Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, darkness often symbolizes more than the mere absence of light; it represents a complex tapestry of spiritual, moral, and existential themes. The concept of darkness is woven throughout Scripture, serving as a metaphor for evil, ignorance, judgment, and the hidden mysteries of God.Creation and the Nature of Darkness The Bible begins with the presence of darkness in the creation account. Genesis 1:2 states, "Now the earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep." Here, darkness precedes the divine act of creation, setting the stage for God's command, "Let there be light" (Genesis 1:3). This juxtaposition underscores the transformative power of God's word, bringing order and illumination to chaos and obscurity. Darkness as a Symbol of Evil and Judgment Throughout Scripture, darkness frequently symbolizes evil and the realm of sin. In John 3:19 , Jesus declares, "This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil." Here, darkness is associated with moral depravity and the rejection of divine truth. Similarly, in Ephesians 6:12 , the Apostle Paul warns of spiritual warfare against "the rulers of the darkness of this world," highlighting the malevolent forces that oppose God's kingdom. Darkness also serves as a metaphor for divine judgment. In Exodus 10:21-23 , one of the plagues upon Egypt is described as "a darkness that can be felt," a tangible manifestation of God's wrath. The prophetic literature often employs darkness to depict the Day of the Lord, a time of judgment and reckoning. Joel 2:31 proclaims, "The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD." Darkness and the Hidden Mysteries of God In addition to its negative connotations, darkness can also represent the inscrutable and mysterious aspects of God's nature. In 1 Kings 8:12 , Solomon acknowledges, "The LORD has said that He would dwell in thick darkness." This paradoxical imagery suggests that God's presence is both revealed and concealed, inviting believers to approach Him with reverence and awe. The Book of Job wrestles with the theme of divine mystery amidst suffering. Job laments the darkness of his plight, yet ultimately recognizes the limitations of human understanding in the face of God's sovereign purposes. Job 12:22 states, "He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings deep shadows into light," affirming that God alone possesses the wisdom to illuminate the hidden depths of human experience. Darkness and Redemption The New Testament presents a redemptive perspective on darkness through the person and work of Jesus Christ. In John 8:12 , Jesus declares, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life." This promise of deliverance from darkness is central to the gospel message, offering hope and restoration to those who believe. The Apostle Paul further expounds on this theme in Colossians 1:13 , stating, "He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son." This transfer from darkness to light signifies the transformative power of salvation, as believers are called to live as "children of light" (Ephesians 5:8), reflecting the character and glory of God in a world still shrouded in spiritual darkness. Torrey's Topical Textbook Job 28:3He sets an end to darkness, and searches out all perfection: the stones of darkness, and the shadow of death. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Preface by the Author The Lessons of the Street. The Life of Mr. Hugh Binning. As He Thus Spoke, Slowly and with an Exquisite Softness... From the Close of the General Conference of 1816 to the ... Useful Phrases In Judaea Idealistic Philosophy Panegyric on his Brother S. C??sarius. Seances Historiques De Geneve --The National Church. 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 |
    |