Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, darkness is often depicted as a powerful element that underscores the majesty and authority of God. It serves as a backdrop against which God's sovereignty and might are vividly displayed. Throughout Scripture, darkness is not merely the absence of light but a profound symbol of God's omnipotence and the awe-inspiring nature of His presence.Creation and Sovereignty The account of creation in Genesis begins with darkness covering the surface of the deep, illustrating the primordial state before God's creative command. 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 sets the stage for God's creative power, as He speaks light into existence, demonstrating His authority over both light and darkness. Divine Judgment and Deliverance Darkness is frequently associated with divine judgment, serving as a tool through which God reveals His power and executes His will. In the narrative of the plagues in Egypt, darkness is the ninth plague, a tangible manifestation of God's supremacy over the Egyptian gods. Exodus 10:21-22 recounts, "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 impenetrable darkness highlights God's ability to control the natural world and bring about His purposes. Theophany and Revelation Darkness also accompanies theophanies, where God's presence is revealed in a manner that emphasizes His transcendence and holiness. At Mount Sinai, when God gives the Law to Moses, the mountain is enveloped in a thick cloud of darkness. Exodus 20:21 describes, "So the people stood at a distance as Moses approached the thick darkness where God was." This darkness signifies the mystery and majesty of God, who dwells in unapproachable light yet chooses to reveal Himself amidst the darkness. Prophetic Imagery and Eschatology In prophetic literature, darkness often symbolizes the Day of the Lord, a time of divine intervention and judgment. The prophet Joel speaks of this day as one of darkness and gloom. Joel 2:2 declares, "a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness. Like dawn spreading across the mountains, a large and mighty army comes, such as never was of old nor ever will be in ages to come." Torrey's Topical Textbook Job 38:8,9Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it broke forth, as if it had issued out of the womb? Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Value of this Doctrine What God is to Us. The Mustard-Seed. The Earliest Christian Preaching The Covenant Promise of the Spirit The True Doctrine is to be Sought in the Prophets. Do are Then Make Void the Law through Faith? God Forbid; Yea, we ... The Poetical Books (Including Also Ecclesiastes and Canticles). Divine Destruction and Protection The Crucifixion. 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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