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 characterized with 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 (Joe_1:6-12).
I. That sometimes the retributions of God leave a residue of comfort to the lives of men. 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 rye are left. This is mere 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.
III. That upon continued sin the remaining comforts of man may be destroyed by the cooperation 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.” 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. (J. S. Exell,M. A.)
