Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, darkness often symbolizes ignorance, evil, and separation from God. The term "gross darkness" is used to describe an intense, overwhelming form of darkness that signifies profound spiritual blindness or judgment. This concept is rooted in various scriptural passages that highlight the severity and depth of such darkness.Gross Darkness in Scripture The phrase "gross darkness" is notably found in the book of Isaiah, where it is used to describe a time of deep spiritual and moral decline. Isaiah 60:2 states, "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." Here, "thick darkness" is synonymous with "gross darkness," indicating a pervasive and engulfing spiritual darkness that affects entire nations and peoples. This passage contrasts the darkness with the promise of divine intervention and the revelation of God's glory. Symbolism and Implications Gross darkness is often associated with God's judgment and the consequences of turning away from His commandments. It represents a state where individuals or societies are so entrenched in sin and rebellion that they are unable to perceive the truth or light of God. This degree of darkness is not merely the absence of physical light but a profound spiritual condition that affects the heart and mind. In Exodus 10:21-23 , the ninth plague that God sends upon Egypt is described as a "darkness that can be felt." This tangible darkness serves as a divine judgment against Pharaoh and the Egyptians for their oppression of the Israelites. The passage reads, "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. 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 event illustrates how gross darkness can serve as a tool of divine retribution, highlighting the stark contrast between those under judgment and those under God's protection. Theological Reflections From a theological perspective, gross darkness underscores the need for divine illumination and redemption. It serves as a reminder of humanity's inherent need for God's light to dispel the darkness of sin and ignorance. The New Testament echoes this theme, emphasizing the transformative power of Christ as the "light of the world" (John 8:12). Believers are called to walk in the light, reflecting the glory of God and dispelling the darkness around them. In Ephesians 6:12 , the Apostle Paul writes, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." This passage highlights the spiritual battle against the forces of darkness, urging Christians to be vigilant and equipped with the armor of God to stand firm against such pervasive evil. Conclusion While the Bible acknowledges the reality and severity of gross darkness, it also offers hope through the promise of God's light and salvation. The contrast between darkness and light serves as a powerful metaphor for the transformative work of God in the lives of individuals and communities, calling them out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 13:16Give glory to the LORD your God, before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble on the dark mountains, and, while you look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death, and make it gross darkness. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Several Degrees and Stations in an Internal Life; as the Three ... Of Evil Angels The Extent of Messiah's Spiritual Kingdom A Caution against Various Temptations, by which the Young Convert ... Life in India. The Case of Spiritual Decay and Languor in Religion The Approbation of Goodness is not the Love of It. Certain General Rules for Mortification Sufficient for Some. ... Confession and Penance. The Extent and Reasonableness of Self-Denial Resources What is spiritual darkness? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the outer darkness in Matthew 22:13? | GotQuestions.org Will the sun really be turned to darkness and the moon to blood (Joel 2:31)? | 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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