MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— Exodus 10:12-15
THE PLAGUE OF LOCUSTS; OR, THE RESIDUE OF HUMAN COMFORT AND ENJOYMENT DESTROYED BY THE RETRIBUTION OF GOD
It has been observed that the plagues of Egypt, as they succeeded each other, were characterised by increasing severity. This one appears an exception to the rule. But only on first sight. The very name of locust was a terror to the Egyptians. They were an awful infliction (Joel 1:6-12). There were various species of locusts, which are called in the Bible by various names; the name in this place signifying “multitudinous:” and it is probable that the visitation consisted of several different kinds. Hence the land that had previously been visited by hail and fire, must now have been utterly desolated. Hence we see how human joys are devastated by the retributions of heaven.
I. That sometimes the retributions of God leave a residue of comfort to the lives of men. We read that though the flax and the barley were smitten by the hail and the fire, the “Wheat and the rie were not smitten.” Hence there was something valuable left to Egypt after the severe retribution had ceased. And so it is generally with individual life; the retributions of heaven do not take all away from a man at a stroke; they leave some hope and comfort behind. It is so in bereavement; if the wife is taken, the child is left. It is so in business; if the capital is lost, it may be the reputation is saved. It is so in personal attributes; if one sense grows dim, another remains yet more active. If the flax and barley are destroyed, the wheat and the rie are left. This is more than is deserved. It is merciful. But it is the kind way of heaven.
II. That upon continued sin the residue of human comfort may be entirely removed by the retributive anger of God. If the hail and the fire do not accomplish their mission to the soul of man, the locusts will be sent to “eat the residue of that which is escaped.” “They shall eat every tree which groweth for you out of the field,” His method of retribution appears pitiless and destitute of consideration for the consequent woe of man; but it is the just outcome of obstinate sin. How many lives have been spoiled of their comforts and left in solitary and defenceless pain by such a retribution! Sin is the explanation of much of the calamity we find around us. If men will not heed the voice of God, the locust will succeed the hail, and complete their woe; then all their glad things will vanish.
III. That upon continued sin the remaining comforts of man may be destroyed by the co-operation of primary and secondary causes. “And the Lord brought an east wind upon the land all that day and all that night; and when it was morning, the east wind brought the locusts.” Hence the retributions that are intended to destroy the remaining joys of the wicked are sent through the ordinary agencies of nature, and along the ordinary channels of life. God sends them by the agency of the east wind. The sceptic may say that the east wind alone brought the locusts upon his green things; but this is unreasonable and atheistical. Men in these days have too much Scripture knowledge to regard nature as the origin of their trouble. God commissions the wind that works desolation upon the hope of the wicked.
SUGGESTIVE COMMENTS ON THE VERSES
Exodus 10:12. When persecutors drive out God’s servants, He hastens determined plagues on them.
The hand of man, stretched out at God’s word for plagues, is a terrible sign to His enemies.
The plague signified shall come by God’s word to verify the sign given.
The plague coming shall do full execution upon God’s enemies and creatures for their sakes.
God can make a latter plague finish that which a former plague only began to destroy.
Exodus 10:13-15. At God’s command of signals to denote His word His servants must use them.
God’s true ministers show readiness and exactness in giving forth signs commanded by Him.
At God’s set times His plagues do come and are not delayed.
Locust plagues, as well as others, extend themselves and rest where God will have them.
Incomparable vermin God can create to plague persecutors of His Israel.
Locust plagues and the like cover over and transform the face of the earth at God’s word.
Devouring and killing plagues to creatures, God sends upon wicked persecutors.