Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, darkness is a significant theme that appears from the very beginning of Scripture. It is often associated with the absence of light, both in a physical and metaphorical sense. The creation of darkness by God is a profound concept that underscores His sovereignty over all aspects of creation, including those elements that are often perceived as negative or foreboding.Creation of Darkness The account of creation in Genesis introduces darkness as a fundamental part of the universe. Genesis 1:2 states, "Now the earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters." Here, darkness is depicted as a primordial condition, existing before God spoke light into being. This suggests that darkness, like light, is part of the created order, subject to God's command and purpose. God's Sovereignty Over Darkness Throughout Scripture, darkness is used to demonstrate God's control over the natural world. In Isaiah 45:7 , God declares, "I form the light and create darkness; I bring prosperity and create calamity. I, the LORD, do all these things." This verse highlights that darkness is not outside of God's creative power but is an element He actively forms. It serves as a reminder of His ultimate authority over both light and darkness, prosperity and calamity. Symbolism and Purpose Darkness often symbolizes judgment, mystery, and the unknown. In Exodus 10:21-23 , during the plagues of Egypt, God commands, "Stretch out your hand toward the sky so that darkness spreads over the land of Egypt—a darkness that can be felt." This tangible darkness serves as a divine judgment against Pharaoh and the Egyptians, illustrating how God uses darkness to fulfill His purposes. Conversely, darkness can also represent a time of waiting or preparation. In Genesis 15:12 , as God makes a covenant with Abram, "a deep sleep fell upon Abram, and behold, terror and great darkness fell upon him." This darkness precedes the revelation of God's promises, indicating a period of divine encounter and covenantal significance. Darkness and Redemption In the New Testament, darkness is often contrasted with the light of Christ. John 1:5 states, "The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." Here, darkness represents the fallen state of the world, while Christ, the Light, signifies redemption and hope. The presence of darkness highlights the transformative power of Christ's light, which dispels spiritual darkness and brings salvation. Eschatological Darkness In eschatological contexts, darkness is associated with the Day of the Lord and the final judgment. Joel 2:31 prophesies, "The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD." This imagery underscores the seriousness of God's judgment and the ultimate triumph of His righteousness. In summary, darkness in the Bible is a multifaceted concept that God creates and uses according to His divine will. It serves as a backdrop for His creative acts, a tool for judgment, a symbol of mystery, and a contrast to the redemptive light of Christ. Through darkness, God's sovereignty and purpose are revealed, affirming His control over all creation. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 45:7I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things. Nave's Topical Index Library Omnipotence Creates Good Things Differing in Degree. In Every ... Whether God is Altogether Simple God Rejoicing in the New Creation The Light of God The Solar Eclipse The Word Made Flesh. Remarks on the Creation of the World. I have Elsewhere Shown the Gross Darkness and Ignorance which ... Man is Endowed with the Faculty of Distinguishing Good and Evil ... Gordon -- Man in the Image of God Resources What time was Jesus crucified? What time did Jesus die on the cross? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is a day measured from evening to morning in Genesis 1? | GotQuestions.org How could there be light on the first day of Creation if the sun was not created until the fourth day? | GotQuestions.org Darkness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Darkness of Spiritual Blindness Darkness the Following Scriptures Darkness: Abstruse and Deep Subjects Darkness: Called the Swaddling Band of the Sea Darkness: Cannot Hide Us from God Darkness: Caused by the Setting of the Sun Darkness: Degrees of, Mentioned: Great Darkness: Degrees of, Mentioned: Gross Darkness: Degrees of, Mentioned: Outer or Extreme Darkness: Degrees of, Mentioned: That May be Felt Darkness: Degrees of, Mentioned: Thick Darkness: Effects of Causes Us to Go Astray Darkness: Effects of Causes Us to Stumble Darkness: Effects of Keeps Us from Seeing Objects Darkness: Exhibits God's Power and Greatness Darkness: Greatness and Unsearchableness of God Darkness: Inexplicable Nature of Darkness: Miraculous: At Mount Sinai Darkness: Miraculous: At the Crucifixion Darkness: Miraculous: At the Death of Christ Darkness: Miraculous: Before the Destruction of Jerusalem Darkness: Miraculous: On Mount Sinai Darkness: Miraculous: Over the Land of Egypt Darkness: Originally Covered the Earth Darkness: Over the Face of the Earth Darkness: Separated from the Light Darkness: The Punishment of Devils and Wicked Men Darkness: The Wicked are Full of Darkness: The Wicked: Perpetuate Their Designs In Darkness: The Wicked: The Children of Related Terms |
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