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 physically and metaphorically, and is used to convey various theological and moral truths. According to the Bible, darkness is not merely a passive state but is created by God and serves His divine purposes.Creation of Darkness The concept of darkness as a creation of God is introduced in the opening verses of the Bible. 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 that exists before God speaks light into existence. This suggests that darkness, like light, is part of the created order. Further affirmation of God's sovereignty over darkness is found in Isaiah 45:7 , where the Lord declares, "I form the light and create darkness; I bring prosperity and create calamity. I, the LORD, do all these things." This verse underscores the idea that darkness is not outside of God's control but is an integral part of His creation, serving His purposes in the world. Symbolism and Purpose Throughout Scripture, darkness is often used symbolically to represent evil, ignorance, and judgment. For instance, in John 3:19 , Jesus explains, "And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light, because their deeds were evil." Here, darkness symbolizes the moral and spiritual blindness of humanity, contrasting with the illuminating truth of Christ. In the context of divine judgment, darkness frequently appears as a sign of God's displeasure and the consequences of sin. The plagues of Egypt, for example, include a period of darkness as a demonstration of God's power and judgment (Exodus 10:21-23). Similarly, the crucifixion of Jesus is marked by a supernatural darkness that covers the land, signifying the gravity of the moment (Matthew 27:45). God's Authority Over Darkness Despite its associations with evil and judgment, darkness is ultimately under God's authority and serves His redemptive plan. In Psalm 139:12 , the psalmist acknowledges God's omnipresence, stating, "even the darkness is not dark to You, but the night shines like the day, for darkness is as light to You." This verse highlights the truth that darkness cannot obscure God's presence or hinder His purposes. Moreover, the eschatological hope presented in Scripture includes the ultimate dispelling of darkness. Revelation 22:5 promises, "There will be no more night in the city, and they will have no need for the light of a lamp or of the sun, for the Lord God will shine on them, and they will reign forever and ever." This vision of the new creation emphasizes the complete triumph of God's light over darkness. In summary, darkness in the Bible is a multifaceted concept that is created by God and used to convey profound spiritual truths. It serves as a backdrop for the revelation of God's light, highlighting His sovereignty, justice, and redemptive power. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 104:20You make darkness, and it is night: wherein all the beasts of the forest do creep forth. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 45:7 Library The World Created by God through the Word. The Account of the Creation in Genesis a General One, Corroborated ... The World, Created by God, Still Cherished and Protected by Him. ... Basil -- the Creation of the World A Further vindication of the Scripture Narrative of the Creation ... The Six Days' Work Described. Of the State Wherein Man was Created, and How the Image of God is ... Proof that There is a God. State in which Man was Created. The Faculties of the Soul --The ... Man is Endowed with the Faculty of Distinguishing Good and Evil ... 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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