And for this reason, the term "mockery," meaning laughter, was specifically used with the plague of locusts, as most of the people were preparing to salt the locusts and fill barrels with them. Their hope was turned into disappointment because the locusts killed them, and not a single locust remained at the end of the plague. All this was to show them that Hashem is the absolute master of the world, and all their plans are of no avail, as it is written (Psalms 2:4): "He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord mocks them." And as people say: 'A mentsh tracht un der Eibishter lacht' [man plans, and G-d laughs].

From now on, the difficulty raised by the Divrei Yoel on the interpretation of the Alshich is resolved. The Divine mockery and laughter were due to the relief that Hashem brought before the plague of locusts, and it seems from the plain meaning of the verse that the plague itself was the mockery. According to our explanation, indeed, everything aligns, as laughter implies bringing a blow from an unexpected source to shake a person's confidence in life. This can happen by giving relief after a blow, making one think they are returning to tranquility, and suddenly a new blow comes. It can also happen by the blow coming from a normally harmless creature.

This plague comes to teach us that in Hashem's governance, there is no nature or natural order; rather, Hashem's will determines what will be. There is no security in the natural way of things, as it can change by Hashem's will. True security is only in Hashem alone.