The Plague of Darkness
January 13, 2023
Commentary
This ninth plague of darkness came quickly without warning to Pharaoh. God just tells Moses to stretch out his hand toward Heaven and there would be darkness all over the land (v. 21). It was so dark in Egypt that the darkness could be felt while the land of Goshen had light. This plague was the most serious so far since Egypt worshiped the Sun God, Ra, who was the chief of the gods. When the sun was darkened for 3 days it meant that the true God of Israel had conquered their god, Ra (v. 22)! During this time, the Egyptians could not see each other or leave their homes (v. 23).
Pharaoh calls for Moses again (v. 24). This time he tells Moses that he was willing to let him leave and their families may go but they must leave their flocks and herds behind. Pharaoh attempts for the 4th time to offer a compromise. However, Moses insisted that the people, would be needing the animals for sacrifices and offerings to the Lord their God and that not one hoof would be left behind (vv. 25-26).
Pharaoh then became very angry and told Moses to leave and he didn’t want to ever see him again. If he did come again, Pharaoh said he would kill Moses (vv. 27-28). Moses told him not to worry because the king wouldn’t see his face again (v. 29).
Application
Moses suffered persecution because of his stand for the Lord. It should come as no surprise if I receive persecution because of my stand for the Lord. If I really move out for God, Satan will try every way to stop me. Persecution may come from where I least expect it.
Exodus 10:21– 29 (NET)
21 The Lord said to Moses, “Extend your hand toward heaven so that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, a darkness so thick it can be felt.”
22 So Moses extended his hand toward heaven, and there was absolute darkness throughout the land of Egypt for three days. 23 No one could see another person, and no one could rise from his place for three days. But the Israelites had light in the places where they lived.
24 Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and said, “Go, serve the Lord—only your flocks and herds will be detained. Even your families may go with you.”
25 But Moses said, “Will you also provide us with sacrifices and burnt offerings that we may present them to the Lord our God? 26 Our livestock must also go with us! Not a hoof is to be left behind! For we must take these animals to serve the Lord our God. Until we arrive there, we do not know what we must use to serve the Lord.”
27 But the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he was not willing to release them. 28 Pharaoh said to him, “Go from me! Watch out for yourself! Do not appear before me again, for when you see my face you will die!” 29 Moses said, “As you wish! I will not see your face again.”