Topical Encyclopedia The miraculous darkness over the land of Egypt is one of the ten plagues that God inflicted upon Egypt as described in the Book of Exodus. This event is a significant demonstration of God's power and judgment against Pharaoh and the Egyptian deities, serving as a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Israelites' liberation from slavery.Biblical Account The plague of darkness is the ninth plague, as recorded in Exodus 10:21-23. The Lord instructed Moses to stretch out his hand toward the sky, resulting in a palpable darkness that enveloped the land of Egypt for three days. The Berean Standard Bible states: "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." (Exodus 10:21-23) Nature of the Darkness The darkness described in this passage is not merely the absence of light but is characterized as a "darkness that can be felt." This suggests a supernatural element, indicating that the darkness was a direct act of divine intervention rather than a natural phenomenon such as an eclipse or sandstorm. The intensity and duration of the darkness, lasting three days, further underscore its miraculous nature. Theological Significance The plague of darkness holds deep theological significance. It serves as a direct challenge to the Egyptian sun god, Ra, one of the most revered deities in the Egyptian pantheon. By plunging the land into darkness, the God of Israel demonstrated His supremacy over the Egyptian gods, highlighting their impotence in the face of His sovereign will. Moreover, the distinction between the Egyptians and the Israelites during this plague is noteworthy. While the Egyptians were enveloped in darkness, the Israelites had light in their dwellings. This distinction underscores God's protective care for His chosen people and His ability to make a clear demarcation between those who are His and those who oppose Him. Symbolism and Foreshadowing The darkness over Egypt can also be seen as symbolic of spiritual blindness and the judgment that comes upon those who harden their hearts against God. Pharaoh's persistent refusal to release the Israelites despite the mounting plagues is emblematic of spiritual obstinacy. In a broader biblical context, darkness often symbolizes judgment and separation from God. This plague foreshadows the ultimate deliverance of God's people and the judgment that will come upon those who reject His authority. Historical and Cultural Context In the ancient Near Eastern context, light and darkness were often associated with order and chaos, respectively. The imposition of darkness over Egypt would have been perceived as a return to primordial chaos, a reversal of the created order, and a direct affront to the Egyptian worldview that revered the sun as a source of life and order. The miraculous darkness over Egypt is a profound testament to God's power and His ability to disrupt the natural order to fulfill His purposes. It serves as a reminder of His sovereignty and the futility of resisting His divine will. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 10:21,22And 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 The Plagues of Egypt Acts XIII Whether it was Fitting that Christ Should Work Miracles in the ... The Sovereignty of God in Operation Natural Science and Theological Science. Interpretation of Prophecy. The Swift Decay of Love The Faith of Moses. The Kingdom and the King The Land and the People. 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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