Locusts Consume What the Hail Left

The LORD tells Moses to stretch out his hand over Egypt, and an east wind brings locusts across the land. They cover the surface of the country and consume what the hail left—vegetation and fruit from the trees. Exodus describes the infestation as unprecedented in Egypt.

Pharaoh quickly summons Moses and Aaron and says, “I have sinned against the LORD your God, and against you.” He asks that his sin be forgiven “only this once” and that they pray for the deadly plague to be removed. Moses goes out and entreats the LORD. A strong west wind carries the locusts into the Red Sea, leaving none in Egypt. The LORD then hardens Pharaoh’s heart, and Pharaoh does not let Israel go.