Topical Bible: Darkness: Effects of Keeps Us from Seeing Objects

◄ Darkness: Effects of Keeps Us from Seeing Objects ►

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In the Bible, darkness is often used metaphorically to represent ignorance, evil, and separation from God. However, it also has a literal aspect that affects human perception and understanding. One of the primary effects of darkness is its ability to obscure vision, preventing individuals from seeing objects clearly. This physical reality is frequently employed in Scripture to illustrate spiritual truths.

The inability to see in darkness is a common human experience, and the Bible uses this phenomenon to convey the limitations of human understanding without divine illumination. In the physical realm, darkness conceals the details and shapes of objects, making navigation and discernment difficult. This is mirrored in the spiritual realm, where darkness symbolizes a lack of spiritual insight and awareness.

In the book of Job, the effects of darkness are vividly described: "They grope in darkness with no light; He makes them stagger like drunkards" (Job 12:25). Here, darkness is associated with confusion and disorientation, illustrating how it impairs one's ability to perceive reality accurately. This imagery is used to depict the plight of those who are spiritually blind, unable to comprehend the truth of God's word.

The New Testament also addresses the theme of darkness and its impact on perception. In the Gospel of John, Jesus declares, "I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should remain in darkness" (John 12:46). This statement highlights the contrast between the obscurity of darkness and the clarity brought by the light of Christ. Without the light, individuals remain in spiritual darkness, unable to see the truth of the Gospel.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this theme in his letters. In Ephesians, he writes, "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light" (Ephesians 5:8). Paul emphasizes the transformative power of Christ's light, which enables believers to see and understand spiritual realities that were previously hidden in darkness.

The Psalms also reflect on the effects of darkness, both physically and spiritually. Psalm 82:5 states, "They do not know or understand; they wander in the darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken" . This verse underscores the chaos and instability that result from a lack of vision and understanding, both in the natural and spiritual realms.

In summary, darkness in the Bible serves as a powerful metaphor for the limitations of human perception without divine intervention. It illustrates the inability to see and understand both physical and spiritual realities, emphasizing the need for the light of God's truth to illuminate the path and reveal the hidden things of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 10:23
They saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days: but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Book V Here She Made an End and was for Turning the Course of Her ...
... Now is the mind buried in the cloudy darkness of the ... takes thought for the whole
which he keeps in memory ... With regard to feeling the effects of bodies, natures ...
/.../boethius/the consolation of philosophy/book v here she made.htm

The Parting Promises of the Saviour.
... faith that overcomes the world, and that keeps us free from ... of the Lord is always
producing its effects on us ... cast him out into the outer darkness, where shall ...
/.../selected sermons of schleiermacher/xxvi the parting promises of.htm

Looking at the Unseen
... We look into the darkness in vain; we look at Him ... of a look it is which produces
these blessed effects. ... cross-lights, and looks, and peers, and keeps his eyes ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/looking at the unseen.htm

Third Tractate. Are the Stars Causes?
... each several one would necessarily cause identical effects with every ... The darkness
of the moon to us is of ... For our part, nature keeps us upon the work of the ...
/.../plotinus/the six enneads/third tractate are the stars.htm

The New-Birth
... that, which he did to the "darkness which was ... Fourthly, because nothing keeps up
our progress in the ... minds to the seeking after certain effects, merely from ...
/.../law/the grounds and reasons of christian regeneration/the new-birth.htm

The Creation of Luminous Bodies.
... Thanks to them, the sailor keeps back his vessel in the ... rays of the sun and of the
effects that they ... above the horizon than it drives away darkness and brings ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily vi the creation of.htm

Of Faith. The Definition of It. Its Peculiar Properties.
... THE BENEFITS IT CONFERS, AND THE EFFECTS RESULTING FROM ... find truth in error, light
in darkness, true knowledge ... With this curb God keeps us modest, assigning to ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 2 of faith the.htm

How to Discern Our Title to the Saints' Rest.
... greatest part of the world, and so keeps them from ... following causes: there is such
confusion and darkness in the ... also what would be the sweet effects of this ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter viii how to discern.htm

Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ...
... THE BENEFITS IT CONFERS, AND THE EFFECTS RESULTING FROM IT. ... For seeing "we know not
what we should pray for ... us of all pride and confidence, and keeps us in fear ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of prayera perpetual.htm

Immortality of the Soul, and a Future State.
... of his omnipotence, to be informed what effects were within ... Supreme Being, who, as
it were, keeps his creatures ... me; But shadows, clouds, and darkness rest upon ...
/.../sect x immortality of the.htm