Topical Encyclopedia In the Bible, darkness often symbolizes spiritual blindness, evil, and the absence of God's presence. The concept of "great darkness" is used to emphasize the severity or intensity of these conditions. This entry explores instances where "great darkness" is mentioned, highlighting its theological implications and significance.1. Genesis 15:12 In the account of God's covenant with Abram, a "great darkness" falls upon him: "As the sun was setting, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and suddenly great terror and darkness overwhelmed him" . This darkness signifies the solemnity and gravity of the covenant God is establishing with Abram. It underscores the awe-inspiring and sometimes fearsome nature of divine encounters. 2. Exodus 10:21-22 During the plagues of Egypt, a tangible darkness is described: "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 Egypt for three days" . This "great darkness" serves as a divine judgment against Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt, demonstrating God's power and the futility of resisting His will. 3. Deuteronomy 4:11 When Moses recounts the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, he describes the scene: "You came near and stood at the foot of the mountain, and the mountain burned with fire to the heart of heaven, wrapped in darkness, cloud, and thick gloom" . The "great darkness" here conveys the majesty and holiness of God, as well as the seriousness of the Law being given to the Israelites. 4. 1 Samuel 2:9 Hannah's prayer includes a reference to darkness: "He guards the steps of His faithful ones, but the wicked perish in darkness; for by his own strength shall no man prevail" . The "darkness" here is metaphorical, representing the ultimate fate of the wicked who live apart from God's light and guidance. 5. Psalm 18:11 In David's song of deliverance, he describes God's presence: "He made darkness His hiding place, and storm clouds a canopy around Him" . The "great darkness" signifies the mystery and unapproachable nature of God, who is both transcendent and immanent. 6. Isaiah 60:2 The prophet Isaiah speaks of a future time: "For behold, darkness covers the earth, and thick darkness is over the peoples; but the LORD will rise upon you, and His glory will appear over you" . This "great darkness" symbolizes the spiritual blindness and moral decay of the nations, contrasted with the coming light of God's salvation through His Messiah. 7. Matthew 27:45 At the crucifixion of Jesus, a supernatural darkness occurs: "From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land" . This "great darkness" signifies the weight of sin being borne by Christ and the cosmic significance of His sacrificial death. 8. Revelation 16:10 In the apocalyptic vision, the fifth bowl judgment brings darkness: "And the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness. Men gnawed their tongues in agony" . This "great darkness" is a foretaste of the final judgment, illustrating the ultimate defeat of evil and the triumph of God's justice. Throughout Scripture, "great darkness" serves as a powerful motif, illustrating the profound impact of God's presence, judgment, and redemptive work. It is a reminder of the stark contrast between light and darkness, good and evil, and the ultimate hope found in God's deliverance. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 15:12And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell on Abram; and, see, an horror of great darkness fell on him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Several Degrees and Stations in an Internal Life; as the Three ... The Powers of Darkness Lastly; they who Will Not, by the Arguments and Proofs Before ... How one in the Province of the Northumbrians, Rose from the Dead ... The Providence of God. The Foundation of the Monastery of St. Joseph. Persecution and ... Light for them that Sit in Darkness; The Worship of God. Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ... St. Gregory the Great. 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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