1. The Lord said to Moses:Go back to the king. I have made him and his officials stubborn, so that I could work these miracles.
2. I did this because I want you to tell your children and your grandchildren about my miracles and about my harsh treatment of the Egyptians. Then all of you will know that I am the Lord.
3. Moses and Aaron went to the king and told him that the Lord God of the Hebrews had said:How long will you stubbornly refuse to obey? Release my people so they can worship me.
4. Do this by tomorrow, or I will cover your country with so many locusts
5. that you won't be able to see the ground. Most of your crops were ruined by the hailstones, but these locusts will destroy what little is left, including the trees.
6. Your palace, the homes of your officials, and all other houses in Egypt will overflow with more locusts than have ever been seen in this country.After Moses left the palace,
7. the king's officials asked, “Your Majesty, how much longer is this man going to be a troublemaker? Why don't you let the people leave, so they can worship the Lord their God? Don't you know that Egypt is a disaster?”
8. The king had Moses and Aaron brought back, and he said, “All right, you may go and worship the Lord your God. But first tell me who will be going.”
9. “Everyone, young and old,” Moses answered. “We will even take our sheep, goats, and cattle, because we want to hold a celebration in honour of the Lord.”
10. The king replied, “The Lord had better watch over you on the day I let you leave with your families! You're up to no good.