Topical Bible: Darkness: Originally Covered the Earth

◄ Darkness: Originally Covered the Earth ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, darkness holds significant theological and symbolic meaning, often representing chaos, judgment, and the absence of God's illuminating presence. The concept of darkness originally covering the earth is introduced in the opening verses of the Bible, setting the stage for God's creative work and the establishment of order.

Creation and Primordial Darkness

The Book of Genesis begins with a depiction of the earth in a state of formlessness and void, shrouded in darkness. 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 surface of the waters." This description suggests a primordial chaos, a world not yet shaped by the divine hand. The darkness here is not merely the absence of light but symbolizes the untamed and unordered state of creation before God's intervention.

God's Command and the Introduction of Light

The narrative swiftly transitions from darkness to light with God's first creative command. Genesis 1:3-4 records, "And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness." This act of separation marks the beginning of order and structure in the cosmos. Light, as a creation of God, is declared good, signifying divine approval and the establishment of a moral order.

Symbolism and Theological Implications

Darkness in the biblical context often symbolizes more than physical absence of light. It represents spiritual blindness, ignorance, and the presence of evil. Throughout Scripture, darkness is frequently associated with judgment and the consequences of sin. For instance, in Exodus 10:21-23 , one of the plagues upon Egypt is described as a "darkness that can be felt," a tangible manifestation of divine judgment.

Conversely, light is emblematic of God's presence, truth, and salvation. The transition from darkness to light in the creation account prefigures the redemptive work of God throughout history. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is identified as the "light of the world" (John 8:12), bringing spiritual illumination and dispelling the darkness of sin.

Darkness in Eschatological Context

The theme of darkness also appears in eschatological passages, where it is associated with the Day of the Lord and the final judgment. Prophets like Joel and Zephaniah describe this day as one of "darkness and gloom" (Joel 2:2; Zephaniah 1:15), emphasizing the severity of God's judgment upon the unrepentant.

Conclusion

The motif of darkness originally covering the earth serves as a profound theological symbol within the biblical narrative. It underscores the transformative power of God's word, which brings order, light, and life to a world initially engulfed in chaos. This foundational theme resonates throughout Scripture, illustrating the ongoing struggle between light and darkness, good and evil, and the ultimate triumph of God's redemptive purposes.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 1:2
And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved on the face of the waters.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Original, Nature, Property, and Use of the Law
... II.1. The nature of that law which was originally given to angels in heaven and
man ... It was his goodness alone, which, when "darkness had covered the earth ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 34 the original nature.htm

God's Approbation of his Works
... out smoke and flame, but were covered with a ... burst the barriers which were originally
appointed for ... the grateful vicissitude of light and darkness, " day and ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 56 gods approbation of.htm

"This Then is the Message which we have Heard of Him, and Declare ...
... commends them we apprehend that originally and infinitely ... Hell and destruction are
not covered to him. ... there is no mixture of ignorance, darkness, impunity, or ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon x this then is.htm

The Solar Eclipse
... Man was originally pure and holy; that is what God's grace ... The eclipse of your faith,
the darkness of your minds ... certain that the sand will be covered, and that ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the solar eclipse.htm

The Sixth vision "On Earth"
... No wonder that darkness has come over this book " when ... It is the religion originally
instituted at Babylon, by ... will take place during the time covered by the ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the sixth vision on earth.htm

Traditionalism, Its Origin, Character, and Literature - the ...
... Of these there were originally nine, but two of the smaller tractates (on the memorial
fringes,' and on non ... As yet darkness covered the earth, and gross ...
/.../chapter viii traditionalism its origin.htm

I Know that My Redeemer Liveth
... is the Lord and giver of life originally, and he ... like a flickering smoking flax,
just making darkness visible, but ... earth;" that as the earth has covered up the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/i know that my redeemer.htm

Early Christianity in Other Parts of These Islands. --Ninian in ...
... in the country again, after the darkness which followed ... Church in Cornwall and Devon
was originally formed by ... but the knowledge of the Lord covered the earth ...
/.../lecture iii early christianity in.htm

The Potter and the Clay
... As man was created originally "after God in knowledge," as ... of God, as light is contrary
to darkness, or heaven ... and how easily and quickly is it covered, or put ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the potter and the clay.htm

Gifts Received for the Rebellious
... the mercy seat, or propitiation, which covered the ark ... from him, and man sank into
darkness and misery ... possession of the heart, which was originally designed to ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxix gifts received for.htm