Topical Encyclopedia The miraculous darkness in Egypt is a significant event recorded in the Book of Exodus, serving as the ninth plague that God inflicted upon Egypt. This event is a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Israelites' liberation from Egyptian bondage, demonstrating the power and sovereignty of God over creation and the futility of the Egyptian deities.Biblical Account The account of the miraculous darkness is found in Exodus 10:21-23. The Berean Standard Bible describes the event as follows: "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Stretch out your hand toward the sky so that darkness spreads over the land of Egypt—a darkness that can be felt.' So Moses stretched out his hand toward the sky, and total darkness covered all the land of Egypt for three days. No one could see anyone else or leave his place for three days. Yet all the Israelites had light in the places where they lived." This passage highlights the supernatural nature of the darkness, described as a "darkness that can be felt," indicating its intensity and oppressive nature. The darkness was not merely an absence of light but a tangible manifestation of God's judgment. Theological Significance The plague of darkness holds deep theological significance. It serves as a direct challenge to the Egyptian pantheon, particularly Ra, the sun god, who was one of the most revered deities in Egypt. By plunging the land into impenetrable darkness, the God of Israel demonstrated His supremacy over the Egyptian gods, revealing their impotence and the futility of idolatry. Furthermore, the darkness symbolizes the spiritual blindness and moral corruption of Egypt, contrasting with the light provided to the Israelites. This distinction underscores the theme of divine election and protection, as God's chosen people are spared from the judgment that befalls their oppressors. Historical and Cultural Context In the ancient Near Eastern context, darkness was often associated with chaos, evil, and judgment. The Egyptians, who relied heavily on the sun for agriculture and daily life, would have perceived this darkness as a catastrophic event, disrupting their routine and instilling fear. The three-day duration of the darkness is also significant, as the number three often symbolizes completeness or divine perfection in biblical literature. This period of darkness would have been a complete and undeniable demonstration of God's power, leaving no room for doubt about His authority. Impact on Pharaoh and Egypt Despite the severity of the plague, Pharaoh's heart remained hardened, as noted in Exodus 10:27: "But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he was not willing to let them go." This hardening of Pharaoh's heart serves to further God's purposes, setting the stage for the final and most devastating plague—the death of the firstborn. The miraculous darkness, therefore, is not only a demonstration of God's might but also a crucial step in the unfolding of His redemptive plan for Israel. It highlights the persistent rebellion of Pharaoh and the Egyptians, contrasting with the faithfulness and deliverance of God's people. Conclusion The miraculous darkness in Egypt is a profound testament to God's power and judgment, serving as a pivotal moment in the Exodus narrative. It underscores the futility of idolatry, the reality of divine judgment, and the protection afforded to those who belong to God. Through this event, the God of Israel is revealed as the true sovereign over all creation, worthy of worship and obedience. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 10:21,22And the LORD said to Moses, Stretch out your hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 105:28 Library The Plagues of Egypt Sec. Ii. What Facts in the History of Our Saviour Might be Taken ... the Legendary History of Egypt Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility Light for them that Sit in Darkness; Whether it was Fitting that Christ Should Work Miracles in the ... Christ the Water of Life. The Kingdom and the King Inseparable Connection Between the Old and the New Testament. Heaven's Nurse Children Resources What is the witching hour, and is it in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that God is light? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that Satan masquerades as an angel of light? | 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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