share torah logo

Exodus 10:14 - Divine plague devastates Egypt.

Exodus 10:14 - שמות 10:14

Hebrew Text

וַיַּעַל הָאַרְבֶּה עַל כָּל־אֶרֶץ מִצְרַיִם וַיָּנַח בְּכֹל גְּבוּל מִצְרָיִם כָּבֵד מְאֹד לְפָנָיו לֹא־הָיָה כֵן אַרְבֶּה כָּמֹהוּ וְאַחֲרָיו לֹא יִהְיֶה־כֵּן׃

English Translation

And the locusts went up over all the land of Miżrayim, and rested in all the borders of Miżrayim: very grievous they were; before them there were no such locusts as they, neither after them shall there be such.

Transliteration

Va'ya'al ha'arbe al kol-eretz Mitzrayim va'yanach be'chol gvul Mitzrayim kaved me'od lefanav lo-haya chen arbe kamohu ve'acharav lo yihye-chen.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּ֣עַל הָֽאַרְבֶּ֗ה עַ֚ל כׇּל־אֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם וַיָּ֕נַח בְּכֹ֖ל גְּב֣וּל מִצְרָ֑יִם כָּבֵ֣ד מְאֹ֔ד לְ֠פָנָ֠יו לֹא־הָ֨יָה כֵ֤ן אַרְבֶּה֙ כָּמֹ֔הוּ וְאַחֲרָ֖יו לֹ֥א יִֽהְיֶה־כֵּֽן׃
וַיַּ֣עַל הָֽאַרְבֶּ֗ה עַ֚ל כׇּל־אֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם וַיָּ֕נַח בְּכֹ֖ל גְּב֣וּל מִצְרָ֑יִם כָּבֵ֣ד מְאֹ֔ד לְ֠פָנָ֠יו לֹא־הָ֨יָה כֵ֤ן אַרְבֶּה֙ כָּמֹ֔הוּ וְאַחֲרָ֖יו לֹ֥א יִֽהְיֶה־כֵּֽן׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Severity of the Locust Plague

The verse describes the unprecedented nature of the locust plague (makkat arbeh) in Egypt, emphasizing its severity with the phrase "כָּבֵד מְאֹד" ("very grievous"). Rashi explains that the locusts were so dense that they darkened the land, fulfilling the warning in Shemot 10:5 that they would "cover the eye of the earth." The Talmud (Ta'anit 19a) notes that locust plagues are often a divine response to human sin, particularly when people withhold tithes (ma'aser), as they devour crops indiscriminately.

Uniqueness of This Plague

The Torah stresses that "לְפָנָיו לֹא־הָיָה כֵן אַרְבֶּה כָּמֹהוּ" ("before them there were no such locusts"). The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 13:7) elaborates that these locusts were uniquely destructive because they were sent as a divine instrument of judgment. Rambam (Hilchot Ta'anit 1:1-3) discusses how such extraordinary phenomena serve as wake-up calls for repentance, reinforcing the idea that this plague was not a natural occurrence but a targeted divine act.

Future Implications

The phrase "וְאַחֲרָיו לֹא יִהְיֶה־כֵּן" ("neither after them shall there be such") underscores that this event was singular in history. The Malbim explains that this was a one-time manifestation of divine power, never to be replicated, to demonstrate Hashem's complete control over nature. The Ibn Ezra adds that this statement also serves as a historical marker, ensuring that future generations would recognize the miracle.

Symbolism of the Locusts

  • Total Devastation: The locusts consumed all remaining crops after the hail (Shemot 10:12), symbolizing the complete stripping of Egypt's sustenance (Rashi).
  • Divine Precision: They entered only Egypt's borders, sparing Goshen (Shemot 10:23), highlighting Hashem's ability to distinguish between nations (Sforno).
  • Humiliation of Egypt: The plague targeted their agricultural pride, as Egypt relied on the Nile's fertility (Midrash Tanchuma, Bo 14).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the severity of the plagues in Egypt, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of the locust plague.
📖 Pesachim 118a
The verse is cited in a broader discussion about the miracles performed in Egypt, highlighting the uniqueness of the locust plague as described in the verse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 10:14 teach us about the plague of locusts?
A: Exodus 10:14 describes the eighth plague, where an unprecedented swarm of locusts covered all of Egypt. According to Rashi, this plague was especially severe because the locusts were so dense that they blocked out the sun, and they consumed every remaining plant after the previous plagues. The verse emphasizes that such a devastating locust swarm had never happened before and would never happen again, showing the uniqueness of this divine punishment.
Q: Why was the plague of locusts so significant in Egypt?
A: The plague of locusts was significant because it directly attacked Egypt's food supply and economy. Rambam explains that locusts are known for destroying crops, and this plague was divinely intensified to demonstrate Hashem's power. Since Egypt relied heavily on agriculture, this plague caused immense suffering and further proved that Pharaoh's resistance to freeing the Israelites was futile.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the plague of locusts today?
A: The plague of locusts teaches us about the consequences of stubbornness and ignoring divine warnings. The Midrash highlights that Pharaoh had multiple opportunities to repent but refused, leading to escalating punishments. Today, this reminds us to recognize Hashem's guidance, correct our mistakes, and avoid unnecessary suffering by heeding wisdom and moral lessons.
Q: How did the locusts in Exodus 10:14 differ from ordinary locust swarms?
A: The verse states that these locusts were unlike any before or after them. The Talmud (Ta'anit 19a) explains that ordinary locust swarms leave some vegetation behind, but this plague was divinely orchestrated to be all-consuming. Rashi adds that they even entered homes, showing their unnatural intensity as a clear sign of divine intervention.
Q: Why does the Torah emphasize that no such locusts will come again?
A: The Torah emphasizes this to show that the plagues were supernatural events, not just natural disasters. The Ibn Ezra explains that this phrase reinforces that these miracles were uniquely tied to the Exodus narrative. It also serves as a historical marker, ensuring future generations recognize the extraordinary nature of the events that led to the Israelites' liberation.