Topical Encyclopedia The miraculous darkness that occurred at the death of Jesus Christ is a significant event recorded in the Synoptic Gospels, marking a profound moment in the narrative of the crucifixion. This supernatural phenomenon is described as a period of darkness that enveloped the land during the crucifixion of Jesus, symbolizing both the gravity of the moment and the cosmic significance of His sacrificial death.Biblical Account The event is documented in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. According to the Gospel of Matthew, "From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land" (Matthew 27:45). Similarly, the Gospel of Mark states, "At the sixth hour darkness came over all the land until the ninth hour" (Mark 15:33). The Gospel of Luke provides a slightly more detailed account: "It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over all the land until the ninth hour. The sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn down the middle" (Luke 23:44-45). Theological Significance The darkness that fell over the land is often interpreted as a divine act, signifying the judgment of God upon sin and the weight of the world's iniquity being placed upon Jesus, the Lamb of God. This period of darkness, lasting from the sixth hour (noon) to the ninth hour (3 PM), is seen as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies that associate darkness with the Day of the Lord and divine judgment (Amos 8:9). In the context of the crucifixion, the darkness serves as a powerful symbol of the separation between God the Father and God the Son, as Jesus bore the sins of humanity. It underscores the spiritual anguish and abandonment that Christ experienced on the cross, as He cried out, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" (Matthew 27:46). Historical and Apologetic Considerations The miraculous nature of this darkness has been a topic of discussion among scholars and theologians. Some have attempted to explain it through natural phenomena, such as a solar eclipse. However, a solar eclipse is scientifically impossible during the Passover, which occurs during a full moon. Thus, the darkness is understood as a supernatural event, orchestrated by God to highlight the significance of Christ's atoning death. Early Christian writers, such as Tertullian, referenced this darkness as a well-known event, suggesting that it was recorded in Roman archives and known to the wider world. This lends historical credibility to the Gospel accounts and serves as an apologetic point for the authenticity of the biblical narrative. Symbolism and Reflection The darkness at the crucifixion is rich in symbolism, representing the spiritual darkness of a world estranged from God and the light of Christ being momentarily obscured as He took upon Himself the sins of humanity. It invites believers to reflect on the cost of redemption and the profound love of God demonstrated through the sacrifice of His Son. In Christian liturgy and tradition, this event is commemorated during Good Friday services, where the somberness of the occasion is remembered, and the faithful are called to meditate on the depth of Christ's suffering and the hope of salvation that His death and subsequent resurrection bring to the world. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 27:45Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land to the ninth hour. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Christ to Jairus The Life of Jesus Christ in Its Historical Connexion Sec. Ii. What Facts in the History of Our Saviour Might be Taken ... The Death of Jesus Whether it was Fitting that Christ Should Work Miracles in the ... The Death and the Raising of Lazarus - the Question of Miracles ... According to which principle or hypothesis all the objections ... Taunts Turning to Testimonies On Our Lord's Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension The Father Seen in Christ. 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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