He sent darkness, and made the land dark; they did not rebel against his words.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse presents a fascinating twist: the darkness itself, and by extension the other plagues, are described as not rebelling against God's word. This shifts the focus from the Egyptians' disobedience to the astonishing, perfect obedience of even inanimate elements when commanded by their Creator, highlighting God's absolute power and the inherent order He establishes.
He sent darkness, and made the land dark; they did not rebel against his words.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm recounts God's mighty acts of deliverance for Israel, focusing on the plagues sent upon Egypt. The verse appears amidst a description of these plagues, specifically the ninth plague—a thick darkness that covered the land—which is highlighted as a particularly significant display of God's power. The surrounding verses emphasize God's sovereignty, detailing how He orchestrated each plague and, in the context of this specific verse, how obedience was demonstrated.
Darkness descended on Egypt, but the Psalmist emphasizes a crucial point: 'they did not rebel against his words.' What does this mean, and why is it so important?
The ninth plague, a thick, palpable darkness that covered Egypt for three days (Exodus 10:21-23), wasn't just about causing discomfort. It was a powerful demonstration of God's sovereignty.
God's Control
When the Bible says "He sent darkness, and made it dark," it highlights that this wasn't a natural phenomenon occurring by chance. God, the Creator of light and darkness, actively commanded and controlled this terrifying plague.
Unwavering Obedience
The phrase "they did not rebel against his words" is key. While commentators debate who "they" refers to (Moses and Aaron, or the plagues themselves), the core message is about adherence to God's divine command. Whether it's the obedience of Moses and Aaron in carrying out God's will, or the plagues themselves acting as instruments of God's judgment without deviation, the point is clear: God's word was not defied in this instance.
The plague of darkness was a profound display of God's power, but it also served as a critical moment for the Egyptians. Did it finally break their stubborn resistance?
While the verse focuses on a moment of non-rebellion, the broader context of the plagues reveals a pattern of Egyptian resistance.
Ask a follow-up
Pharaoh's Heart
Throughout the plagues, Pharaoh and the Egyptians repeatedly defied God's command to let Israel go. Even after experiencing devastating plagues, their hearts remained hardened (Exodus 10:27). This makes the statement "they did not rebel against his words" in reference to the plague of darkness particularly striking.
A Momentary Pause?
Some interpretations suggest that during the intense darkness, the Egyptians were so terrified that they temporarily ceased their active defiance. Others believe the phrase refers more to Moses and Aaron's faithful execution of God's command, despite Pharaoh's threats. Regardless, it highlights how God's power can bring even the most stubborn to a standstill, at least for a time.
Understand the original words
marah · Hebrew Verb
In the Bible, rebellion refers to an act of willful defiance against the revealed will or authority of God. To 'not rebel' signifies total obedience and adherence to divine commands.
dabar · Hebrew Noun
In the context of the plagues, this refers to the divine decree or instruction given by God to His messengers, which serves as the active force behind the events that follow.
This psalm recounts God's mighty acts of deliverance, highlighting the plague of darkness as a moment of judgment on Egypt and a testament to the obedience of Moses and Aaron, even when facing Pharaoh's threats.
~1446 BC
Israelites Depart Egypt
Following God's intervention through Moses and Aaron and a series of plagues, the Israelites leave Egypt after centuries of slavery.
~1446 BC— this verse
Plague of Darkness
As the final plagues intensify, God sends a thick darkness upon Egypt for three days, a terrifying display of His power that directly precedes the release of Israel.
~1446 BC
Pharaoh's Resistance
Despite the devastating plagues, Pharaoh repeatedly hardens his heart, refusing to let the Israelites go until the final plague forces his hand.
~1446 BC
Israel's Obedience
During the plagues and the Exodus, the Israelites are called to obey God's specific commands, such as the Passover rituals, demonstrating their trust in His word.
This passage directly describes the plague of darkness sent by God upon Egypt, providing the historical context for the psalmist's reflection in Psalm 105:28.
Exodus 10:28-29Pharaoh's angry dismissal of Moses after the plague of darkness highlights the Egyptians' continued rebellion against God's word, offering a stark contrast to the psalm's statement, depending on its interpretation.
Hebrews 11:27This verse in Hebrews commends Moses for his faithfulness and obedience in leaving Egypt, supporting the interpretation that 'they did not rebel against His word' refers to Moses and Aaron's steadfast obedience to God's commands.
Psalm 78:43-45This earlier psalm also recounts the plagues of Egypt, offering another perspective on God's judgment and the Egyptians' hardened hearts, which can illuminate the context of Psalm 105:28.
pulpitPsalms 105:28: "He sent darkness, and made it dark; and they rebelled not against his word."
Verse 28. - He sent darkness, and made it dark (see Exodus 10:21-23). And they rebelled not against his word. If the "not" is to stand in this passage, it must be referred to Moses and Aaron. Professor Cheyne, however, following the Septuagint and Peshito versions, boldly cancels the "not."
bensonPsalms 105:28: "He sent darkness, and made it dark; and they rebelled not against his word."
Psalm 105:28-31 . He sent darkness, &c. — This was one of the last plagues, though here mentioned first: God sent darkness, and, coming with commission from him, it came with efficacy; his command made it dark. And they rebelled not against his word — That is, the people of Israel were not disobedient to God’s commands by Moses and Aaron, respecting killing the passover, and making preparation, in other…
This verse presents a fascinating twist: the darkness itself, and by extension the other plagues, are described as not rebelling against God's word. This shifts the focus from the Egyptians' disobedience to the astonishing, perfect obedience of even inanimate elements when commanded by their Creator, highlighting God's absolute power and the inherent order He establishes.
This psalm recounts God's mighty acts of deliverance for Israel, focusing on the plagues sent upon Egypt. The verse appears amidst a description of these plagues, specifically the ninth plague—a thick darkness that covered the land—which is highlighted as a particularly significant display of God's power. The surrounding verses emphasize God's sovereignty, detailing how He orchestrated each plague and, in the context of this specific verse, how obedience was demonstrated.
This psalm recounts God's mighty acts of deliverance for Israel, focusing on the plagues sent upon Egypt. The verse appears amidst a description of these plagues, specifically the ninth plague—a thick darkness that covered the land—which is highlighted as a particularly significant display of God's power. The surrounding verses emphasize God's sovereignty, detailing how He orchestrated each plague and, in the context of this specific verse, how obedience was demonstrated.
"He sent darkness, and made the land dark; they did not rebel against his words." — This verse presents a fascinating twist: the darkness itself, and by extension the other plagues, are described as not rebelling against God's word. This shifts the focus from the Egyptians' disobe…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026