moses replied, “Everyone! Old and young, our sons and daughters, our flocks and herds- everyone must go to celebrate the Lord.” But Pharaoh refused to let the whole family go; he only allowed the men to leave. Moses and Aaron were angrily sent away.
So, the Lord told Moses to stretch his hand over the land of Egypt. God then brought a strong east wind that blew all that day and night. At sunrise, the wind brought in the huge, dark cloud of locusts. The locusts landed everywhere! They covered the ground so thickly that the land looked black. They ate every single leaf on the trees and every blade of grass in the field. There was nothing green left in all the land of Egypt.
Pharaoh quickly sent for Moses and Aaron. He cried, “I have sinned against the Lord your God and against you! Please, forgive my sin this time and beg the Lord to take away this deadly plague.” Moses prayed, and the Lord brought a very strong west wind that swept the locusts up and carried them into the Red Sea. Not a single locust was left anywhere in Egypt. But after the plague was gone, the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart once more, and he still would not let the Israelites go.
A Curious Question
The locusts ate everything green, which showed God controls what we eat and have. What is one thing you can thank God for today that He provides for you to live?
Jesus Connection
The Bible story of the locusts shows that God’s Word is always true, and no one can stand against His plan. Pharaoh kept rejecting God, which brought destruction. This teaches us that rebellion against God leads to consequences, but obedience leads to life.
God’s plan to rescue His people from Egypt points to the greater rescue plan He made for all of us through Jesus Christ. Jesus is the only one who can save us from the consequences of our own stubborn hearts and sin. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus gives us a chance for a new life. He fulfills all of God's promises and gives us true freedom and salvation that Pharaoh could never offer.
Discussion Questions
- God said He kept Pharaoh stubborn so His power would be known. How does this story help you understand how powerful God is?
- When the locusts covered the land, it meant the Egyptians had no food left. How did God protect the Israelites' food or supplies during the plagues?
- Pharaoh apologized twice in this story, but then he kept refusing to let the people go. What is the difference between saying "sorry" and truly repenting and changing your heart?
- What did Pharaoh learn from this plague, and what did he still refuse to understand about the Lord?
“So What” What Can I do?
Pharaoh’s heart was hard because he didn't want to follow God. How can you make sure your heart stays soft and ready to obey God when He speaks to you through the Bible or your parents?
The locusts ate everything green. Take a moment to look around at all the good things God provides. How can you thank Him for His provision today?
Memorize God's Word
Exodus 10:2 - “You may tell in the hearing of your son and of your grandson how I have dealt severely with the Egyptians and what signs I have done among them, that you may know that I am the Lord.”
Hand Motions:
- You may tell in the hearing of your son: Point to mouth, then cup hand behind ear.
- and of your grandson: Cup hands around mouth, as if shouting a secret.
- how I have dealt severely with the Egyptians: Make a strong chopping motion down with one hand.
- and what signs I have done among them: Raise hands up and shrug shoulders (like "Look at all these amazing signs!").
- that you may know that I am the Lord: Point both index fingers up decisively.
Praying with Kids
Dear Father, thank You for being so powerful and mighty, even over tiny creatures like the locusts. Thank You for always keeping Your promises. Help us to obey You right away and not be stubborn like Pharaoh. We want to know that You are the Lord, and we love You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Craft or Activity: Swarming Locust Finger Puppets
This activity helps children visualize the massive number of locusts and how quickly they covered the land.
Materials Checklist
- Scissors
- Black Marker
- Small Plastic Cups or Water Bottles (to represent the Egyptian fields)
Instructions
- Help the children cut out a long strip of green paper (about 1 inch wide and 3 inches long) to be the body of the locust.
- Wrap the paper strip into a small circle and glue the ends together to make a loop small enough for a finger.
- Cut out two small paper wings and glue them onto the top of the loop.
- Glue two googly eyes onto the front of the loop and use a black marker to draw small antennae.
- Bend a short piece of brown pipe cleaner into a "V" shape and glue it underneath to act as the jumping legs.
- Once the glue is dry, have the children put their "locust" on their finger.
- Gather all the plastic cups (the crops of Egypt) and have all the children use their finger puppets to "swarm" the cups, demonstrating how the great number of locusts ate everything.
Effective Teaching Techniques
- Visual Aid: Bring a picture of a grasshopper or a large insect to show the children what a locust looks like, and emphasize that the swarm was so large it blocked the sun.
- Vocabulary: Before the story, explain the word "stubborn" using kid-friendly terms like "refusing to change your mind" or "digging your heels in." Ask for examples of when they might be stubborn.
- Connect to Nature: Briefly mention that God uses natural things, like the wind (east wind brought them, west wind took them), to show His power. This helps them see God’s hand in creation.