Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, darkness is often used symbolically to represent evil, ignorance, or judgment. However, there are instances where darkness is described in a more tangible, almost physical sense, as something that can be felt. This concept is vividly illustrated in the account of the plagues of Egypt, where darkness serves as a divine instrument of judgment.Exodus 10:21-23 : "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." In this passage, the ninth plague inflicted upon Egypt is described as a "darkness that can be felt." This phrase suggests a profound, oppressive darkness that transcends mere absence of light. It is a darkness so intense that it affects the senses, creating a palpable atmosphere of dread and isolation. The Egyptians were enveloped in this darkness for three days, unable to see one another or move about freely, highlighting the severity of God's judgment upon them. The darkness that could be felt serves as a stark contrast to the light experienced by the Israelites, who were spared from this plague. This distinction underscores the protective hand of God over His chosen people, even amidst widespread judgment. The tangible nature of this darkness also emphasizes the power and sovereignty of God, who controls both light and darkness and uses them according to His divine purposes. Throughout Scripture, darkness is often associated with God's judgment and the consequences of sin. In the New Testament, darkness is used metaphorically to describe spiritual blindness and separation from God. However, the account in Exodus provides a unique instance where darkness is not only a metaphor but a physical reality, demonstrating the multifaceted ways in which God communicates His will and executes His judgments. The concept of a darkness that can be felt invites reflection on the spiritual implications of living apart from God's light. It serves as a reminder of the profound impact of sin and the necessity of seeking the light of Christ, who declared Himself to be the "light of the world" (John 8:12). In Him, believers find illumination, guidance, and the assurance of God's presence, even in the darkest of times. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 10:21And 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. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Several Degrees and Stations in an Internal Life; as the Three ... The Powers of Darkness The Case of Spiritual Decay and Languor in Religion Light for them that Sit in Darkness; Of the Feast of the Holy virgin St Agnes Piety. Life in India. Confession and Penance. Of the Second and More Perfect Sort of Passive Unions... Concerning Worship. 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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