Exodus 10:22
So Moses stretched out his hand toward heaven, and there was pitch darkness in all the land of Egypt three days.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This wasn't just a lack of light; the darkness was so profound it was described as something that could be "felt." It plunged the Egyptians into an oppressive gloom, a stark contrast to their usual bright skies, highlighting God's power over even the very atmosphere and their idols.
Following the plague of locusts, God sends a plague of impenetrable darkness over Egypt, described as so thick it could be "felt." This oppressive gloom lasts for three days, a stark contrast to the light enjoyed by the Israelites in Goshen, and serves as a final, terrifying warning before the ultimate plague. Pharaoh, desperate for relief, attempts to negotiate with Moses, but his hardened heart refuses to fully surrender, ultimately sealing his and Egypt's doom.
Imagine a darkness so thick, so oppressive, it's not just about what you can't see, but what you can feel. This plague wasn't just the absence of light; it was a tangible presence.
This plague of darkness was unlike anything the Egyptians had ever experienced.
More Than Just No Light
The Hebrew phrase used here suggests an 'obscurity of darkness,' an intensifier that speaks of a profound, almost physical sensation. Commentators note it was so thick, it could be 'felt.' Some suggest this could have been caused by dense fogs, vapors, or even a sandstorm, common in the region.
A Divine Statement
But more than the physical cause, consider the symbolism. The sun was a primary object of Egyptian worship. To have their very sun obscured by God's direct action was a profound declaration: the God of Israel was mightier than all their gods. This wasn't just a natural event; it was a theological knockout blow.
While Egypt was plunged into oppressive gloom, the Israelites experienced something astonishingly different. This plague wasn't just about punishing Egypt; it was about protecting and distinguishing His people.
The contrast between Egypt and Goshen during this plague is crucial.
A Divine Distinction
While the Egyptians suffered 'pitch darkness,' the text is clear: 'the children of Israel had light in their dwellings' (Exodus 10:23). This wasn't a mere coincidence or a trick of the senses. It was a powerful demonstration of God's protective covenant with His people.
Spiritual Parallel
This physical light in the midst of literal darkness is a beautiful picture of spiritual reality. For believers, even when the world around us is shrouded in confusion, sin, or despair, God provides His light. His presence, His Spirit, and His Word illuminate our path and distinguish us from those who remain in spiritual darkness.
This plague stands out because it directly targeted the Egyptians' worship of the sun god Ra, plunging their land into a darkness so profound it could almost be felt, while the Israelites experienced light. It was a powerful demonstration of Yahweh's sovereignty over all gods and natural forces.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
The Israelites, enslaved in Egypt for centuries, are led out by Moses after God sends ten devastating plagues upon the Egyptians.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
Plague of Darkness
As the ninth plague, God sends three days of profound darkness over Egypt, a land where the sun was worshipped, while the Israelites in Goshen have light.
c. 1446 BC
Pharaoh's Ultimatum
Pharaoh bargains with Moses, offering to let the people go but keep the livestock, an offer Moses refuses, insisting all must go.
c. 1446 BC
Tenth Plague Announced
Following the failure of the plague of darkness to break Pharaoh's will, God declares He will send one more plague: the death of the firstborn.
This passage directly parallels the plague of darkness in Exodus, describing a plague of darkness that falls upon the beast's kingdom, signifying God's judgment.
Psalm 105:28This Psalm recounts the plagues of Egypt, specifically mentioning God sending darkness and turning their waters into blood, reinforcing the supernatural nature of these events.
This book reflects on the plague of darkness, describing it as a 'hopeless, black night' that trapped Egyptians, highlighting its tangible and terrifying quality.
This verse speaks of light shining in the darkness and the darkness not overcoming it, providing a spiritual contrast to the physical darkness that oppressed Egypt.
Amos 8:9This prophecy describes a judgment where the Lord will cause the sun to set at noon and darken the earth on a clear day, echoing the profound and disorienting darkness experienced in Egypt.
gillExodus 10:22: "And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days:"
And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven, and there was a thick darkness over all the land of Egypt three days. The eleventh, twelveth, and thirteenth days of the month Abib; with this compare the fifth vial, Revelation 16:10 .
henryExodus 10:21-29: "And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt."
10:21-29 The plague of darkness brought upon Egypt was a dreadful plague. It was darkness which might be felt, so thick were the fogs. It astonished and terrified. It continued three days; six nights in one; so long the most lightsome palaces were dungeons. Now Pharaoh had time to consider, if he would have improved it. Spirit…
This wasn't just a lack of light; the darkness was so profound it was described as something that could be "felt." It plunged the Egyptians into an oppressive gloom, a stark contrast to their usual bright skies, highlighting God's power over even the very atmosphere and their idols.
Following the plague of locusts, God sends a plague of impenetrable darkness over Egypt, described as so thick it could be "felt." This oppressive gloom lasts for three days, a stark contrast to the light enjoyed by the Israelites in Goshen, and serves as a final, terrifying warning before the ultimate plague. Pharaoh, desperate for relief, attempts to negotiate with Moses, but his hardened heart refuses to fully surrender, ultimately sealing his and Egypt's doom.
Following the plague of locusts, God sends a plague of impenetrable darkness over Egypt, described as so thick it could be "felt." This oppressive gloom lasts for three days, a stark contrast to the light enjoyed by the Israelites in Goshen, and serves as a final, terrifying warning before the ultimate plague. Pharaoh, desperate for relief, attempts to negotiate with Moses, but his hardened heart refuses to fully surrender, ultimately sealing his and Egypt's doom.
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Faced with this overwhelming plague, Pharaoh, as always, tried to bargain. But his attempts reveal a deep-seated refusal to truly submit.
This plague, like the others, exposed Pharaoh's hardened heart and his unwillingness to genuinely obey God.
Sinful Negotiation
Pharaoh’s pattern was to negotiate. He'd ask Moses to pray, the plague would lift, and then he'd refuse to let the Israelites go. During the darkness, he again tried to strike a deal: 'Go, serve the Lord your God; but go only, you and your flocks and your herds... Leave the little ones behind' (Exodus 10:24, 26).
God's Non-Negotiable Terms
God’s terms were absolute: complete freedom for all the people. Pharaoh's attempt to hold back the 'little ones' and the 'herds' was a clear sign he wasn't surrendering. He wanted to retain control and possessions. This reflects how sin often makes us try to bargain with God, holding onto parts of our lives we don't want to give up, while pretending to submit.
"So Moses stretched out his hand toward heaven, and there was pitch darkness in all the land of Egypt three days." — This wasn't just a lack of light; the darkness was so profound it was described as something that could be "felt." It plunged the Egyptians into an oppressive gloom, a stark contrast to their usual b…
